At Home Detox: What to Know

You may be interested in an at home detox for many reasons. However, there are many factors to consider before choosing an at home detox, like safety and potential complications. Understanding the differences between at home detox and medically supervised detox will help you make the best decision.

Key Facts

• Learn what “at home detox” means, the reasons people choose it and any benefits.
• Learn how alcohol and drugs affect the brain and body, and how complications may occur during withdrawal.
• Learn about the DIY detox methods people try, including natural supplements and over the counter remedies.
• Learn how you can safely detox at home with medical supervision and medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding At Home Detox from Drugs and Alcohol

At home detox refers to a process where you cut down or stop the use of alcohol or drugs at home without the support of an around the clock medically supervised detox program.

Regardless of where you choose to detox, you must remember that detox is only the first step in addiction treatment.

What “At Home Detox” Really Means

During detox, you will experience withdrawal symptoms as your body clears the substance. Going it alone can put you at risk of complications and relapse.

When you choose at home detox, you will not have the specialized support that a medically supervised detox program can provide, including FDA approved medications and other measures to ease your symptoms. 

Why People Consider Detoxing at Home Instead of Treatment

People choose at home detox for many reasons, including fear of the stigma surrounding addiction treatment, privacy concerns, family or work responsibilities and desire to attempt a detox naturally.

In addition, many people worry about the cost and how they will pay for treatment.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation online about addiction treatment. Not only is this widespread information dangerous, but it can also fuel feelings of guilt, shame and denial.

A medically supervised detox can help to eliminate some of these fears by providing a safe, private and comfortable environment where you receive support to manage your symptoms and 24/7 monitoring for complications. 

Withdrawal Risks When You Detox at Home

When you use any substance, especially those that can lead to dependence and addiction, there are risks of withdrawal when you quit.

Knowing what to expect during withdrawal will help you address your symptoms and avoid adverse consequences.

How Withdrawal Works in the Brain and Body

A substance use disorder generally starts with tolerance, meaning you need increasing amounts of a substance to feel the same effects.

The longer substances are misused, the more your brain and body depend on them to function. When your use stops suddenly, this triggers withdrawal symptoms. 

The intensity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the substance, amount, frequency of use, medical history, and co-occurring mental health concerns.

These symptoms may include anxiety, sleep disturbances, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, mood swings and cravings.

High Risk Substances and Life Threatening Complications

Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to some of the most serious, and sometimes fatal, withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, delirium tremens (DT) and blood pressure and heart rate changes.

Withdrawal from heroin, fentanyl, prescription pain pills or any other opioid can also lead to serious health consequences, including severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, body aches and an increased risk of overdose if you relapse.

Other drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine, can trigger psychosis, severe depression and suicidal thoughts when stopped.

While not all withdrawal symptoms are fatal, having close medical support can help to prevent and treat the most serious ones and is far safer than going cold turkey.

What At Home Detox Typically Looks Like

There are several options for at home detox. You must be able to distinguish between detox myths and unwarranted advice, especially online, to determine the safest and most appropriate detox approach for you. 

Common DIY Detox Methods, Myths and Social Media Advice

Non medical advice is everywhere these days, from TikTok and YouTube to online forums that offer detox hacks. Following misinformation regarding detox can lead to serious consequences. 

One self detox method, called “white-knuckle sobriety,” refers to quitting alcohol or drugs cold turkey and dealing with the withdrawal symptoms on your own. This method is not only extremely uncomfortable but can be potentially life threatening.

Others include unsupervised tapering, dumping or flushing. They may tell you that you can “sweat it out” or drink water and exercise to clear the substances from your body, but this is not true. 

Without close medical supervision, you put yourself at a greater risk of developing serious withdrawal symptoms that are not only extremely uncomfortable but also make it hard to avoid relapsing.

Over the Counter Remedies, Supplements and “Natural” Detox Kits

Some over the counter products, including sleep aids, herbal teas, vitamins and online detox kits, may ease some of your detox symptoms; however, they cannot prevent seizures, DTs, heart issues and other serious complications that can develop during detox. 

