If you or someone you know is in crisis right now: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). For a possible overdose or any medical emergency, call 911. For help finding treatment, the SAMHSA National Helpline is free and open 24/7 at 1-800-662-4357.
The short answer
For alcohol and benzodiazepines, detoxing at home on your own can be life-threatening. Stopping suddenly after heavy or long-term use can cause seizures and other emergencies. Medical supervision is strongly advised. For opioids, stimulants and cannabis, home withdrawal is usually less dangerous physically but can be very hard, so getting support still helps.
Why alcohol and benzodiazepines are different
Your brain adapts to these substances, and stopping suddenly leaves it overactive. The result can be seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion, a racing heart and fever. One 2025 joint guideline from ten medical societies states that abrupt discontinuation of regularly used benzodiazepines can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal carries similar risks.
Warning signs: get emergency help now
Call 911 or go to the ER if you or someone else has:
- A seizure or convulsions
- Hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things
- Severe confusion or disorientation
- A very fast heartbeat, high fever or heavy sweating
- Severe shaking that does not ease
- Thoughts of suicide. Call or text 988.
Do not wait to see if it passes.
What medical detox provides
- Monitoring of vital signs and symptoms
- Medication to reduce symptoms and the risk of seizures
- Fluids, nutrition and rest
- Treatment of medical or mental health complications
- A plan for ongoing treatment
(See [What Is the Difference Between Detox and Rehab?] and [What Happens During the First Week of Rehab?].)
Can any detox be done outside a hospital?
Sometimes. Outpatient withdrawal management can be appropriate for people at low risk, with:
- A doctor’s assessment, often using standard symptom scales
- Someone with you at home
- Regular check-ins and an emergency plan
- A safe home with no other substances
A clinician decides whether you qualify. This is very different from stopping alone at home with no medical oversight. (See [Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab: Which Level of Care Is Right for You?].)
By substance
| Substance | Home withdrawal risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Can be life-threatening | Talk to a doctor before stopping if you drink heavily. Seek emergency care for warning signs. |
| Benzodiazepines | Can be life-threatening | Do not stop suddenly. Ask your prescriber for a gradual, supervised taper. (See [Benzodiazepine Dependence: Why Tapering Should Be Medically Supervised].) |
| Opioids | Rarely life-threatening but very uncomfortable | Ask about medication, which eases withdrawal and lowers relapse and overdose risk. (See [Opioid Addiction Treatment: Buprenorphine, Methadone and Naltrexone Compared].) |
| Stimulants | Mostly emotional: crash, fatigue, low mood | Seek support. Call 988 if you feel hopeless or unsafe. |
| Cannabis | Usually mild: irritability, poor sleep, low appetite | Support and counseling help. |
Myths
- “Quitting cold turkey is fine.” For alcohol and benzodiazepines, it can be dangerous.
- “I can design my own taper.” Do not make your own plan without a doctor. Taper schedules need individual adjustment.
- “Home remedies and supplements are enough.” They do not prevent seizures or dangerous complications.
- “Withdrawal means I need to go back to using.” Returning to use is common, but it is not the only way to ease withdrawal. Medical help works.
If you cannot get into a program yet
- Call a doctor or telehealth provider today and say you want to stop. (See [Is Telehealth Addiction Treatment Effective? Pros, Cons and Costs].)
- Go to an emergency room if you have warning signs or cannot get care.
- Call the SAMHSA helpline (1-800-662-4357) for referrals. (See [How to Get Into Rehab Fast: Same-Day and Next-Day Admission Options].)
- Do not stop alone if you drink heavily or take benzodiazepines daily.
- Do not be alone. Arrange for someone to stay with you and know the emergency steps.
- If opioids are involved, keep naloxone nearby. (See [How to Get Naloxone (Narcan): Where to Find It Free and When to Use It].)
If you are a family member
Learn the warning signs and do not leave the person alone during withdrawal. Call 911 for seizures, hallucinations or confusion, and offer to help them reach medical care.
Frequently asked questions
Can you detox from alcohol at home?
It is risky and can be life-threatening for heavy drinkers. Talk to a doctor first.
Is benzodiazepine withdrawal dangerous?
It can be, including seizures. Taper gradually under medical supervision.
Is opioid withdrawal dangerous?
Rarely life-threatening, but very hard. Medication helps.
What are signs that I need the ER?
Seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion, fast heartbeat, high fever or thoughts of suicide.
Is outpatient detox safe?
For some low-risk people with supervision. A clinician must assess you.
Sources
- Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering (ASAM and nine partner societies), 2025.
- SAMHSA. TIP 45: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. samhsa.gov
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. The ASAM Criteria. asam.org
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Do not stop alcohol or benzodiazepines suddenly without medical guidance.