Many individuals who struggle with addiction, detox, and treatment are worrying because they might include withdrawal symptoms. Although avoiding withdrawal symptoms entirely is unlikely, they can be managed by medical professionals. Explore why drug withdrawal symptoms exist, when to expect them and how to treat them properly and safely.
Why do Withdrawal Symptoms Appear in Detox?
Withdrawal symptoms develop when individuals who are addicted to drugs cease consumption. In doing so, the body can’t function like it has become used to functioning. The circuitry of the brain, along with the body’s reward system, will be confused by the lack of drugs. A drug detox center can help you get through all that.
This drastic change from drug use to drug abstinence can lead to severe cravings. Also, the body might exhibit signs to encourage users to take their drug of choice once again. Withdrawal symptoms might discourage people from getting sober, but they won’t last forever. At a proper detox facility like Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, our experts can use medication-assisted treatment to help clients.
Typical Timeline for Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
The duration and schedule of withdrawal symptoms will largely depend on the drug of choice, the severity of the addiction, and the health of the individual. When someone has a high tolerance, their withdrawal may be more intense or last longer. Yet, no matter the individual case, withdrawal symptoms are painful. Often, when individuals attempt to self-detox or go cold turkey, they fail because of the extreme discomfort they experience. Most withdrawal symptoms will follow an approximate timeline.
Minor withdrawal symptoms can appear as few as six or eight hours after the last drug use. Then, they will typically develop and become more noticeable. By 24 to 48 hours into the process of detox, withdrawal symptoms might feel like the flu. They tend to peak at 72 hours and steadily improve from then on.
Examples of Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
The exact symptoms of drug withdrawal can vary substantially from person to person. However, there are some common symptoms to expect. Psychological symptoms can include paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Physical symptoms can include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Migraines
- Muscle or body aches
- Problems regulating temperature causing chills or sweating
Detox is the best way to address these physical issues that sprout from drug abuse. However, detox and addiction treatment also involves therapeutic services. Addiction is a complex disease. By providing clients with a broad range of therapies, counselors, therapists, medical professionals, and the individual can create an appropriate treatment plan. Some of the therapeutic services offered at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida include:
- Group Therapy Program
- Individual Therapy Program
- Meditation Therapy Program
- Nutrition Therapy Program
- Talk Therapy Program
- Trauma Therapy
- Yoga Therapy
Treating and Minimizing Withdrawal Symptoms
Having a complete understanding of what symptoms to expect during a drug withdrawal is only half the battle. It is also important to know that these symptoms can be managed and reduced through proper addiction care. Completing a meth or heroin detox in a supervised facility, for example, means help every step of the way.
Supervised drug detox programs can provide medication when necessary to help minimize symptoms of withdrawal. Medical professionals know which medications will be effective. They also know which substances need to be avoided because they have addictive properties. Dehydration is also a common problem that can be avoided with proper detox management.
Drug withdrawal symptoms might not be pleasant, but they can be managed. Serenity House Detox & Recovery offers a range of programs and solutions to help you combat drug addiction. Call 866.294.5306 to lay the groundwork for sobriety today.