In some instances, these OTC products can interact with the substance you are detoxing from or other medications you are taking. Mixing substances can lead to over sedation or respiratory depression and can cause added strain on your liver.

Just because a product claims to be natural or organic does not mean it won’t cause harm. 

Safer Options Than Detoxing On Your Own

There are several evidenced based detox options available. 

Medically Supervised Detox (Inpatient and Outpatient)

Inpatient detox refers to a program in a hospital or residential setting, providing 24/7 support and monitoring. This option is best for someone with moderate to severe addiction. 

Outpatient detox may be a good option for those with mild addiction. As well as a strong support system and housing, are in good overall health and need minimal support, including check in appointments to monitor progress.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a role in medically supervised detox at both the inpatient and outpatient levels of care.

These programs utilize FDA approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings and support long term recovery. 

At Home/In Home Detox With Professional Oversight

If you choose an in home detox with professional oversight, you will receive medical supervision, be required to attend check in appointments and in some cases, prescription medications.

The supervision you receive may be through telehealth visits, nurse visits or mobile detox teams, where available.

To qualify for an in home detox with clinical oversight, you will likely need to have a stable withdrawal history, housing, sober support and the ability to follow a safety plan.

You will also be required to have a medical assessment, develop a clear emergency plan, know safe medication use and have close follow up during the withdrawal window.

From Detox to Ongoing Treatment, MAT, and Relapse Prevention

A continuum of care is highly recommended because going through detox alone is not usually enough to maintain recovery.

Many people who do not get ongoing care, such as residential rehab, PHP, IOP or standard outpatient services, will relapse after detox.

At each level of care, you will have recovery supports, including behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma informed therapy, family therapy, peer support groups, relapse prevention planning and recovery coaching.

Getting Ready to Ask for Help

Sometimes reaching out for help can be the most challenging part of the journey. However, it is also the most important. There are simple ways to help you get ready to make healthy changes in your life.

Talking with Loved Ones and Planning a Safe Next Step

If you are ready to take the first step towards getting help, identify at least one trusted support person to talk to.

Be honest with them about your current use, past withdrawal and safety concerns and ask them to help you find the right treatment program.

You could start the conversation by:

• Focusing on health and safety
• Asking for help making calls
• Asking for help arranging childcare
• Asking how to get time off work

Get someone to help you gather basic information and write it down before calling a program.

For example, make a list of the substances you use, typical amounts, last use, medical history, current medications and any history of seizures or hallucinations.

FAQs About At Home Detox

Can I Safely Detox from Alcohol, Benzos or Opioids at Home?

Unsupervised detox from alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids is rarely safe and can even be life threatening. If you don’t want to enter a treatment program, you may want to consider a medically supervised home detox plan.

However, this can only be decided with the help of a medical provider, not alone.

What is most important is that you do not stop heavy daily drinking or long term benzodiazepine use suddenly and without medical advice, as it can lead to severe complications.

How Long Does Detox Usually Take?

Detox is different for every person, based on factors such as the type of substance, pattern of use, physical health and withdrawal history.

Acute withdrawal for many substances often peaks in the first few days and may last about a week. However, some symptoms, like sleep disturbances, mood swings and cravings, can persist for weeks or more.

Detox should always be the beginning of your recovery journey, not the only treatment you receive.

When Should I Call 911 or Go to the ER?

If you are detoxing and experience symptoms like seizures, chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, hallucinations, uncontrolled vomiting, severe agitation or suicidal thoughts, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. 

You and your loved ones should avoid waiting for symptoms to improve or resolve before seeking help. It is always better to seek help and be safe than to ride out a dangerous withdrawal at home.

Find Treatment Near You

Not sure where to start? Call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) today to talk to someone about detox treatment options and find out whether your insurance will cover rehab.

Or, use the online Rehab.com directory of treatment centers where you can filter by location, level of care, insurance and special programs.