Written by Laura Herrmann, MA | Updated on Oct 5, 2023
Detoxing from addictive substances can create a number of health risks, especially if you suddenly stop using certain substances like alcohol or Benzodiazepines. You may experience a number of unpleasant and potentially serious withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical support.
Home detox also carries the risk of relapse and potential overdose, which could be fatal. It is essential that detox isn’t attempted at home, and is conducted under the care of a medical professional specializing in addiction treatment.
What is Home Detox?
In this instance, detox is the process of stopping the use substance and detoxifying the body, at home, without medical intervention. Due to the number of health risks associated with home detox, it is not advised by medical professionals. It can be particularly dangerous to suddenly stop drinking or taking drugs cold turkey, rather than tapering off.
Home detox is rarely successful, because the side effects of stopping are so unpleasant that the risk of relapse is high.
It is strongly advised by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to seek professional intervention, especially if the person has been using substances persistently, to ensure they overcome risks of home detox:
“For alcohol, sedative-hypnotic, and opioid withdrawal syndromes, hospitalization or some form of 24-hour medical care is generally the preferred setting for detoxification, based upon the principles of safety and humanitarian concerns.”
What Are the Risks of Home Detox?
As we mentioned, there are a number of risks of home detox. This is particularly prevalent with alcohol detox and Benzodiazepine detox.
The dangers include:
- Depression & Suicidal Ideation
- Delirium Tremens
- Seizures
- Panic Attacks
- Relapse
- Hallucinations
- Digestive Distress
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Medical complications, especially if the person has other health issues like breathing or heart problems.
Medically-monitored detox centers are a crucial aspect of the recovery process. It ensures that the person is treated safely, and reduces the risk of complications that might arise from the detox process. According to SAMHSA, almost 80 percent of professional detoxifications use medication to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Experts in Medical Detox
Gallus Medical Detox Centers are a certified ASAM Level III. 7D Medically Monitored Inpatient Detoxification Facility, and also accredited by the Joint Commission. We offer the comfort of a residential addiction treatment center, but with the clinical expertise that is far superior to most medical detox centers. We know that each patient has unique medical and personal needs, which is why we provide a personalized service that emphasizes medical safety, outstanding professional expertise, and evidence-based protocols, all without sacrificing our patients dignity and comfort.
The key features of our medical detox center includes:
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Individual treatment plans
- Adjustments to treatment plans to suit our patients’ needs
- Psychological, physical, and social assessments
- IV Therapy Program
- Cardiac telemetry and video technology
- An individual recovery plan identifying resources and next steps toward a long-term recovery
At Gallus Medical Detox Centers, we bring compassion to the commotion. Peace to the pain. Empowerment to the powerless. If you or someone you know needs support with addiction problems, bring us your battle. Get in touch with us today and take the best, first step towards recovery.
Laura Herrmann, MA
Laura is the Chief Outreach and Marketing Officer at Gallus Medical Detox, she has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare marketing field in digital, social, product marketing, strategy and sales leadership. Her passion for those struggling and recovering from substance use disorder and mental health as well as advocacy for patient empowerment has driven her career and continues to be the motivation to work within the best treatment options to help those struggling. With a Master’s Degree from Tufts School of Medicine and Emerson College in Health Communication, Laura has continued to find excitement and challenge in her chosen field. She is also the Board President, BarZero and Board Member of the Colorado Professional Liaison Association.
Steve B 
