What Are the Dangers of Self Detox?

Overcoming addiction of any kind is exceptionally difficult. Whether an individual is pursuing a sober future free from the use of alcohol, opioids, heroin, methamphetamines, or any other kind of drug, professional treatment is necessary. However, due to prevalent stigmas, being unaware of how serious a disease addiction truly is, or unaware of the severity of their engagement with addictive substances, it is common to consider attempting to detox at home. Self detox can inadvertently introduce several additional hurdles that would not otherwise be present in recovery at a professional treatment facility and can come with risks that can further compromise a person’s mental and physical health. 

Each individual’s journey to overcoming addiction will be wholly unique, and there is no single path to a sober future. However, attempting to detox on one’s own in one’s home without the guidance and supervision of professionals can leave those looking for a better future in precarious positions. Understanding the potential dangers of self detox is paramount to inform each individual of the most effective path to accomplishing their sober goals and beginning the journey to a sustainable and fulfilling sober life. 

The sudden cessation of addictive substances has many effects on the body as it adjusts to a rapidly changing homeostasis. It is common for those just beginning their journey to sobriety to experience withdrawal during this detox time as the traces of addictive substances are processed and expelled from the body. The brain has also become accustomed to the use of these substances. As a result, intense urges and cravings to engage with addictive substances are common, along with a plethora of other withdrawal symptoms, including: 

Self detox can leave an individual ill-equipped to address these changes and symptoms. While those attempting to self-detox at home may do so with good intentions, having professional care to manage these symptoms is paramount to address personal needs and prevent relapse during these early stages of recovery and sobriety. 

Those attempting to self detox may also find not only a challenging and tumultuous emotional state, but their physical health can become compromised as well. This can be through a lack of dieting or proper care during this time. Unhealthy eating habits, skipping meals, or otherwise neglecting hygiene during this time can all have profound effects on the efficacy of detox efforts, and self detox attempts can be at an increased risk for these effects affecting an individual. 

Aches and pains and compromised sleep schedules can further add to these physical challenges, resulting in fatigue and other challenges that need to be addressed to effectively prevent relapse and promote a healthy daily life.

Overcoming addiction is a complicated and all-encompassing affair, and having the proper emotional support is paramount. Even if an individual is committed to their sobriety, if they are not surrounded by supportive individuals, their efforts can be compromised. Having not just professional care to tend to needs but also emotional support in friends and family, an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, and a community of peers actively encouraging and emotionally supporting an individual can all be truly transformative throughout detox. 

Professional treatment at Hawaii Island Recovery can introduce an individual to peers navigating their own detox and recovery, empowering those beginning their journey to see success in motion and adopt effective practices from peers while further deconstructing stigmas and empowering each individual to pursue sober goals in ways that self-detox may not necessarily highlight. 

Self-detox is a personal effort. However, an individual attempting self-detox may do so still surrounded by stresses or reminders of past use. Attempting to detox while still frequenting places where one used to engage with addictive substances, such as in their bedroom or basement, or being surrounded by other reminders, such as social groups, can all influence the efficacy of one’s detox efforts. Distancing oneself from past stresses and influences to pursue a new and transformed lifestyle is necessary and something that self detox may not accommodate. 

Detox is not the end of a person’s journey to a sober life but rather the beginning of a new lifestyle. However, attempts to self-detox may leave an individual without the push necessary to take the next step, further increasing the chances of relapse. Professional treatment empowers those navigating detox to take the next step in their journey. For some, this can be residential care, while others may look to intensive outpatient treatment while they tend to professional obligations or responsibilities. 

Without this continued support, education, and engagement in a recovery program and community, it can be easy to slip back into previously destructive lifestyles. Addiction and recovery are not a journey with a defined “end date” but are rather a constant adaptation of new lifestyles, strategies, and continued maintenance of each individual’s hard-earned sobriety. Professional rehab in Hawaii at Hawaii Island Recovery can provide the community and education necessary to navigate detox and take the next step toward a healthy and sustainable sober future. 

Self detox can present an unnecessary risk to your personal health and the efficacy of your sober efforts, and there is no true replacement for educated, professional care when it comes to overcoming addiction and its myriad of effects on daily life. We at Hawaii Island Recovery champion the opportunity to help you take your first step toward a healthy and sober future with the proper support, education, and strategies to make your efforts as impactful and profound as possible. From personalized care to on-site medical care and a community of understanding peers, our rehab in Hawaii is prepared to help you navigate the challenges of detox and truly embrace a developing sober lifestyle. For more information, call (866) 390-5070.