When you use drugs or alcohol for a lengthy period or time or develop an unhealthy pattern of use, you may develop an addiction. Then, when you stop using the substance, you’ll likely experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are unpleasant feelings that signal your brain needs the drug to operate normally.
Five Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms vary according to the drug you that you use. Drugs like heroin, Xanax and alcohol tend to make users going through withdrawal feel physically ill. Other drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy make the person feel some physical discomfort, but the emotional effects are generally worse.
Your withdrawal will also be different than another person using the same substance. This is because each person’s health, genetics and underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD create a unique experience for withdrawal.
There are several withdrawal symptoms for each substance. However, there are some symptoms that are common to most drugs and alcohol. Five common symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Deadly Symptoms of Withdrawal
Beyond uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms are deadly symptoms that can indicate that an individual may suffer lasting or fatal effects from detox. Alcohol and tranquilizers are the most dangerous substances when it comes to these deadly symptoms. This takes many people by surprise, as they don’t often connect the calming, relaxing effects of these substances with potentially deadly symptoms. It’s also why it is very important to seek the help of a drug treatment center when you plan to quit drinking or using drugs.
Effects of withdrawal from alcohol and tranquilizers can include:
- Seizures
- Heart attacks
- Hallucinations
- Strokes
- Delirium tremens
Prescription painkiller and heroin withdrawal are very uncomfortable but not usually deadly. The deadly aspect comes into play when people going through detox give up on their recovery and relapse. Most people take their usual dose when they relapse, not realizing that their body can no longer handle that amount. This is when most overdose deaths occur.
Getting Through Withdrawal Symptoms with the Help of Rehab
To best get through withdrawal and end your addiction, you need the help of a quality licensed rehab and drug detox center. These experts know what you should expect from withdrawal and make your detox more comfortable through the help of good nutrition, hydration and even medication when necessary. Many of the individuals who work in these places are also in recovery.
Don’t try to go through detox alone. When you’re ready to end your drug or alcohol addiction and enter healthy recovery, call 1st Step Behavioral Health in Pompano Beach, Florida at (855) 425-4846. Make this call now for the supportive recovery you deserve.
