When the body has become acclimated to the constant presence of drugs or alcohol, certain changes occur so that the body can function under these circumstances. Then, when the drugs or alcohol are stopped suddenly, the body has to undo all those changes. This process, called withdrawal or detoxing, can be very uncomfortable. However, it must be endured to heal from addiction and stop using drugs or drinking. Even for those ready to quit using or drinking, it can be a little frightening if they don’t know what to expect. If you or a loved one has been struggling with addiction and are ready to quit, it can be reassuring to learn about how drug withdrawal feels, what to expect, and what can be done to ease the process.
What Are the Symptoms of Withdrawal?
The symptoms of withdrawal can vary depending on several factors. The course of a person’s withdrawal can be affected by their overall state of health, what drugs or substances they have been using, how long they have been using, and other circumstances. However, there are some symptoms of withdrawal that are fairly universal. Some of these are:
- Depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric symptoms
- Difficulty with sleeping such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems
- Angry outbursts and irritability
- Intense cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Trouble regulating the body’s temperature
- Feeling restless, inability to relax
How Long Does Withdrawal Last and Is It Dangerous?
Withdrawal can last weeks or months depending on the same factors discussed above. Even though the acute phase of physical withdrawal might only take seven to ten days to resolve, withdrawal’s psychological and emotional aspects can last far longer. People trying to quit using drugs or drinking often need to seek treatment at a drug withdrawal treatment center or a licensed drug rehab center.
In most cases, the withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, but in some cases (such as alcohol withdrawal), there are some risks and dangers important to note. Even under non-life-threatening circumstances, withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. For this reason, it is frequently advisable to attend a medically-supervised detox program where patients are monitored around the clock by care staff to make sure that they are safe and as comfortable as possible.
How Can a Drug Withdrawal Treatment Program Help?
As mentioned before, in a medically-supervised detox program, patients are monitored and offered appropriate medications and treatment to help them be as comfortable through the withdrawal process as is possible for them to be. Patients in a treatment program are also given counseling that will help them heal from the psychological trauma of addiction. They will also participate in group therapy with others who have similar experiences. Patients will begin to build a support system that can help them navigate their recovery journey and maintain their sobriety over time. Studies show that individuals who participate in a drug treatment program have a greater chance of staying in recovery and being able to return to their daily life activities easily.
Discover How Liberty Health Can Help Through the Withdrawal Process
If you or someone you care about are struggling with addiction and looking for a drug withdrawal treatment center near New Hampshire, reach out to us at Liberty Health Services at 855.959.4521. Our caring and compassionate staff are available to answer your questions and tell you what we can do to help you and your family start your recovery journey. The best time to seek help is now, so get in touch with us and take the first step towards healing today. We can provide the support necessary to heal.
