Each day, people all across California make a life-changing decision to stop abusing drugs. For some individuals, recovery starts with detox, which includes withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. The effects of drug withdrawal can occur when an addict stops using these substances so the body can clear itself of drugs.
Detox and withdrawal symptoms vary for each individual and depend on:
- The substances they are addicted to
- How long they’ve been using
- The individual’s health
- The withdrawal method and how they want to withdraw
Withdrawal can be very brutal depending on the type of substance you abuse, and even sometimes fatal. However, knowing what to expect can help you manage the symptoms and prepare you for the rest of your recovery journey. To learn about drug withdrawal and what to expect, keep reading!
What Are Drug Withdrawals?
Withdrawal is the combination of mental and physical effects addicts encounter after they stop or minimize the use of recreational drugs.
If you’ve been using a high dependency drug and you quit or cut down the use abruptly, you may experience several signs of drug withdrawal. Indeed, withdrawal can be destructive and dangerous in most cases. Hence, you should never try to quit using drugs or alcohol on your own and should always consult a healthcare professional first.
What Are the Signs of Drug Withdrawal?
The signs can range from mild to severe. Your symptoms will depend on the type of drugs you’ve used and for how long. Some signs and symptoms include:
- The loss of appetite since you may start to eat less
- Extreme tiredness: you barely have the strength to do anything, and you constantly feel tired for no reason
- Mood swings: one minute you are happy; the next minute, you are plunged into a pit of sadness that you can’t explain
- Restlessness: this is more common. You feel like you are not doing anything regardless of how preoccupied you may be, and you want to choke yourself with work
- Shaky hands and the inability to maintain balance
- Insomnia: you find it hard to sleep, and even when you do, it isn’t enough
- Constant headaches are common signs of drug withdrawal
- Muscle pains: this is not uncommon because most of these opioid substances bind to the muscles and bones. And when the dosage is reduced or stopped suddenly, it affects the muscular system, triggering pain
- Constipation and vomiting
- Racing heart and high blood pressure
The Best Way to Handle Drug Withdrawal
There are many ways of handling withdrawal. Here are some ways to get through drug withdrawal symptoms with less discomfort:
- Practice relaxation techniques and mindfulness
- Talk with loved ones, family members, or a therapist
- Join a support group
- Attend a medical detox treatment center
Whichever substance dependence you’ve struggled with, we can help you navigate the withdrawal process and keep you safe.
If you’re a struggling addict, it would be quite challenging and unwise for you to navigate a withdrawal process at home by yourself. For many, the distressing symptoms of withdrawal lead to extended drug use and indecision to start recovery.
However, detox is a fundamental first step to recovery. Medically managed detox can help reduce signs of detox from drugs and ensure your safety.
Get Drug Withdrawal Help at Enlight Treatment Center Today!
Enlight Treatment Center is an affordable luxury drug & alcohol rehab in Ventura County, California. We understand how severe the signs of drug withdrawal and detox are, but you need not fret.
Enlight Treatment Center is equipped with the best tools and technology to monitor any critical changes during detoxification. Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer you during detox and the rest of your recovery.
