About 75% of people in the United States who have addictions go on to live healthy and productive lives, especially if they receive appropriate treatment.¹ One of the first steps of treatment is going through the detox process, which can involve severe withdrawal symptoms. If you want to get treatment for an addiction, learn about withdrawal management and why attending a professional detox center is vital.
Understanding Withdrawal and Withdrawal Management
Withdrawal is a combination of physical and mental effects that occurs when you stop using drugs or alcohol.
Your brain and body usually work in a state of balance, but using substances changes that balance. Your brain begins to adjust by changing the levels of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, act on your brain’s reward system, encouraging further substance use.²
If you stop taking the substance abruptly, your body is again thrown off balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms are often the opposite of the effects the substance causes. For example, if you stop drinking alcohol, which works as a depressant on your central nervous system, withdrawal can cause overstimulation of that system, leading to anxiety and restlessness.
Alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance, but the most common symptoms of withdrawal include³ the following:
- Appetite changes
- Congestion
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sleeping problems
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Fever
- Sweating
Some substances, like alcohol, can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol can cause delirium tremens, especially after a period of very heavy drinking. Although not everyone who goes through alcohol withdrawal will experience it, it can be a life-threatening condition that results in seizures, hallucinations, and cardiac irregularities.
Some drugs, like heroin, cause post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS can last for weeks and even months, with some people experiencing symptoms for up to two years. Some of the symptoms of PAWS are⁴:
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Low energy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Thought fog
- Lack of interest in sex
- Inability to concentrate
The exact timeline of withdrawal symptoms depends on the type of substance you are addicted to, how much of it you use, and how long you have been using it.
Withdrawal Management
If you have an addiction and want to begin treatment, don’t try to go through the detox process on your own. Withdrawal symptoms can be powerful and can make it more likely that you start using again. If you are partly through detox and relapse, you can even put yourself in danger of an overdose because your body will no longer be used to the amount of drugs or alcohol you usually consume.
The most crucial step is to turn to a detox facility for medical detox.
Medical detox involves going through withdrawal with the help of medications and medical professionals who supervise the process. The medications mimic the effects the substance causes on your body and brain to help you avoid the worst symptoms.
Most people with substance use disorders need medical detox, especially people who:
- Have been using substances regularly and in large amounts
- Experience a diminishing effect of the substance over time
- Crave the substance
- Used the substance over an extended period
- Tried to quit and found it impossible without help
Medical detox can help you avoid the discomfort that can discourage you and even lead you to use substances again.
It can also help set the foundation for the rest of your recovery, providing a positive beginning to your journey. Medical detox allows you to receive supervision from medical professionals 24/7. They can adjust your medications to make you comfortable throughout the withdrawal process.
Medical detox can help your chances of recovery because you are not putting yourself at risk of experiencing cravings and other symptoms that can lead to relapsing.
You can also take other steps to make the withdrawal process more accessible, even if you are in a medical detox program.
Eat Nutritious Meals
You want to help restore your body’s balance by eating a healthy diet. People with substance use disorders often have nutritional deficiencies that can make symptoms worse. By eating nutritious meals, you can help your body and mind start healing.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is vital as you go through the withdrawal process at a medical detox facility. Sometimes, your cravings can be your body telling you it needs more water or food to regain balance.
Structure Your Sleep
Withdrawal can wreak havoc on your sleep. This can affect your mood, mental health, and physical health. As you go through the detox process, another withdrawal management strategy to keep in mind is to try to go to sleep around the same time each night and wake up at a reasonable hour. Try to avoid things that can stimulate you before sleep, like watching television or using your phone.
Try Relaxation Techniques
To keep yourself stable and deal with anxiety and other mental health concerns that can impact your recovery, relaxation techniques can be helpful. You can try meditation or breathing exercises. Yoga can also be an excellent option if you feel up to it. Many detox facilities offer the chance to learn ways of managing anxiety and stress.
Get the Help You Need
If you want to break free from the vicious cycle of addiction, going through the detox process safely and with supervision is crucial. At Wolf Creek Recovery in Prescott, AZ, we work closely with one of the leading detox facilities in the state, helping you get past this tough step so that you can then begin treatment at our facilities.
If you are searching for “detox near me,” we can help. Call Wolf Creek Recovery today.
Sources:
[1] https://www.npr.org/2022/01/15/1071282194/addiction-substance-recovery-treatment [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8992377/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/ [4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35838422/
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
