If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you may be wondering “can I detox off of alcohol alone?”. Well, the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, but generally speaking, it’s not advisable to do so.
While it may seem like a good idea to try and detox on your own, it is important to understand that doing so could come with significant challenges and dangers.
What’s The Point of Detox?
Detox is a necessary treatment for alcoholics and addicts who suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
Without adequate medical care, withdrawal symptoms can quickly escalate and become life-threatening. This is why it is essential to seek professional help when detoxing from alcohol.
Some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaking
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Delirium tremens
- Cardiac arrest
By attending detox, alcoholics and addicts are provided a treatment like pharmacotherapy that helps ease withdrawal symptoms.
The ease of cravings and discomfort are among the primary reasons for attending detox. But recovering addicts and alcoholics also seek treatment when withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they may pose a risk to their lives.
During detox, medical staff may employ the use of benzodiazepines along with other antipsychotics and anti-seizure meds to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
How Do You Know When You Need Detox?
It’s impossible to tell if a person will need a medically supervised detox until withdrawal symptoms start showing up.
The best way to go about it is by reaching out to a medical professional or a detox facility like 90210 Recovery where a medical professional can provide further guidance.
However, as a general rule of thumb, if you have been drinking for extended periods or believe you have a problem, you probably need to attend a detox.
Can I Detox Alone
If you’ve been asking yourself “can I detox off of alcohol alone?” then you are likely walking down a dangerous path. Sobering up from alcohol could pose serious life-threatening dangers to recovering alcoholics.
In fact, studies show that at least 5% of people who attempt alcohol detox on their own will experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Not everyone is at risk, as milder cases will likely experience fewer withdrawal symptoms. But taking a chance on finding out if you belong to that group is not worth the risk.
So then can I detox off of alcohol alone?
Ultimately, it’s impossible to accurately predict who will suffer from severe symptoms and who will not until the symptoms actually arrive. At this point it could be too late to get the recovering addict proper medical care, placing their life at serious risk.
Therefore, it’s always best not to detox off of alcohol alone.
Research also shows that a medically supervised detox is the safest and most effective method of detoxifying from alcohol. Leaving little doubt about whether detoxifying at home is any better than doing so under medical supervision.
How to Detox From Alcohol
These are some steps to follow if you want to detox from alcohol but are not sure where to start.
- Seek medical help or get in contact with a rehab facility that can guide you in the process. You can contact 90210 Recovery by calling (877) 839-6775 and their admissions team can help you determine the best course of action.
- Make sure to stay hydrated and well nourished until you can get to the detox facility
- Ask someone close to you for help reaching out to the detox facility and to help you get there. Don’t drive under the influence. Detox facilities also offer transportation if you can’t find someone to bring you there.
- Bring your meds with you if you take any and make sure you tell the medical staff about any medical conditions.
Relapse Prevention
After you complete detox you’ll need help to stay sober and learn new healthy habits that will help you maintain your recovery.
90210 Recovery offers luxury accommodations and top-of-the-line detox and relapse prevention services that will help you sober up and stay that way long after you leave the facility.
If you want to learn more, please contact 90210 Recovery by calling (877) 839-6775. Our admissions team is waiting to take your call.
