Why is Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal at Home Dangerous?
Many people wonder if it’s possible to avoid going to a treatment facility and just deal with alcohol detox and withdrawal at home on their own terms. Some have tried and been successful, but it’s never recommended because so many others have failed for a number of reasons.
Coming to terms with the disease of alcohol addiction is never easy. There are usually feelings of guilt and shame associated with the condition.
It’s important to understand, though, that addiction is a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes, and a successful recovery often depends on proper treatment.
Still, some people may try to beat their addiction in secret, by overcoming withdrawal symptoms on their own and trying to handle alcohol detox alone at home. This is a very dangerous and potentially fatal idea.
Though it’s unfortunate, it’s understandable why anyone would be embarrassed about battling addiction.
Often, society’s view is that substance abuse is a moral failure. Many perceive it as if someone is weak-willed rather than battling a scientifically recognized disorder that is, in fact, treatable.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that more than 14 million people suffered from a diagnosable alcohol use disorder in 2018. That number is generally considered underreported.
While there’s been some progress made in reducing the stigma associated with addiction, remorse about the past and the fear of embarrassment can, and does, keep people from getting the help they need.
There are other factors as well, such as a lack of health insurance or the possibility of losing a needed job.
There’s a laundry list of reasons why a person might attempt to battle alcohol detox and withdrawal by themselves at home. However, with alcohol dependency, going “cold turkey” and trying to tough it out can be incredibly dangerous and even deadly.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down or sedates the brain. In long-term drinkers, the brain releases higher than normal amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, which is similar to adrenaline. This occurs to compensate for alcohol’s depressant effects.
“If alcohol is withdrawn suddenly,” according to Harvard Medical School, “the brain is like an accelerated vehicle that has lost its brakes. Not surprisingly, most symptoms of withdrawal are symptoms that occur when the brain is over stimulated.”
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary based on a person’s level of consumption, as well as the length of time they’ve been physically dependent. But even mild withdrawal can be painful and scary.
Coming to terms with the disease of alcohol addiction is never easy. There are usually feelings of guilt and shame associated with the condition.
It’s important to understand, though, that addiction is a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes, and a successful recovery often depends on proper treatment.
Still, some people may try to beat their addiction in secret, by overcoming withdrawal symptoms on their own and trying to handle alcohol detox alone at home. This is a very dangerous and potentially fatal idea.
Though it’s unfortunate, it’s understandable why anyone would be embarrassed about battling addiction.
Often, society’s view is that substance abuse is a moral failure. Many perceive it as if someone is weak-willed rather than battling a scientifically recognized disorder that is, in fact, treatable.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that more than 14 million people suffered from a diagnosable alcohol use disorder in 2018. That number is generally considered underreported.
While there’s been some progress made in reducing the stigma associated with addiction, remorse about the past and the fear of embarrassment can, and does, keep people from getting the help they need.
There are other factors as well, such as a lack of health insurance or the possibility of losing a needed job.
There’s a laundry list of reasons why a person might attempt to battle alcohol detox and withdrawal by themselves at home. However, with alcohol dependency, going “cold turkey” and trying to tough it out can be incredibly dangerous and even deadly.
Potentially Fatal Risk of Alcohol Withdrawal at Home
For some people, alcohol dependency is a burden they carry with them, but are still able to function day-to-day. They are sometimes referred to as “functional alcoholics.” Others find that chronic alcohol use wholly consumes and damages every aspect of their life. In either situation, quitting cold turkey can lead to serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down or sedates the brain. In long-term drinkers, the brain releases higher than normal amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, which is similar to adrenaline. This occurs to compensate for alcohol’s depressant effects.
“If alcohol is withdrawn suddenly,” according to Harvard Medical School, “the brain is like an accelerated vehicle that has lost its brakes. Not surprisingly, most symptoms of withdrawal are symptoms that occur when the brain is over stimulated.”
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary based on a person’s level of consumption, as well as the length of time they’ve been physically dependent. But even mild withdrawal can be painful and scary.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Can Include Some of the Following:
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors (shaking) in the hand
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive issues
- Sensory overload or hyper-excitability
- Severe mood swings and irritability
- Bouts of depression
- Anxiety or agitation
Symptoms of Delirium Tremens Often Include Several of the Following:
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Possibility of a stroke
- Extreme agitation
- Confusion, loss of memory or an inability to make new memories
- Body tremors
- Profuse sweating
- High blood pressure
- Accelerated heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Death
