Withdrawal Symptoms In Addiction Recovery – When you stop or abruptly reduce your substance intake after days, months, or years of aggressively consuming them, you may have both mental and physical problems.
This is what is called substance withdrawal. The signs and symptoms might range from minor to severe.
If you drink sometimes, you probably won’t face withdrawal symptoms after you stop.
However, if you’ve experienced alcohol or drug withdrawal before, you’re more likely to experience it again the next time you quit.
Therefore, you must know everything about withdrawal symptoms if your loved one faces them to treat them right away. However, finding the right professional help to manage these symptoms may be challenging, so Drug Rehab in Los Angeles can be of immense help.
What Is Withdrawal?
Withdrawal is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops using or reduces their consumption of a substance like alcohol or prescription or recreational medications.
If you quit taking a substance with a high potential for addiction unexpectedly or abruptly or dramatically reduce your use, you may suffer various withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the type of substance and your biological make-up, the strength and length of these withdrawal symptoms might vary considerably.
Withdrawal can be tough and, sometimes, dangerous. Therefore, you should always see your doctor before lowering your substance use.
Causes Of Withdrawal
Alcohol and drugs have a depressing effect on the body. It slows down brain function and alters the way nerves send and receive messages.
Your central nervous system adapts to having a substance around all of the time. As a result, your body works hard to keep your brain alert and your nerves communicating with one another.
When the amount of alcohol or drug in your system lowers suddenly, your brain remains tense. As a result, you face withdrawal symptoms.
If a person is addicted to a medication, he may face withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. The body and brain will react negatively.
Since opioids resemble endorphins to nerve cells, the body stops manufacturing its own natural analgesics, endorphins, in the case of opioid addiction. Instead, the body becomes reliant on this dummy endorphin to function.
When you quickly cease or reduce your substance consumption, your body is thrown off balance again, and withdrawal symptoms may erupt. These symptoms can be both physical and mental, and depending on the substance, they might be deadly.
How Long Do Withdrawals Last?
Withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the substance, how long and how often the individual used it, and overall health. Mild symptoms can appear as soon as six hours after you put your glass down.
More severe problems, such as hallucinations, can emerge in this timeframe, lasting around 12-24 hours after you stop taking the substance and seizures during the first two days after you stop it.
Things that aren’t there can be seen, felt, or heard, just like the withdrawal symptoms. Delirium tremens usually begin around this time. Vivid hallucinations and delusions are among the severe symptoms. Only around 5% of persons suffering from substance withdrawal have them.
What Are Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawing off benzodiazepines like Valium might lead to serious medical issues. Withdrawal from opioid-based drugs like oxycodone usually doesn’t cause medical problems and isn’t life-threatening; however, the symptoms might be unpleasant.
The majority of these symptoms in drug addiction go away after a few days. However, withdrawal symptoms from a high-dose, long-acting opioid like methadone might linger for months.
The symptoms are:
- Appetite fluctuations.
- Mood swings.
- Congestion.
- Fatigue.
- Irritability.
- Muscle ache.
- Nausea.
- Restlessness.
- A stuffy nose.
- Shakiness.
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Sweating.
- Tremors.
- Vomiting.
Treatment Of Withdrawal Symptoms
If your doctor suspects you’re suffering from substance withdrawal, they’ll ask you about your addiction history and how long you’ve been sober. If you’ve ever gone through withdrawal, they’ll want to know more details.
They’ll also talk about your symptoms with you. Finally, they’ll look for other medical disorders during the exam to see if they’re to blame.
Unless you have a significant health problem or have already experienced severe withdrawals, you won’t require much more than a supportive environment to get through it. This includes:
- A peaceful location.
- Bright lighting.
- Limited contact with humans.
- A welcoming and encouraging environment.
- Plenty of water and healthy foods.
If you decide to seek therapy, your doctor will advise you on the best course of action.
You can seek medical help right away if your blood pressure, pulse, or body temperature rises or if you experience more severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations. Your doctor may recommend inpatient care and pharmacological treatment.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and seizures. Your doctor may also prescribe you anti-seizure and antipsychotic medications, as well as other medicines.
How To Cope With Withdrawal Symptoms?
It is critical to have social support whether you are dealing with withdrawal on your own or under the guidance of a doctor. Tell a trustworthy friend or family member so they can keep an eye on you and offer support.
Make it a point to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals. Fried, fatty, or sweet food items can make you feel worse.
Every day, try to get some physical activity. Stretching, walking, swimming, and other activities can all help you feel better.
It’s critical to stay hydrated during withdrawal, particularly if you have flu-like symptoms like nausea and vomiting. So, drink plenty of water every day.
If you have symptoms such as a headache, an upset stomach, or diarrhoea, take the relevant OTC drugs in the indicated quantities.
While withdrawal can sometimes cause sleeping problems, make an effort to get enough rest. Make an effort to stick to a regular sleep schedule and develop decent sleeping habits.
Stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation may also help you cope with your withdrawal symptoms. If you’re having trouble coping or experiencing any concerning symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Putting It All Together
Treating substance withdrawal is a band-aid solution that doesn’t address the root of the problem. It’s a good idea to address therapy for substance abuse or dependency with your doctor while you’re talking about symptom relief.
The doctor can provide you with tips on how to stop drinking. In addition, support groups and competent medical assistance can help people cope with withdrawal and avoid relapsing on their drug usage.
This varies depending on the medications used and the amount of time they were utilized. So, if you want to know more about these, let us know in the comment section.
