The recovery journey starts with flushing your body of all the harmful things you put into it over an extended period. It allows the body to start fresh and gives itself a chance to develop healthy habits without using drugs and alcohol.
However, some individuals want to begin this process at home, which can be highly dangerous depending on the substance and severity of the addiction. This is especially true for alcohol addiction, which should always be done under medically supervised detox. Below are the dangers of doing alcohol detox at home.
The Basics of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person suddenly stops using the substance. The symptoms may start as quickly as 8 hours after the last drink or a couple of days later. The withdrawal process typically lasts between 24-72 hours, with minor symptoms continuing for the weeks after.
Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include the following:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
Dangerous of Alcohol Withdrawal
For some individuals, more severe symptoms may be experienced that can be life-threatening. For some, intense nausea and vomiting may set in, as well as muscle aches, rapid heart rate, sweating, and insomnia. Others may experience seizures, tremors, or even confusion. All of these can be challenging and life-threatening to handle on your own if you detox at home, but delirium tremens can be significantly threatening.
Delirium Tremens
Severe alcohol withdrawal presents itself in the form of delirium tremens. There are various causes of the condition. A few can include no longer drinking after extended heavy drinking as well as not eating enough food. It is characterized by intense, sudden episodes of mental or nervous system changes.
There are numerous symptoms of delirium tremens which can be life-threatening without medical intervention. Such symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Delirium
- Changes in mental function
- Hallucinations
- Deep sleep that lasts for over 24 hours
- Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Fear
- Seizures
Because of the severity of these symptoms, going through alcohol detox at home is never a good idea. Reach out to a professional treatment facility to get the support you need to start your recovery journey on the right track.
Alcohol detox can seem easy if you are not well prepared and educated on the subject. In fact, the process can be mentally and physically challenging, as well as life-threatening. Therefore, it is never a good idea to undergo alcohol detox on your own at home. The Detox Center of Colorado is at your disposal to ask all detox-related questions and provide safe, compassionate guidance as you begin your recovery journey. Through treating co-occurring disorders with our expert clinical team, you will be set up for success in recovery. Call us today at (303) 952-5035.
