Alcohol addiction can harm your body, mind, and social health. As alcohol becomes the center of your life, the other important aspects of your life–your friends, self-care, work, and more–can fall by the wayside.
Nobody chooses to live with alcohol addiction. Heavy drinking for long periods can change the way your body works. These changes can make it incredibly challenging to quit drinking when you choose.
People with alcohol addiction must get treatment and support to safely stop drinking and learn to prevent relapse. For many, recovery begins in a medically-supported detox program.
However, some people wonder if it is possible to detox from alcohol at home. They may believe that an at-home alcohol detox may be quicker or more affordable than a medical detox program.
This article will explore the risks of detoxing at home. You will learn:
- What happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol
- What to expect during the alcohol withdrawal process
- The dangers of an at-home detox
- The benefits of seeking medical care and support during detox
- Where to find treatment and support for alcohol addiction
Reach out to the The Best Treatment team to learn more about our holistic alcohol addiction rehab programs. Our intake specialists can answer your questions, verify insurance, and help you schedule an intake assessment.
Alcohol Withdrawal: An Overview
When you drink alcohol, you may experience a range of effects, including:
- Relaxation
- Lowered inhibitions
- Euphoria
- More confidence
- Nausea
- Impaired judgment
- Drowsiness
These and other short-term effects of alcohol happen because alcohol slows central nervous system (CNS) activity.
To counteract the depressant effects of alcohol, your body increases CNS activity. If you drink excessively for a prolonged period, your body stays in an elevated state of CNS activity.
If you stop drinking “cold turkey,” your CNS will remain in this elevated state. This can cause symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Here are some of the symptoms you may experience as you withdraw from alcohol:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors (shaking)
- Mood swings and irritability
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Elevated heart rate
- Intense cravings for alcohol
Symptoms typically depend within just hours after the last drink. Withdrawal symptoms may continue for several days after your last drink or longer.
Some people experience severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Delirium Tremens (DTs)
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
Some risk factors may increase the chances of experiencing life-threatening complications during withdrawal. However, anyone going through alcohol detox may develop these symptoms.
Even when withdrawal is not life-threatening, people may become so uncomfortable that they relapse. A relapse can be discouraging or even dangerous. People must take precautions to reduce the risk of relapse during detox.
Medical supervision, treatment, and support are critical during withdrawal so that you remain safe and avoid relapse.
Understanding the Risks of Detoxing at Home
Detoxing from alcohol at home can be challenging and dangerous. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can make people miserable and can sometimes be life-threatening. Most who attempt an at-home alcohol detox are unsuccessful.
Here are some of the risks of an at-home alcohol detox.
Delirium Tremens (DTs)
In rare cases, people develop a condition called Delirium Tremens during alcohol detox. Symptoms of DTs include:
- Delusions
- Extreme confusion
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
Delirium Tremens is a life-threatening complication of alcohol withdrawal. DTs occur in 3-5% of people who experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome, but it has a mortality rate of about 37% without appropriate treatment. People who develop DTs require immediate and extensive medical care to avoid long-term harm and death.
Dehydration
One of the most significant hazards of detoxing from alcohol at home is the risk of dehydration. Staying hydrated during detox can be very challenging. Intense nausea may prevent you from drinking enough fluids. Vomiting and sweating can cause dangerous fluid loss. People may become very sick or experience long-term harm from dehydration during detox.
Seizures
More than 5% of people who detox without medical support will experience seizures. Severe alcohol dependence and a history of seizures can increase the risk of having seizures during withdrawal. However, anyone may develop seizures during detox, regardless of other risk factors.
Relapse
Relapsing (drinking again after a period of sobriety) can be very dangerous. If you stop drinking for even a few days, your tolerance can decrease. Drinking again during detox is more likely to lead to an alcohol overdose.
The Benefits of a Medically-Supported Detox Program
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. Support, supervision, and treatment are essential to long-term success and safety.
In a medically-supported detox program, you will follow a treatment plan to keep you safe, comfortable, and on track in your recovery. Your treatment plan may include:
- Prescription medications to reduce risks and discomfort during withdrawal
- Mental health care, including support groups and individual counseling
- Education and support for patients and family members
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to medical care
- A secure, supportive environment
Safe & Effective Alcohol Detox With The Best Treatment Center
Don’t take chances by trying an at-home detox. Get the support, treatment, and care you deserve.
At The Best Treatment Center, our dedicated team provides continuous support, ensuring you receive medical attention and emotional backing throughout detox. We employ a variety of proven treatments to help you achieve lasting sobriety, focusing on your overall well-being. Our drug and alcohol detox program is structured to smoothly transition you into further rehabilitation, establishing a solid foundation for recovery.
Reach out to the The Best Treatment team to explore your detox treatment options or to schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Delirium Tremens
- Science Direct: Withdrawal Seizure
