Over 20 million Americans struggle with some form of substance abuse addiction. For every single one of these individuals, overcoming addiction means going through withdrawal. While addiction withdrawal is a tough part of the recovery process, understanding the definition of withdrawal and a supervised detox program can help you avoid relapse down the road.
Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal
A lot of prospective patients are most worried about the physical symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms are different for everyone, and they also depend on the type of addiction.
Many people, no matter their addiction, suffer from gastrointestinal problems during withdrawal. It’s normal to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Dehydration is also common.
Some patients report a fever or an increase in heart rate. This is the body’s way of responding to stress, and detox is definitely stressful. A runny nose, clammy skin or muscle aches are also possible. In some ways, withdrawal can feel like a bad case of the flu.
Behavioral Symptoms of Withdrawal
Not all withdrawal symptoms are about the body. While the physical symptoms do matter, withdrawal can also impact things like your behavior. It can change how you feel, how you sleep, and how you eat.
Patients going through detox often struggle with their sleep habits. If they were dependent on a depressant like heroin or alcohol, they might find it hard to unwind or sleep without that substance. If they are used to taking a stimulant, they might feel lethargic and tired all of the time. It’s normal for sleep patterns to change during detox, but these changes won’t last forever.
Many people going through withdrawal also start fidgeting more or they might become withdrawn. Some patients get irritable or even violent for no reason. Appetite can also change significantly. Some people are hungry all the time, while others have upset stomachs and little desire to eat or drink.
Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal
Mental health can also be impacted by addiction withdrawal. This is true for everyone, but especially for people who already struggle with a mental health condition. Since mental health disorders are common among those with addictions, this could be a lot of people.
Some patients experience severe anxiety during withdrawal. This is normal because recovery is a huge step. Your body and your brain are learning to function without access to drugs or alcohol, and that isn’t always pleasant. Anxiety often fades, or it can be treated at a later stage.
Depression is also common during withdrawal. For a short period of time, patients might feel like there is no joy or pleasure in life. This is because the brain is registering a shortage of feel-good chemicals, like dopamine, in the brain. This won’t last forever, and patients will soon see that life can be fun, even in sobriety.
How Long Addiction Withdrawal Lasts
For most patients, withdrawal follows the same pattern no matter what the substance. At the onset of detox, mild symptoms begin to appear. They will intensify until they reach the peak. After that point, patients begin to feel better until withdrawal is complete.
The only way to safely overcome addiction withdrawal is with the help of a professional Texas alcohol detox center. Find a rehab center that can help you avoid relapse.