Detoxing at Home

“I got myself into this – I’ll get myself out on my own.”

This is a mindset many people adopt when trying to escape the vice grip of substance addiction. Whether driven by pride, guilt, or the fear of being a burden, it’s easy to believe that going it alone is the best, or only, option.

But detoxing at home alone can be far more dangerous than it appears. In some cases, it can even put a life at risk.

What is meant by “detoxing at home”?

Detoxing at home means the process of stopping substance use and allowing the body to clear out drugs or alcohol in one’s own home, usually without the support of medical professionals.

In the past, almost every alcohol detox programme was carried out in a hospital. This is because your body undergoes severe changes as it detoxes, which can sometimes be dangerous. Some people may have been battling with addiction for years, then go “cold turkey,” meaning they completely stop using. Others may stay at home and try to wean themselves off a substance gradually.

There are now some programmes that offer outpatient detox treatment that can be carried out at home. Treatment providers may set up “at-home detox,” which means you live at home while going through professional treatment. Healthcare professionals will give regular visits and teach you how to monitor your own symptoms.

There are, however, some inherent risks when detoxing at home. The support and professional insights from people who have been trained can often make the difference between complete recovery and tragic relapse. If you’re considering the path of home detox, the risks should not be overlooked.

Why do people consider detoxing at home?

There are many reasons why someone might attempt to detox at home.

The cost of rehab may be the most important factor for many people. Detox services can typically last between 7 and 10 days, with one week costing on average £1,500 to £2,000. This includes any medications needed and accommodation in a recovery environment.

Privacy may be another deterrent for many people. They might recognise that they need to stop taking a substance, with the idea of quietly tackling addiction behind closed doors. A person may feel that professional rehab is an overwhelming experience.

Access to rehab centres may be a problem for some people, too. Not all of us live in a big city with a broad collection of treatment services available.

The motivational factors that make a person consider detoxing at home are understandable, but there are inherent risks in quitting some substances that should be considered before deciding.

Are some substances dangerous to detox from at home?

Yes — and in some cases, attempting to detox from certain substances without medical supervision can be life-threatening. The severity of withdrawal depends on a range of factors, including the substance, how long it’s been used and your overall physical and mental health.

Some of the most dangerous substances to detox from at home include:

• Alcohol: Withdrawal can lead to seizures, hallucinations, or a serious condition known as delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal without medical treatment.
• Benzodiazepines: These medications (such as diazepam or lorazepam) alter brain chemistry and can cause extreme rebound symptoms, including panic attacks and seizures.
• Opioids: While not typically fatal, opioid withdrawal can be agonising and extremely difficult to manage alone. A severe opioid addiction can be one of the hardest to break free from, leading many to relapse when support isn’t adequate.
• Poly-substance use: Detoxing from multiple substances at once adds unpredictability and further risk, especially without medical guidance. Poly-drug use often has hidden risks, even if you’ve tried to anticipate the expected withdrawal symptoms from each substance.

If you or someone you love is dependent on any of the substances above, seeking professional support may be essential for establishing safe, lasting recovery.

Why home detox can carry risks

A person may convince themselves that detoxing at home is their best option, for their finances, or for their own well-being. However, home detox from most substances will carry risks and will likely increase the chance of relapse. If you’re considering going it alone, it may be worth weighing up some of the challenges you’ll likely face, including:

Withdrawal symptoms can turn severe quickly

For people who have had long-term addiction, there can be intense withdrawal symptoms in the immediate days after cessation. These can range from mild to severe, with some approaching life-threatening levels of risk. Mild symptoms may include insomnia and vomiting, while severe symptoms of drugs like alcohol and benzodiazepines can include seizures and delirium tremens.

No medical backup when it’s needed most

If you’re detoxing alone in the comfort of your own home, you may not have help from medical professionals who check your vital signs or respond to emergency complications. Mild symptoms can develop into serious threats very quickly, so having someone you can contact, just in case, can be essential.

The emotional weight of going it alone

Aside from the initial physical withdrawal symptoms you’ll likely experience, there will be an emotional weight that can feel like a burden too heavy to carry alone. Fear, depression, cravings and agitation can make you feel like a dinghy caught in the mercy of a storm. Without the support of others, most people inevitably relapse, just to escape the psychological discomfort and pain.

Red flags: When it’s unsafe to detox alone

We understand that some people will have a support network of friends or family who can, in small ways, help you as you detox from home. However, there may be some clear indicators that detoxing from home is simply running too great a risk. These signs might include:

• You’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms before: Past symptoms like seizures, hallucinations or extreme anxiety mean you’re at higher risk of severe complications this time.
• You’ve been using for a long time or in high doses: The longer and heavier the use, the more intense your withdrawal is likely to be and the harder it will be to manage on your own.
• You have an underlying health condition: Conditions like diabetes or mental health issues can interact dangerously with withdrawal symptoms.
• You’ve tried to detox before and relapsed: If previous attempts failed, that’s a strong sign you need more structured and reliable support to succeed this time.

Recognising these red flags isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a smart step toward staying safe and improving your chances of complete recovery.

Why professional detox is your safer, stronger start

Detoxing with medically trained professionals will give you the best possible chances for lasting recovery. Most, if not all, of the risks inherent to home detox are eliminated in a professional setting.

The benefits of professional detox include:

• Medication-assisted detox: Certain medications can ease symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or cravings, helping you stay comfortable and stabilised through the toughest phase.
• Emotional and psychological support: Trained staff are there not just for physical safety, but for reassurance, grounding and mental health support during difficult moments.
• Around-the-clock care: Trained detox providers can monitor your vital signs and intervene immediately if complications arise.
• Built-in next steps: When detox ends, you won’t be left wondering what to do next. You’ll be guided into further care. Whether that’s therapy, rehab, or aftercare planning, you’ll be kept on a steady path towards a brighter, sober tomorrow.

Where can I find help for my addiction?

If you or someone close to you is considering detox, please remember that you are not alone. At Liberty House, we offer safe, medically supported detox programmes designed to help you take those vital first steps toward recovery with confidence and care.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be looked after by experienced professionals who understand both the physical and emotional challenges of withdrawal. We tailor our care to suit your needs, offering a calm, structured environment where the foundations of recovery are laid.

Choosing professional detox is a powerful step to break free from the confines of addiction and work towards the future you desire. Contact Liberty House today and take your first step towards a healthier, addiction-free life.