What is At-Home Detox?
Addiction is a complex condition that requires specialized treatment. Anyone who has become reliant on alcohol or drugs understands that sudden cessation of these substances can be both difficult and dangerous. This is why many people seek residential treatment programs for detoxification and early recovery. However, a more comfortable, private rehabilitation option exists. Some providers offer medical oversight that enables you to safely undergo detox from your own home, through a process called at-home detox.
A Comfortable At-Home Detox Experience
A fully at-home detox program enables you to recover without checking into a clinic. Through designated detoxification protocols, clients interface directly with medical staff, who will design a treatment program tailored to each person’s specific needs. They will then prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal, resulting in a comfortable detox experience.
At-Home Detox for Alcohol, Opioids, and Depressants
Alcohol and other depressants represent some of the greatest risks in an unassisted detoxification. Individuals who quit these substances on their own face withdrawal symptoms which can be life-threatening. An at-home detox program is overseen by pharmacological experts, ensuring that all side effects are minimized and effectively managed.
Alcohol
If you drink heavily for a long period of time, discontinuing alcohol use may cause severe withdrawal. Symptoms may begin after just a few hours, and include anxiety, nausea, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures. With proper medical oversight, it is possible to deescalate these symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable detox experience.
Opioids
Opioid medications and illicit opiate drugs present a high level of addictive potential. Without proper medication, it is often extremely difficult for a person to discontinue these substances. An evidence-based withdrawal management protocol addresses the array of symptoms triggered by sudden cessation of hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), oxymorphone (Opana), morphine, codeine, fentanyl, and heroin.
Depressants
Benzodiazepines are a class of drug intended to depress the activity of the central nervous system. These depressants are intended to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. Common medications include alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin). Even at therapeutic dosages, these drugs can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Expert clinicians help clients to taper a person’s doses to avoid potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, visual disturbances, depression, and memory problems.
A Convenient, Comfortable Path to Recovery
Addiction is a medical condition requiring clinically sophisticated care. Certain physicians provide created an at-home detox protocol that protects your privacy, maximizes your comfort, and enables complete healing.
Thanks to same-day prescriptions and daily follow-up during the withdrawal process, clients typically complete this detox protocol in no longer than one week.
To learn more about the process of physician-directed withdrawal management, please contact Recovery Without Walls or dial SAMHSA’s national helpline.