Risks of Alcohol Detox at Home

Risks of Alcohol Detox at Home
man with head in hand struggling with alcohol detox at home

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Few people fully understand the complexities of alcohol use disorder (AUD). As a result, they tend to believe a person can quit drinking if they are willing to do so. It would be great if overcoming AUD were that easy. In the majority of cases, people who succeeded in overcoming alcohol addiction did so with help from an alcohol detox center.

When you enter our alcohol detox program, we customize a treatment plan that focuses on your individual needs. We realize each client has their own unique reasons for using alcohol and that no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment will be effective.

Learn more about how our alcohol treatment programs can help you or a loved one overcome alcohol use. Contact the addiction treatment professionals at Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 today.

Why You Should Not Attempt Alcohol Detox at Home

When you reach out for help with alcohol addiction, it is not a sign of weakness. It takes a lot of courage to admit that you can’t do this on your own. But if you’re thinking about trying alcohol detox at home, take time to learn about the risks involved.

Depending on the amount of alcohol you use and how long you’ve used it, withdrawal symptoms can range from mild or moderate to severe and dangerous. They may simply cause you to seek more alcohol, or they could cause serious harm to your physical and mental health.

Without someone by your side to monitor and treat the symptoms, you could be placing your life in danger. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of alcohol detox at home.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The purpose of detox is to allow your body to adjust to the absence of alcohol gradually. You’ll experience many alcohol withdrawal symptoms that will challenge your fortitude during the process.

Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Cravings
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate

More severe withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens (DTs)
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack

Most of the severe symptoms are impossible for a person to manage independently. The result can be relapse, coma, or death. However, if you undergo withdrawal in a detox facility, professional addiction specialists and medical personnel are there to provide 24/7 supervision to ensure your safety.

Why It’s Hard to Overcome Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a combination of physical, emotional, mental, and environmental factors that lead a person to drink. Detox resolves the physical aspect of the addiction. However, it is not a cure for the disorder.

Studies show that most people with substance use disorders also suffer from another mental health disorder, such as:

  • Depression
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Schizophrenia

Some individuals with AUD have a family history of alcohol abuse. Or, they may live in a household where alcohol is openly and frequently used.

In some cases of alcohol addiction, people were exposed to alcohol abuse in early childhood. As a result, they began drinking at a young age.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder at Liberty Bay Recovery

Before a person can successfully overcome alcoholism, professionals must address the underlying emotional and mental factors. Our rehabilitation programs include counseling and other therapeutic modalities that target the underlying causes of alcohol use.

We seek to help clients identify and understand the deep-rooted reasons for their alcohol addiction. Through our comprehensive program, clients learn effective coping methods, better communication skills, and essential life skills vital to maintaining sobriety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, take the first step toward recovery today. Contact us at Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 to learn more about our services and get started on your recovery journey.