A Guide to Private Home Detox

Some treatments can help anyone experiencing a substance abuse disorder to recover and resume a life of sobriety. Detoxing is a necessary part of that process. It involves the body being purged of the addictive substance over the course of days or weeks.

The brain and other systems will have become dependent on the chemicals provided by the substance being abused. When it is removed, the body experiences negative withdrawal symptoms as it tries to adapt to sudden changes.

Detox programmes are designed to make this as painless and safe as possible. Symptoms come in various forms but can be very dangerous if experienced without medical supervision.

No one should ever stop taking or significantly reduce their intake of a substance they are addicted to without proper medical care as this can lead to potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms or overdose. At-home detox is one of the safest ways to go through the withdrawal period.

What Makes it Different Than Other Treatment Options?

Private home detox provides a much more tailored approach to treatment that those available at residential or outpatient programmes.

Once a doctor has determined during the initial interview that someone is a good fit for a home detox, there will be 24/7 access to medical assistance to make it easier to accommodate any changes to symptoms, medication dosage, or any complications that may arise over the days or weeks of detox.

During this time, patients will be monitored, encouraged to attend one-on-one and group therapies, and educated about the drug addiction and recovery process.

When to Get Medical Care

Certain signs indicate someone is potentially addicted to a substance. These are good indicators for it being time to reach out to a medical professional about getting private care.

The following physical and psychological signs are the most common:

It takes more of the substance to create the same effect (e.g., physical or psychological dependence)
Withdrawal symptoms begin within hours after the last time the substance was taken
There has been a significant change to moods (e.g., irritability, anger, depression, etc.)
Responsibilities have suffered (e.g., work, school, family)
There is a constant focus on getting more of the substance (e.g., cravings, lying to gain access to the drug, etc.)
An increase in interpersonal conflicts

Determining if Private Home Treatment is Right For You

Home treatments are not right for everyone. There is an increased risk of accidental injury or relapse if there is no one there to help the individual through that period.

There are multiple reasons why a residential facility might better suit some people as they go through detox, so it is essential to speak with the private care facilitator and determine if it is a good fit.

Initial Interview

During the initial interview, there will be someone representing the private home programme who will ask questions about general health, family and personal medical histories, specifics about the current substance abuse issues, and other relevant questions.

Several medical exams may be required as well (e.g., blood pressure, blood analysis, pulse and respiration check, medication check, etc.).

They need to get a full picture of what state someone is in before they can determine whether private home treatment is the correct course of action. Some cases require additional safeguards that can only be found in a residential facility.

Health complications that may make someone ineligible for home detox included the following. Sometimes these can be worked around by having a specialised nurse or medical team member stay at the patient’s home for the length of the detox to monitor.

Still, each case must be weighed and determined on an individual basis.

If they have past experiences with seizures
If they have depression or other mental illness
If they have a significant underlying medical issue or coronavirus
If violent behaviours are a normal part of their mood swings while intoxicated or during withdrawal
If they are pregnant

Benefits of Private Home Detox

Below are the of benefits to private home detox:

Privacy: A considerable benefit of private home detox is the privacy it allows. There is a greater sense of control, as well. This is a confidential service that can help with feelings of shame or guilt
Quick and Accessible: Many times there are long wait times between when someone signs up for residential treatment and when there is a spot open. That means that it is hard to get fast, efficient access to detox treatments when normal out-patient is not an option. Private home care is straightforward to sign up for and quick to get started, which means that clients can get seen and through the programme in a fraction of the time
Comfort and Security: Most people feel more comfortable at home. It is familiar and usually a place where they can surround themselves with things that can help counter the anxiety and other symptoms that may come with detox. The only outside influences are ones that have been vetted and allowed in which is in stark contrast to residential facilities where group therapy with strangers is the standard. At-home detox means possibly going out to a chosen therapist or support group and then returning to somewhere secure
Convenience: Some people are not able to put aside their work or family responsibilities for long enough to step away and attend a detox programme elsewhere. Being able to stay at home allows them the convenience of continued contact with their friends, family, and co-workers while still giving them all of the care necessary to go through withdrawal safely
Affordability: While private home detox care can be more expensive than outpatient care, it is still generally more affordable and more accessible to a quick start when compared with residential treatments. The full cost will depend on many factors specific to the individual (e.g., any co-occurring disorders, the extent of the addiction, what substance was being abused, etc.)
Help Overcoming Triggers: Many people with a substance abuse disorder will have triggers in or around their home that will cause mild to severe cravings. Having a medical professional in the house is a great method to address these triggers and find healthy ways of coping so that once the treatment is complete the home will not be a minefield of possible places and items which might set off cravings for the substance

