Should I Detox from Opioids at Home?

Opioid Withdrawal
Is it Safe to Detox From Home?

If you have been struggling with an opioid addiction, you might be wondering, “Should I detox from opioids at home?” People attempt to detox at home for a variety of different reasons. Maybe they are worried that they won’t be able to cover the cost of medically monitored detox. Maybe they are concerned that they won’t be able to get a bed in a state-funded facility and they are unaware that there are other options available. Maybe they simply believe that medical detox isn’t necessary — that because the symptoms of opioid withdrawal are rarely life-threatening they should just endure the pain on their own. If you have been considering detoxing from opioids in an at-home setting, there are several important things to consider.

Reasons to Avoid Detoxing at Home

First of all, the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal often lead to relapse. There is a very small chance that you will stay sober for any significant length of time if you opt to undergo opioid withdrawal at home. Secondly, the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal are unpredictable and they can result in serious complications when left untreated.

Medical detox serves as much more than a safe place to ride out uncomfortable symptoms. It serves as an essential first step on the journey of recovery. While in detox you are exposed to therapeutic intervention, holistic treatment methods and critical recovery tools. You are given medications to help ease the pain of withdrawal and make your transition into sobriety smooth. You undergo an important addiction assessment that helps your clinical team develop a personalized treatment plan. And you establish bonds with other individuals committed to sobriety. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we do much more than help our clients with a safe and pain-free opioid withdrawal. We prepare them for the road ahead.

Attempting to detox in an at home setting is never a good idea for the following reasons:

• You won’t have access to the medical care necessary to alleviate the more uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal – At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we offer 24/7 access to medical and clinical care delivered by a team of licensed and experienced professionals. Our main priority is ensuring that every one of our clients is as comfortable as possible over the entire duration of the withdrawal process.
• You won’t have any way to combat the intense psychological drug cravings that often lead to relapse – In the case of a moderate or severe opioid dependence, medication assisted treatment is often necessary. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we utilize several heavily researched and safe medications that have been proven beneficial for the treatment of opioid withdrawal and related drug cravings.
• Detoxing is just the first step — Detox is an important part of the recovery process, but in order to stay sober you might need to transition into a higher level of clinical care. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes an in-depth addiction assessment that helps his or her case manager and clinical team determine which subsequent level of care is the most appropriate. We offer rehab placement services so that the transition from medical detox into inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment is as seamless as possible.

What does Opioid Detox Look Like?

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal:

• Cold sweats and night sweats
• Body tremors and uncontrollable shaking
• Severe stomach cramping
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia and other disturbances to sleep
• General feelings of physical discomfort
• Restlessness and irritability
• Overwhelming drug cravings

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal typically begin within the first 24 hours of the last use and peak in severity at two or three days. They resolve within one to two weeks if the opioid abuse disorder was particularly severe. However, entering into a medical detox program speeds along the process and alleviates the most severe symptoms making the transition into sobriety smooth. Do not let fear of withdrawal prevent you from seeking the professional treatment you need. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we consistently prioritize client comfort.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

If you have been suffering from an opioid abuse disorder of any severity you might be tempted to try and detox in an at home setting. If you are serious about staying sober, detoxing from opioids at home is never a good idea. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we are dedicated to equipping each of our clients with the tools they need to stay sober for years to come. To learn more about our comprehensive opioid detox program or to begin your own personal recovery journey, contact us today. As soon as you make the initial phone call we begin developing a plan for your intake. When it comes to opioid addiction there is truly no time to wait.