The opioid crisis has touched — and sadly ruined — so many lives all over the US. Opioid dependence can slowly creep its way into your life and then quickly develop into a full-blown addiction. This leads to devastating consequences for you – and it can also affect your family and community.
If you (or a loved one) have realized that you are struggling with opioid addiction and would like to detox, you might be wondering if and how this is possible to do at home. Privacy and comfort are obviously two big reasons to want to avoid inpatient treatment.
First of all, let us assure you that yes, it is possible to do drug detox at home. We’ve gathered the five most important strategies you’ll need to follow to get sober as fast — and most importantly – as safely as possible.
Strategy 1: Detox with Medical Supervision
Attempting to detox from opioids without medical supervision can be extremely dangerous. Your body goes through a series of intense physical and psychological changes when it stops receiving opioids.
If these are not managed by healthcare professionals, you risk experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and health risks such as:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Seizures
- Relapse
- Dehydration
- Death (in severe cases)
If you think your addiction isn’t “that bad” and you can do this on your own, please reconsider. You at the very least risk making your detox much more uncomfortable and sabotaging your chances of truly getting sober.
Medical supervision turns your home detox into a safe and effective process. The healthcare professionals you work with will be able to tailor a plan for you, customize medications that can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and monitor you 24/7 so any complications can be addressed immediately.
Strategy 2: Choose the Right Detox Provider
When you select the right detox provider for you, make sure that they check all the boxes:
- They should have professional doctors and nurses with experience in handling opioid detox.
- They should offer private home detox so you can stay in your familiar environment.
- They should continuously stay with you and monitor you 24/7 during your drug detox at home.
- They should offer a free consultation so that you can reach out to them about their home detox services commitment-free.
Strategy 3: Be Informed and Prepared
When you are educated about the detox process, you can manage your expectations and reduce your anxiety about what’s to come.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary in duration and intensity depending on the opioid you’re addicted to and how long and heavily you’ve been using. However, in most cases, physical symptoms peak within 72 hours and start to diminish after about a week. Psychological symptoms may last a bit longer.
What helps with opiate withdrawal? The right professional support and medications can help you keep symptoms and cravings to a minimum. This is how to get off opiates without withdrawal.
To prepare for your detox at home, you can make sure that your home is comfortable and free from triggers. You can also stock up on essentials like your favorite foods.
The most important part is that you’re ready for the emotional and physical challenges that lie ahead. You should also have a good support system (in the form of a medical team and your closest loved ones) on your side.
Strategy 4: Don’t Wait – Take Action Now
When it comes to how to detox from opioids at home, the time to take action is now. If you procrastinate or delay the decision to start detox, your addiction might worsen, making recovery even harder. The longer you wait, the deeper the addiction can become.
You might never feel truly ready, but you don’t have to be. Napoleon Hill once said, “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”
By getting help now, you avoid your addiction worsening, which would make recovery even harder in the future. You also spare yourself and your family from the pain of a possible overdose that could result from your continued use.
Strategy 5: Utilize Support Systems
Leaning on your loved ones for emotional support can make a big difference during your at-home detox. Here’s how you can involve them:
- Inform Your Closest Circle: Let your family and closest friends know about your decision to detox if you feel comfortable with this.
- Communicate Your Needs: Decide how you want your friends and family to support you. Do you prefer them to check in on you regularly, or would you rather have some space? Communicate these preferences.
- Get Practical Help: Family members can help with daily tasks and provide a comforting and familiar presence.
- Use Your Pets as Comfort: Being around your pets can provide additional comfort and emotional support that helps you stay calm and focused during your private home detox.
One of the biggest benefits of detoxing from opioids at home is that it gives you the luxury of privacy. You won’t have to let your boss, employees, or colleagues know about what you’re going through. If you are someone in the public eye, you will be able to avoid rumors being spread – which could, unfortunately, happen if you check into an inpatient program.
Just Take the First Step!
Now you know how to detox from opioids at home and how to get off opiates without withdrawal symptoms making you feel terrible.
If you want privacy and comfort, then go for an at home detox program. A private home detox keeps you safe and comfortable while you recover in your familiar environment.
At Detox Concierge, we provide detox services such as in home detox for opioids as well as alcohol detox at home. We are a team of experienced medical professionals who are dedicated to making your drug detox at home as safe and stress-free as possible.
We are located in Newport Beach, Orange County, but we also serve areas all over the US.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, take action now. You can reach out to us anytime and schedule your free consultation.
As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Just take that first step! Give yourself the gift of a healthier and happier life, free from addiction.