What to Expect During Home Detox

No two private home detox programmes are going to be precisely the same both because different companies have policy variations but also because each individual is going to bring their own unique medical and emotional factors into the equation.

However, some things are going to be a part of every home detox. This includes intake exams, treatment planning, daily monitoring, and additional support resources as needed.

1. Creating a Treatment Plan

During the initial exam, a treatment plan will be set up that outlines what can be expected throughout the timeline of the detox. This includes potential medications, therapies, and aftercare resources.

Having a solid treatment plan is the best way to ensure that expectations are understood for all parties. This can decrease overall anxiety and create peace of mind.

2. Prescription Medication and Other Aspects of Treatment

Prescription medication may be used to eliminate or lessen specific withdrawal symptoms (e.g., depression, flu-like symptoms, anxiety, cravings, etc.).

These are monitored closely so that changes can be made as needed depending on the varying intensity of the symptoms throughout the detox.

Therapy treatments are encouraged during this time to cope with any psychological symptoms and address the root of the addiction. A few other things addressed by treatment might include the following.

Learning positive coping mechanisms
Discovering and dealing with triggers around the home
Drug and addiction education
Nutrition and dietary education

3. Monitoring of Symptoms and Medication Effects

There are several ways a person may be monitored so that their symptoms and medication side effects are kept in check. More severe cases might require a nurse or other medical practitioner to be staying 24/7 at the home to oversee the detox.

Mild symptoms may mean it is acceptable to have daytime only monitoring. The best course of action will be determined during the initial exam and interview.

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How Long Will it Take?

The timeline for detox is going to be determined by the following factors.

How long the substance was abused and to what degree
Any complicating health factors
The severity of past withdrawal or detox attempts
Past history of relapse
Co-occurring disorders
What substance was being abused

Who Can Be Involved?

Anyone who is going to make the process more comfortable to go through is usually encouraged to be involved (e.g., family members, partners, close friends, personal therapists, etc.).

Detox Alone is Not Enough

It is important to know that detox alone is not going to be enough to lead to a full recovery. Some withdrawal symptoms may have long-term consequences, including those that involve mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.).

Maintained sobriety also requires being able to overcome cravings, deal with triggers, and maintain emotional stability in the face of difficult circumstances.

This is where aftercare treatments come into play. They are a way to continue recovery once the physical detox and withdrawal are complete.

Aftercare

Treatment is not complete simply because the detox period is over. Addiction is a chronic condition and requires time and continued monitoring to recover fully.

Therapy

Community support groups and one-on-one therapy are vital to a successful recovery. Group meetings (e.g., 12-step programmes, etc.) provide a structured, secure place where anyone can feel understood and heard.

Addiction recovery is a difficult road, but knowing that others understand and can relate is one way to make it slightly more manageable.

One-on-one and family therapy are also helpful with working through the root cause of addiction, learning positive coping mechanisms, and establishing healthy boundaries and expectations.

Medications

It might be necessary to continue taking certain medications to alleviate psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Some can help with overcoming strong triggers as well.

Certain prescribed drugs can help eliminate cravings or make it so that particular substances like alcohol have adverse effects as a way to discourage relapsing.