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.
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 decision depends on:
Everyone’s experience with withdrawal can vary. If you previously went through withdrawal, your experience during a subsequent withdrawal may not be the same. Professional evaluation at a detox facility is the safest approach.
Substance-by-substance withdrawal
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Substances like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan. Withdrawal can be potentially fatal — abrupt discontinuation can cause seizures and other life-threatening complications. Medical supervision is required for safe tapering.
Alcohol withdrawal
Tremors, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, nightmares, hallucinations, sleep difficulty. Medical monitoring is generally necessary for anyone with significant alcohol use history.
Opioid withdrawal
Withdrawal from opioids can be miserable — "dope sick", severe flu-like symptoms, GI issues, sweating, fever. Not as life-endangering as alcohol/benzo, but medications can manage discomfort and cravings.
Cocaine withdrawal
Low mood, low energy, low motivation. The challenge is more about difficulty stopping without environmental support — which is why inpatient programs are often recommended.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I go through detox, will I be at greater risk for overdose if I use again?
I don't use that much — can I just stop using on my own?
References
- Harvard Health. Alcohol Withdrawal. health.harvard.edu
- NIDA. Opioids. nida.nih.gov
- NIDA. Cocaine. nida.nih.gov
