Getting addiction help for yourself or a loved one can feel like a daunting task. However, it is also one of the most important moves you may ever make. There are also many red flags that it is time to get help, and withdrawal symptoms are one of those flags. The good news is there are many effective solutions that can help you get past withdrawal symptoms and navigate recovery in the long term.
Better Understanding AUD and SUD Withdrawal
It is important never to minimize or ignore withdrawal symptoms as they can be very dangerous. In fact, withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can even be fatal. This is especially true with alcohol and opioids.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Drugs, “Alcohol use disorder (AUD) was estimated to affect approximately 18% of the general population lifetime and 5% annually. Moreover, it has been estimated that almost 20% of adult patients in the emergency rooms suffer from AUD and that the incidence of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in patients admitted to surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) varies from 8 to 40%, and seems to be associated with infectious complications and a higher mortality rate.” Similar serious complications come from opioid withdrawal syndrome.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, “[S]ymptoms of heroin withdrawal can begin as soon as 4 to 6 hours after last use, peak within approximately 24 to 48 hours, and may last for 7 to 14 days. The experience of opioid withdrawal is characterized by physical symptoms that may include muscle aches and bone pain, abdominal cramps, agitation and anxiety, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, tachycardia, rhinorrhea, and chills.” Many other uncomfortable (often dangerous) withdrawal symptoms often arise when discontinuing the use of alcohol or substances.
Better Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people minimize withdrawals because they don’t realize just how dangerous they can be. This is particularly true for people who have not seen or experienced them firsthand. They often only have the reference to a hangover, in which alcohol or substance withdrawals are significantly more severe.
While everyone’s experience will be different, there are many withdrawal symptoms that are more universal. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Extreme headaches
- Seizures
- Anxiety and depression
- Shaking and sweating
- Cognitive disfunction
- Mood swings and potentially violent outbursts
- Delerium tremens (DTs)
- Wanting to self-harm or having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these are significant side effects. If any, many, or all of these symptoms arise, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought sooner than later.
The Importance of a Safe, Secure, and Professional Detox for Withdrawal Symptoms
Connecting with a professional detox program is crucial for your safety. There is no reason to go through withdrawal symptoms alone. Not only are they extremely dangerous, but they are also exceptionally physically, mentally, and emotionally uncomfortable. A safe, secure, and professional detox can greatly minimize those discomforts.
A safe and secure detox can also ensure that you or your loved one gets the essential hydration and nutrient replenishment you need to begin the recovery process. Many people don’t realize just how depleted of nutrients people struggling with active addiction can be.
According to the clinical journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, “Chronic alcoholic patients are frequently deficient in one or more vitamins. The deficiencies commonly involve folate, vitamin B6, thiamine, and vitamin A… Alcoholism can affect the absorption, storage, metabolism, and activation of many of these vitamins.” Connecting with a professional detox also ensures that you take the next right steps in your recovery.
What Happens After Detox?
An effective detox will always have a plan after the process is over. This often involves connecting you to an inpatient recovery center or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). This essential connection is lost if you try to detox on your own.
A professional detox can also help individuals avoid a relapse. Many people don’t make it through their self-detox because the process is just too painful, and many people who do get through the physical detox wind up relapsing shortly thereafter because they don’t have the recovery help and support that they need.
This support comes from both recovery professionals and recovery peers in a treatment setting. Recovery professionals like therapists can help get to the underlying issues of addiction, and recovery peers can help show individuals that they are not alone and create essential accountability.
Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit at Rancho Recovery
Here at Rancho Recovery, we understand that the detox process can feel a bit scary. But we want you to know that you don’t have to go through this alone.
The iconic American poet Walt Whitman famously said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Let us help show you that sunshine.
Detox is a difficult process, but there are ways to make it less stressful and more comfortable. This includes symptom management with medication, nutrient replenishment, and physical exercise. At Rancho Recovery, clients always receive round-the-clock assistance and support in managing their withdrawal symptoms. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to do this alone. There is hope. For more information about managing withdrawal symptoms in a safe and secure detox, please reach out to Rancho Recovery today at (877) 484-1447.