5 Reasons not to Detox from Alcohol at Home

Many people believe that detoxing from alcohol use is something they can do from home without any help. However, there are many different things to consider when you are ready to break an alcohol addiction. For many individuals, it can be dangerous, even fatal to quit cold turkey without medical assistance. Here are 5 reasons not to detox from alcohol at home.
1 Dangerous and Uncomfortable Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol detox is the process of removing the body’s system of the chemical toxins that have collected as a result of your alcohol use. During the detox process, you may experience withdrawal symptoms which could range from mild to severe. Although you may get through the withdrawal within a few days, you may experience additional symptoms or cravings over a period of a few months. Although these cravings and symptoms will not be life threatening, you may be uncomfortable.
2 There is No “One Size Fits All” Instruction

On the internet you can find hundreds of “how to detox” instructions. However, those instructions do not take into consideration individual needs, health assessments, addiction history and psychological standing. You may think you are saving money or embarrassment, but if you end up in the hospital or you die from a home remedy, the cost was too much.
3 Quitting Can Have Psychological Effects

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are also psychological and many alcohol abusers experience depression, anxiety and irritability. Since alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the central nervous system. Depending on how long you have been drinking, how much you have been drinking and how often you have been drinking; your body has adapted to alcohol consumption.

Quitting alcohol suddenly or cold turkey could have a rebound effect on your central nervous system and your body could overcompensate for the fact that it is not getting something that it is used to. Quitting alcohol cold turkey and without medical supervision, can increase depression and has been linked to suicide.
4 Can Induce Seizures

Home alcohol detox could lead to seizures. If your body has become accustomed to receiving a certain amount of regular alcohol intake, when you suddenly stop giving it the alcohol, your central nervous system becomes hyper excited which could create seizures. These seizures could begin within a few hours of the last time you used alcohol and can continue up to 48 hours later.
5 Delirium Tremens or the DTs

In some cases a condition known as delirium tremens or the DTs is a problem. The DTs most often occur within three to five days after excessive alcohol abuse stops; during which there may be periods of hallucinations, disorientation and confusion. Individuals have been known to suffer breathing problems, circulatory problems and body temperature irregularities. This is a serious condition and can be fatal without medical supervision.

Professional Medical Detox is Recommended

Professional medical detox offers medication that can ease you through the withdrawal symptoms and keep you comfortable which can help you complete the detox process. Medical detox keeps the patient comfortable throughout the process. Research shows that individuals who remain comfortable throughout the detox process are more likely to continue their sobriety than individuals who are not able to complete the detox process.