When you’re suffering from substance abuse it really is paramount to get treatment and head out on the pathway to recovery. There are serious health risks no matter what you are abusing, whether that be alcohol, cocaine, marijuana or any other form of drug and addiction really can cut your life short significantly.

Should it get to that point, you have three options. Firstly, you can let it happen and ultimately see your life unravel and suffer. Or you can do something about it. 

By tackling the problem you have a couple of options too. The most effective is undoubtedly getting treatment and professional help from a rehab centre. Millions of people have done this and successfully spent the rest of their life in recovery. Alternatively, you could alcohol or drug detox at home.

Home detoxing is also common, particularly as rehab can be out of the price range of many, but it also has its dangers and is much less effective than seeking treatment. There are plenty of things you need to know about going it alone, and here are a few home truths you should know about it…

It is dangerous

First and foremost, going through the withdrawal process is more dangerous at home. There is absolutely no two ways about that. Throughout withdrawal for substance abuse, the body suffers many side effects, some more serious than others and if you’re going it alone, you will have very little help or medical assistance available to you, which at its worst, could be fatal.

The likes of seizures, hallucinations and even heart failure can all occur, which is why a controlled environment is much more practical for this process in getting clean.

It could harm relationships

Withdrawal and detoxing at home can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life and it will see you go through all sorts, and most likely not be a very nice person during this time. This can have a lasting impact on those around you and potentially really damage relationships. 

It’s of course vital you do get clean in order to mend a damaged relationship, but do be aware it can be an incredibly difficult time for them too.

You will find it more comfortable

While rehab is far from padded cells, being at home in your own environment will be a more comfortable experience, while you’ll also feel a lot more anonymous going through the withdrawal process.

If you can get a support network in place and create surroundings suitable for withdrawal, ensuring all substances are removed from your home, then it can be a much more comfortable experience and ideally suited to you. However, do make sure you do plenty of research into all avenues before deciding whether it’s right for you.