May 4, 2024

All substance and drug abuse recovery begins with detox. Detox is not as easy as it sounds, as it comes with mild to severe symptoms from the withdrawal effects of quitting the substance use. While the process is quite challenging, it is not impossible to overcome. However, for this to happen, it is essential to be in a supportive environment. 

This may warrant attending a detox and rehabilitation facility like Taylor Recovery in Houston, where the right professionals and equipment are present to support your journey. It is best not to attempt detox without appropriate guidance, as this could be disastrous.

Why you Should Never Detox at Home

You do not want to embark on a detox process without professional assistance. This could easily relapse to a relapse which happens when the withdrawal effects become overwhelming. Unfortunately, such a relapse can also cause potentially fatal poisoning. Below are some reasons you should not consider detox at home.

  • Relapse: This is probably the biggest fear of home detox. Most addicts are unable to deal with strong urges and overwhelming withdrawal effects. Unfortunately, some relapses can lead to overdose because of the tendency to overdo it. Most people end up in a fatal overdose triggered by severe withdrawal effects. Some people need medical support to cope with the withdrawal effects. This makes home detox extremely difficult since this medication can only be found in rehab centers and medical facilities with prescriptions.
  • Struggles with mental illness: Most recovering addicts pulling away from drugs struggle with several mental issues, including depression, panic attacks, exhaustion, and frustrations. This kind of mental drain can be impossible to deal with if you do not have the proper support, which is another reason to discourage home detox. Patients in rehab centers can access professional help through counseling, therapies, and medication where needed.
  • Overdose: The challenge and possibility of overdosing happen during a relapse which is more likely to happen at home. Furthermore, tolerance levels increase when one is away from the substance they previously abused. This means they are likely to overdose on it if they embark on it.
  • Medical Complications: Home detox is extremely difficult for people with underlying medical conditions. It is even more dangerous if the conditions were undiagnosed before the addiction. Common conditions include cardiac arrest, seizures, breathing difficulties, and other complications. Such complications can be fatal if left unattended hence the need for constant professional monitoring.
  • Dangerous withdrawal effects: Withdrawal effects are not the same for everyone. They can be fatal in some cases, such as when one develops high blood pressure, increased heart rate, excessive sweating, and high fevers. All these effects could be dangerous when one goes through them alone. As such, having medical experts around is safer and makes coping easier since they will know if you need medication to ease the suffering and discomfort.

Now that you understand home detox’s potential dangers consider enrolling at Taylor Recovery for your recovery journey. We will help you overcome the detox phase safely and increase your chances of positive recovery. Call us today.