Drug withdrawal is one of the worst and best aspects of getting sober. The worst aspect is the changes that take place in the body causing you to feel sick and unpleasant symptoms. The best aspect is getting sober and having the rest of your life ahead of you to be free of drugs and alcohol.
Getting to the place of detox can be a rocky road. Abusing substances to the point of being completely out of control is how the detox process starts. This can be pointed out by friends, family, or coworkers, but unless you are doing it for yourself then most likely detox will be unsuccessful.
Your body takes a major beating from ingesting copious amounts of drugs and alcohol on a daily or even regular basis. The brain tells you that you feel good, but your body is actually breaking down from the access of mind-altering drugs. The best thing you can do is get off the drugs and alcohol completely and get into a professional detox program.
- A detox team is instrumental in giving you support right out of the gate. They will do blood work, talk about your drug and alcohol history, and check your health on the mental and physical sides.
- Stabilizing your withdrawal symptoms is the main focus that happens through support and medicine. Checking for other issues that may come up during detox is an important follow through.
- Finding a treatment facility is the next step that occurs after detox. Learning to stay sober comes one day at a time and can depend on the type of rehab you choose.
Having a safe detox is important to help from getting sick. Medical detox eliminates the pain and suffering that can be awful when somebody does it on their own. Different drugs have different withdrawal symptoms that may cause discomfort.
- Opiates: Flu-like symptoms that include fever and chills, muscle spasms, bone pain, cramps, gastrointestinal problems, insomnia, and depression.
- Stimulants: Intense cravings, fatigue, restlessness, anger, and depression.
- Alcohol: Headaches, gastrointestinal problems, sweating, disorientation, agitation, and anxiety.
- Methamphetamines: Paranoia, hunger, abnormal heartbeat, weakness, and nausea.
- Benzodiazepines: Aching joints, hyperactivity, unusual fears, and panic attacks.
Once the body starts eliminating the toxins caused from drugs and alcohol, the body tries to make its way back to some sort of normalcy. Detox can last for a week or more and the first 24-48 hours can be very rough. Having professional help can minimize the suffering that withdrawal is typically known for.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center has a 5-week program that can be designed especially for you or a loved one. Our partial-care program will adorn your soul by disarming your fears and reconnect you to the life you were meant to live. Call our staff today: 844-720-6847
