Signs of Drug Addiction Withdrawal
Facing the signs of drug addiction withdrawal is often one of the most challenging recovery steps. The symptoms of drug addiction withdrawal can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the drugs you use and how long you’ve been addicted. Some addicts may confuse withdrawal symptoms for mental health disorders, especially if they have con-concurrent conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, many addicts start using again to curb the horrible symptoms associated with drug withdrawal.
Your drug addiction withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the substance you use:
Opioids
- Body aches
- Digestive issues, such as cramps and diarrhea
- High blood pressure
- Body aches
- Vomiting
Cocaine
- A persistent craving to use cocaine again
- Increased depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Methamphetamine
- Increased depression and anxiety
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Constant cravings to use methamphetamine again
- Increased appetite
Benzodiazepines
- Insomnia
- Increased heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Numbness and tingling
- Tremors
Source: WebMD
Why Do Drug Addicts Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?
Your body and brain communicate to maintain homeostasis – a mental state of equilibrium. In other words, homeostasis is your body’s natural balance. Using drugs can shift the equilibrium, which in turn causes your body to adjust to its new homeostasis. Your brain adjusts its emissions of neurotransmitters such as dopamine to help maintain this newfound balance. Neurotransmitters – the brain’s chemical transmitters – give you that “feel-good” sensation after taking drugs. Quitting drugs cold turkey throws your brain’s equilibrium out of balance and subsequently triggers withdrawal symptoms. While you can’t avoid withdrawal symptoms, you can manage them under the care of professionals in a medical detox center and subsequent drug addiction therapy.
Can Drug Addiction Withdrawal Be Deadly?
Yes, detoxing from drug addiction can be deadly. According to UNSW Sydney, two primary contributors to a fatal withdrawal are vomiting and diarrhea. If you don’t treat these two symptoms, you can end up with dehydration, an increased blood sodium level, and ultimately heart failure. Because you can’t predict drug withdrawal symptoms, it’s imperative to detox in a medical facility under 24-7 professional care. You should never attempt to detox by yourself, as doing so could lead to life-threatening symptoms. Not only that, but you might experience severe emotional side effects while detoxing, which would ultimately hinder your ability to treat yourself.
How Long Do Drug Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to drug detox – every recovering addict has different needs depending on their background. The length of withdrawal symptoms primarily depends on two factors – the type of drug you’re addicted to and how long you’ve been using the drug. For some, withdrawal symptoms could only last a few days, whereas others could experience symptoms for months.
The following is a drug withdrawal timeline that you can use as a reference:
- Painkillers and heroin: You can expect withdrawal symptoms roughly eight hours after using the substance. These symptoms can last between four to ten days.
- Long-acting opioids, such as morphine: Withdrawal symptoms appear as soon as two days and can last up to ten days.
- Benzodiazepines: You may start to feel withdrawal symptoms within one to four days after taking your last pill. The worst symptoms kick in after two weeks and can last months or years if you don’t seek substance abuse treatment.
Drug Addiction Detoxification Process
The drug addiction detoxification process is the first step to an alcohol and drug addiction treatment program. Recovering addicts flush toxins from their bodies using medicinal and holistic remedies. Licensed professionals monitor patients around-the-clock to help them ease the physical and mental symptoms caused by withdrawal. After the first few days in detox, recovering addicts begin to plan the next steps in their recovery journey, including subsequent treatment in a luxury drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox could take several weeks of intensive care before individuals transition into a drug rehab program.
Do You Need a Professional Drug Detox Program?
If you can answer “yes” to any of the below questions, we highly recommend our professional drug detox program:
- Do you have a persistent craving to consume your drug of choice?
- Are you afraid to stop taking drugs because you want to avoid withdrawal symptoms?
- Would you like to flush toxins from your body under the care of a 24-7 staff?
- Are you ready to quit drugs and lead a life of sobriety?
- After finishing the drug detox program, are you committed to entering our luxury rehab center?
