Deciding whether to detox from alcohol or drugs on your own can be risky. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance, amount, duration of use, and your overall health. Some withdrawals — especially from alcohol and benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Klonopin, or Ativan) — can be dangerous or even life-threatening, with risks of seizures and delirium …
If you are ready to stop drinking and/or using drugs you might be wondering if you can do this on your own or if you need medically supervised detox. The answer depends on a number of factors including what you have been consuming, how much you have been consuming, for how long, whether you are using multiple substances, your health history, your current state of health, and your past experience with withdrawal symptoms.
Everyone’s experience with withdrawal can vary and if you previously went through withdrawal your experience during a subsequent withdrawal may not be the same. So, it is a pretty complicated question to answer. For this reason, it’s safest to be evaluated at a detox facility or by a qualified medical provider so they can advise you on the best course of action.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
There are some substances for which the withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop using are potentially fatal. One example of this is a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. These are fast-acting medications often prescribed for anxiety. They are generally prescribed for short-term use and have the potential to be habit forming. They include drugs such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan.
It can be dangerous to stop using these drugs on your own. To safely stop using a Benzodiazepine, you need a qualified medical professional to carefully taper you off these medications. So, if your drug of choice is a Benzodiazepine, you will definitely need medically supervised detox.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal also involves symptoms which can be life-endangering, such as seizures and delirium tremens. During delirium tremens, heart rate, breathing, and pulse can become very unstable and a person can be agitated and confused.
Other alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include tremors, increased blood pressure, increased pulse rate, nausea, vomiting, nightmares, hallucinations, and sleep difficulty. Medical monitoring of alcohol withdrawal symptoms is generally necessary. Everyone’s experience varies so consult a physician.
Opioid Withdrawal
Withdrawal from opioids can be miserable. The withdrawal symptoms are generally not as life-endangering as those from alcohol and benzodiazepines. But because they are very uncomfortable and also carry some risk, it is wise to have medical supervision during detox.
Opioid withdrawal is sometimes called being “dope sick” because a patient will often feel like they have extremely severe flu-like symptoms. This can include severe gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. They may also experience sweating, shaking, and fever.
There are medications which can be prescribed to help manage this discomfort and also help with cravings for opioids. So, medical oversight of opioid detox is generally advisable. Consult a medical provider to determine your specific needs.
Cocaine Withdrawal
When a person stops using cocaine they don’t tend to experience the same kind of withdrawal symptoms as with some other drugs. Because it’s a stimulant, a patient who stops using it will often experience a very low mood, low energy level, and low motivation.
Cocaine withdrawal generally doesn’t require the kind of detox protocol used with alcohol and other drugs. But stopping a drug like cocaine can impact a patient’s heart rate, breathing, pulse, and mood, so medical monitoring is advisable.
Also, it is very difficult for someone who has developed a cocaine habit to stop using it unless they are in a situation where they have no access to cocaine. So, those who want to stop using would be best served by getting into an inpatient program where they are prevented from accessing more drugs and also receiving treatment. The safest and most effective course of action is to get evaluated at a detox facility to determine next steps.
It’s great that you have decided to stop drinking or using. But be sure to do it safely. To be safe, it’s best to consult with a reputable detox facility. Believe Detox can assess you to help determine the best plan for your care.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I go through detox, will I be at greater risk for overdose if I use again?
Yes, following detox, a patient has decreased tolerance and is at greater risk for overdose if they resume use. So, it’s important to go directly into treatment after detox.
I don’t use that much — can I just stop using on my own?
Whether you require medically supervised detox to be safe and comfortable depends on a number of factors besides how much you were using. Plus, sometimes patients are using more than they realize. So, the safest course of action is to be evaluated by a detox facility or medical professional.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, confusion, or high fever, call 911 immediately. For questions about medically supervised alcohol detox at our San Fernando Valley facilities, call Believe Detox Center at (888) 780-0904.
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