Addiction Withdrawals
Addiction withdrawal is never easy to deal with. Indeed, if your addiction is not that deep, then you’ll probably be able to recover on your own. However, if you’ve been struggling with this for some time, it can be even more difficult. This is why you need to know when to get help, so that you may pass the withdrawal stage with much ease.
What Causes Physical Dependence?
Physical dependence is caused by your body getting used to a substance or activity in particular. Addiction affects a person’s behavior and brain, leading to an inability to remain in control. An addict will compulsively consume a substance or undergo an activity, unable to stop, even if it causes them harm.
Physical dependence usually starts small. Also, some substances might cause stronger addictions than others (i.e., opioids). The more a substance is abused, the higher the body will produce resistance. More of the addictive substance will be consumed, to the point where the individual may think they cannot function without regularly ingesting it.
Most Common Types of Withdrawal Symptoms
Every addiction will have its symptoms, depending on the substance that was abused. The chemical structure of the body will also influence these “signs”, as different people may go through different types of symptoms. With that in mind, here are the symptoms that are commonly experienced during withdrawal:
- Stomach pain
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shaking and tremors
- Fatigue
- Excessing yawning and tearful eyes
- Appetite changes
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Shallow breathing
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Seizures
- Dehydration
Depending on the type of addiction, the withdrawal may have different manageability. If the addiction is not that bad, the withdrawal can follow its course without medical intervention. However, for long-term addiction, rehab may be necessary.
The Timeline for Withdrawal
The withdrawal timeline varies from person to person. A detox may happen earlier for one person and a bit later for another. It all depends on the type of substance that was used, along with how long the person has been using it. It will also depend on the weight of the person, their metabolic system, their age, their sex, and other similar characteristics of their body.
Generally, the withdrawal will start around a couple of hours after the patient had their last dose. The symptoms will peak somewhere between 24 and 72 hours, depending on how much substance was used. Some symptoms may also linger for 2-4 weeks.
The cravings, however, may remain for months. Someone who is recovering from an opioid addiction might have to take replacement medication for a while so that they do not spiral back into the addiction.
The Different Types of Withdrawals Based on Substance
Withdrawal tends to have some generic symptoms, regardless of the substance that you are recovering from. However, some symptoms may be differently associated and shifted based on the substance. Here is how withdrawal is manifested in different substance uses:
Alcohol
When someone is withdrawing from alcohol, they might have a feeling of nervousness or anxiety, or perhaps jumpiness or depression (depending on the person). When the alcohol is going out of the system, they might also feel brain fogging, clammy skin, appetite loss, rapid heart rate, agitation, or tremors. In severe cases, patients might also experience severe confusion, hallucinations, or seizures.
Heroin
When someone is recovering from heroin, they might feel multiple symptoms – one that could remind people of bad flu. They can feel bone pain, muscle pain, insomnia, nausea or vomiting, as well as hot and cold flashes. Goosebumps and a feeling of restlessness may also appear.
Cocaine
Withdrawal from cocaine can be similar to heroin withdrawal, with just a few differences. Withdrawal from these substances can cause symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and a feeling of restlessness. It can also lead to slowed movement or thinking, along with increased appetite.
Marijuana
When withdrawing from marijuana, the patient may feel irritability, decreased appetite, insomnia, or anxiety.
How to Ask for Help
Getting over an addiction can be difficult. If the addiction is a long-standing one, it’s essential to begin recovery in a secure and safe environment. Some examples here include a hospital and a rehab facility.
Depending on the facility, you may go for inpatient and outpatient therapy. The course will be chosen by the doctor, based on the severity of the addiction. During this time, support will be offered by a doctor before, during, and after the treatment.
Aside from professional help, you may also want to get help from friends and family. Ask them for their support in this journey of yours. Have them encourage you to consume healthy foods and to exercise. They will also serve as a distraction, as well as to remind you that you have a reason for quitting. Asking for help for your addiction can be easier than it seems.
Going to therapy will also keep your addiction under control. In most circumstances, the cravings may follow you around for months after you quit. Therapy (whether it’s personal or talking with a group) may help keep you grounded.
If you are addicted to more than just one substance, it is recommended that you look for professional help. There is a chance that you might experience something called “mixed withdrawal,” whose course is very difficult to predict. In these cases, it might be recommended for you to go for inpatient medical supervision. This way, you will be constantly taken care of, so that you comfortably go over your withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment at Real Deal
Without the right course of treatment, withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. Real Deal can help you with both inpatient rehab and outpatient therapy, giving you the comfort that you need in order to get the addictive substance out of your system.
Real Deal can also help you with long-term support. Whether you need to kick back an addiction or to ensure you do not spiral back into it, we are here to help you.
Contact us today and take your first step towards recovery and a life free of addiction.