When you talk to people who have completed a detox program and ask them what it was that prevented them from getting help sooner, many will say they were afraid of withdrawal symptoms. Truthfully, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol is not an enjoyable experience.
Drug withdrawal describes the symptoms your body goes through when you suddenly stop or drastically reduce the use of drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms vary based on the individual, the substances they are using, how much of the offending substance they use, and how long they have used it.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Individuals who try to break free from drugs and alcohol on their own often fail because they cannot deal with the withdrawal symptoms. However, drug rehab facilities can help a person experience the withdrawal process in a dignified manner, surrounded by caring professionals, and in a safe environment.
What Happens During Withdrawal?
The more you use an addictive substance, the more your body becomes dependent on it. With time, your body gets so accustomed to the addictive substance that it adjusts its way of functioning to adapt to the presence of the drug. However, if you quickly stop using the drug, your body doesn’t know how to respond after using it for a long time. You can become violently ill and experience a host of withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to the sudden absence of the drug. For example, opioids, like heroin, mimic your brain’s neurotransmitter dopamine.
These drugs give you a sense of euphoria and happiness. With extended abuse of opioids, your brain will stop producing dopamine. It will rely on the drugs for its dopamine. However, when you stop taking heroin or prescription painkillers, your brain produces less dopamine. The result is that you feel anxious and depressed. Withdrawal symptoms are different based on the drug you are dependent on. In most cases, the withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of the effects that the drug causes. For example, if you take opioids, your gastrointestinal system slows down. This leads to constipation.
When you stop taking opioids, your gastrointestinal system returns to normal functioning, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and cramping. People who are detoxing from methamphetamines may experience psychological symptoms. Alcohol, heroin, and other drugs could produce psychological symptoms. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Cold symptoms
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Depression
A person addicted to multiple substances may have challenging withdrawal symptoms as they will have a mixed type of withdrawal.
Why Is Detox Important for Withdrawal?
Depending on the drug, withdrawal can be as powerful and as dangerous as using the substance. Painkillers, heroin, and alcohol produce potentially dangerous side effects during the withdrawal process because of how they interact with brain receptors and affect the body. A person addicted to these drugs will have the best, safest results if they get professional help from a drug detox or rehabilitation center.
Withdrawal from certain substances can be life-threatening or can make you wish you were dead. Symptoms can last for many days. The withdrawal process can sound intimidating. However, professional drug and alcohol detox centers can help a person safely withdrawal from a substance while minimizing their complications for risk.
Dehydration, seizures, and increased blood pressure are life-threatening if they happen in connection with withdrawal outside of a medical environment. Professional facilities have detox methods that can minimize symptoms, making the recovery process easier. Nothing can completely eliminate the withdrawal process. Your body needs to purge itself of the chemicals that it has become addicted to. However, going through withdrawal in conjunction with a detox program reduces a person’s risk for complications and increases the chances that the rehabilitation process will be successful.
Get Help Today from Caring Professionals
Do you have a strong desire to take the steps to address drug or drug and alcohol addiction? Are you worried about the discomfort of the withdrawal process? Could you benefit from going through a detox program run by caring professionals who are committed to helping you get better? If so, call us today at 833-610-1174. We look forward to helping you.