Detoxification: Here is Why You Should Never Detox Alone

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Anyone who is hoping to break free from drug addiction must go through the detoxification process, which is challenging. As if dealing with addiction is not mentally, emotionally, and physically tolling enough, the detox process can make one feel frustrated and lonely. However, no one said the journey to recovery would be easy, and although detox is complex, it does not have to be a fearful process. Unfortunately, many people with substance abuse problems may try this process alone at home, thinking that going to a treatment center is pointless. At Ardu Recovery Center, we have helped patients from all walks of life detox in a comfortable and safe environment. If you or a loved one are going through this intricate process, you should not feel like you must go at it alone. Even if you have read about people “going clean” by detoxing alone, chances are, they received professional addiction treatment weeks later due to a relapse. Continue reading to learn more about the dangerous implications of trying to detox alone.

At-Home Detox Can Lead to Relapse

Navigating the intense ups and downs of withdrawal without a support system could demotivate you from the process before you have even entered the early stages of it. For instance, if you are dependent on a drug like heroin, quitting cold turkey and without any help is dangerous. Quitting detox during the withdrawal process makes you susceptible to an overdose because you will experience a reduced tolerance for the drug. On the other hand, at a professional detoxification center, you will receive the counseling and medical supervision you need to better handle the mental symptoms of withdrawal, which can include anxiety and depression. One of the worst aspects of DIY detox is that some people end up believing that after a few days without their choice of drug, they are perfectly fine.

You May Mistakenly Believe Detox is the End Result

The main point of detoxification is to prepare you for comprehensive treatment by eliminating toxins from your body, and you can only achieve this at a professional treatment facility. Attempting to detox alone will inevitably fail, no matter how much you research. We are not trying to be pessimistic, but the reality is, patients still crave drugs or alcohol because DIY detox does not address the root of the addiction. When you stay at a detox center, you will learn to handle cravings and about relapse prevention tools that are tailored to your situation. Moreover, you can work with your treatment team to create a personalized treatment program with therapies that work best for you.

Why Does Detox Matter So Much?

Removing the toxins left by illicit substances in your body is a crucial step toward beginning addiction treatment. Detox entirely focuses on treating unwanted and often dangerous withdrawal symptoms. When a person goes through withdrawal all alone, the symptoms might feel so strong, they may just start abusing drugs again so that they do not experience physical and mental pain. For these reasons and more, everyone suffering from addiction must detox to curb these symptoms and ensure they do not go back to poor habits. Some of these symptoms can feel so insufferable, medical professionals must monitor patients during detox so that a patient does not give up. These professionals are used to this process, so they can help a patient manage their symptoms and can step in if an emergency arises. Unfortunately, some people with severe addiction experience panic attacks or seizures during withdrawal. As we briefly mentioned above, a “successful” at-home detox is only temporary, and it only increases the risk of a person turning back to drugs.

Here is Why Only Detoxing is Not Enough

Although detox focuses on the removal of drugs from a person’s body, the mental and physical effects of drugs or alcohol will still linger. Simply put: detoxification does not equal to a full-scale treatment program. For your safety, you should stay at a treatment facility as part of your addiction treatment plan.

Bottom Line: Detoxing Alone is Not Worth It

There is no denying that detoxing is necessary, but it is never appropriate to do it alone—even if you have stayed at a professional treatment center in the past. You may think you know what this process entails, but unless you are qualified to treat it at a professional level, it will not be successful. Not to mention, no two withdrawal episodes are the same. People who attempt to detox at home report experiencing the following:

Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Changes in appetite
Nausea
Gastrointestinal illnesses, such as frequent diarrhea
Irritability
Intense drug cravings
Panic attacks
Depression
Physical pain
Seizures

You cannot treat these symptoms by yourself, and medical assistance is vital. By attempting this process on your own, you can end up hurting yourself or even relapsing, which will take you back to square one. The worst part is that detoxing at home can lead to overdose or even death. Medical professionals do not recommend quitting illicit substances without a plan.

What Are the Benefits of Staying at a Detox Center?

A few of the many advantages of going through a medically supervised detox include:

Round-the-clock care
Higher success levels and less chance of a relapse
Being surrounded by individuals who share your struggles
Being able to receive help when the need arises
Having different treatment modalities available

Once a person successfully detoxifies, they can begin to heal and realize they do not need illicit substances to feel happy. They may even have their brain chemistry rebalanced and their substance abuse will at least lessen in severity.

Ardu Recovery Center Cares

A comprehensive detoxification program is an essential first step in your recovery journey. Ardu Recovery Center has successfully worked with patients who battle all types of addiction from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Our detox programs are specifically designed to make this process as easy and comfortable as possible. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions. We are located in scenic Provo, Utah.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.