Withdrawals as Your Prison
If you are wondering about withdrawals and their place in rehab, you might be surprised to hear that they have a limited part to play. It is extremely sensitive (painful and possibly life-threatening), but the physical withdrawals from getting clean from drugs or alcohol usually only last about a week.
That doesn’t mean we should take them lightly. Withdrawals are serious business. And there is quite a bit more to be said about withdrawals. So let’s get into what they are and what you can expect from them when you start your addiction treatment.
The Withdrawal Basics: Brain and Body
The best way to understand withdrawals comes when you realize that dependence has come into the picture. Your body does some incredible things every day, all day. Most of the things it does to keep you going are unconscious. They happen without you knowing.
One of these functions includes the way your brain works. When a substance is consumed, it causes changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. Over time with repeated use of drugs or alcohol, the brain adapts to the presence of the substance and changes the way it functions to maintain a balance. The brain allows the drug to supply some of the functions.
A person who uses drugs or alcohol consistently over time develops a brain and body that rely on drugs to maintain normal function. This is dependence.
If the individual suddenly stops or reduces substance use, the brain cannot function correctly, leading to withdrawal symptoms. A person’s physical withdrawals in their body (shaking, nausea, heart rate, etc.) are still a brain issue. Why? Because these neurotransmitters control various body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, muscle tone, and more.
It’s a prison you locked yourself into.
What Are Withdrawal Symptoms?
The specific symptoms and severity of withdrawals will vary. It depends on the substance used (here is an example of fentanyl withdrawals), the use duration, and the individual’s overall health. But the withdrawals will always fall into two categories: physical and psychological.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
These symptoms reflect your body’s response to the sudden or gradual withdrawal of the substance it has grown dependent on. They could include:
- Aches and pains
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Shaking
- Running nose
- Feeling hot or cold
- Seizures
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
When you try to cut out or down from drugs your body has grown accustomed to, you may experience mental and physical problems. You may become disturbed mentally and experience abnormal emotions. Psychological symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Disorientation
- Depression
- Changing moods
Will Withdrawal Symptoms Go Away?
Again, the duration of withdrawals is subjective to each individual. But here is a general timeline for common drug withdrawals.
- Alcohol: Withdrawals from alcohol can start as early as 6-12 hours after the last drink and can last for several days. Symptoms can include tremors, insomnia, anxiety, and confusion.
- Opioids: Withdrawals from opioids such as heroin and fentanyl can start as early as 12-24 hours after the last dose and can last for several days. Symptoms can include muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Benzodiazepines (Benzos): Withdrawals from benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium can start as early as 24-48 hours after the last dose and can last for several weeks. Symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures.
- Stimulants: Withdrawals from stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines can start as early as 24-48 hours after the last dose and can last for several days. Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, and anhedonia.
- Marijuana: Withdrawals from marijuana can start as early as 24-48 hours after the last use and can last for several weeks. Symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and changes in appetite.
Different drug withdrawals have different effects, but any of them can be dangerous. Managing withdrawals should never be something a person does by themselves. There must be medical supervision to monitor vitals and even provide medication, if necessary, to alleviate the symptoms.
Can Withdrawal Symptoms Kill You?
Withdrawals are not a laughing matter. They can be very dangerous. And yes, in certain circumstances, they can kill you. Some are more dangerous than others. Withdrawals from alcohol and opioids tend to carry the biggest physical consequences. These can cause seizures, hallucinations, DT (delirium tremens), raspatory problems, and heart failure. It is extremely important to contact an alcohol rehab center or opioid rehab center if you are considering quitting either of these drugs.
Detox and Getting Help With Drug Dependence
A person who finally decides to find freedom from addiction and dependence will experience withdrawals. It’s like walking through the fire. But it can be done safely, and it will pass—you will get to the other side. This part of addiction treatment is the first step, and it is necessary to get it done safely. A drug rehab center focused on lasting recovery will step in once the detox is done and begin the deeper addiction treatment that brings about lasting recovery.
This is where individuals will enter a drug rehab for lasting recovery. This stage will include such vital aspects of rehab treatment as individual therapy for drug addiction, relapse prevention, support groups, and meetings.
To find out more about what is involved in a drug or alcohol detox treatment and the steps that come after that, call us today (737-279-7505). We are a drug and alcohol rehab for men in Austin, Texas, ready to help you find the tools you need to get your life back.
