If alcohol or drug use is the focus of someone’s life, they can neglect all other aspects of their life including family obligations, work, health, and hobbies. With the rising US drug abuse and the many overdose-related deaths, it is not unusual for these people to examine their substance use. These individuals may decide to stop using or drinking drugs. However, it is much easier to quit than it seems.
The body can’t recover its balance if an individual is using alcohol or other drugs regularly. People develop psychological and physical expectations around drugs, especially when they are involved in a substance misuse disorder. In these cases, the body’s natural state of homeostasis can be disrupted. They may experience mild to severe symptoms after quitting the use of the substance. This is called withdrawal. The body attempts to find balance.
Withdrawal Signs
Withdrawal can be triggered by many symptoms. This condition usually results in the following symptoms:
Psychological symptoms: Anxiety and irritability, Depression, Sleep problems, and trouble concentrating.
Symptoms: Headaches and disorientation, chest and back pains, heart palpitations. GI problems, shakes, tremors, and excessive sweating.
There are other extreme signs that you need to watch out for. For hallucinations, seizures, or sudden onsets of intense confusion, dial 911 immediately.
Each case is different and withdrawal symptoms can vary. Because every person is different, different substances can affect different parts of the body. withdrawal symptoms are also a part of the body’s quest to return to normal. Here are some examples:
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include high blood pressure and heart rate increases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, and delirium. Alcohol withdrawal affects most organ systems. Without medical intervention, withdrawal may lead to death in extreme situations.
Coke withdrawal symptoms can include increased energy, sleeplessness, extreme restlessness, depression, paranoia, and an increase in appetite. Sometimes withdrawal can cause severe depression and thoughts of suicide.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can include irritability or changes in dietary habits and sleep patterns, nausea, trouble concentrating, vision problems, and diarrhea.
Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, it does illustrate how symptoms can vary between substances. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing unusual withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms Of Post-Acute Withdrawal
Some people who take a large amount or for a long time may have additional withdrawal symptoms. Patients who experience acute withdrawal symptoms can develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) once their withdrawal symptoms subside. This term refers to the psychological and emotional consequences of withdrawal that continue long after the initial withdrawal phase.
Individuals can experience intense cravings, depression, and mood swings. They may also feel fatigued, depressed, have mood swings, have or other cognitive impairments. This syndrome is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome. These symptoms may appear as short-term episodes, lasting only a few hours each, and can be unexpected. PAWS is a combination of the many causes of alcohol and drug addiction that puts individuals at risk for relapse over a few years.
To manage PAWS, you need to recognize triggers, take responsibility for yourself, and explore treatment options. This can help individuals to recover and avoid relapse in this difficult time.
Withdrawal Options
This is not always true. Some people may need medical attention for withdrawals. There are many options for withdrawal treatment.
Withdrawal Treatment With Medication
The most common way to manage withdrawal symptoms is with medication-assisted treatments. These medications are used to relieve cravings and chemical imbalances. Such medications can save lives in cases of severe or life-threatening symptoms.
The FDA-approved drugs may be helpful in this regard. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have withdrawal symptoms.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Many patients suffering from withdrawal symptoms can be helped by intensive outpatient treatment. These programs are extensive and include an evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. Patients don’t have to spend time in a residential rehab facility or hospital. This allows them to continue their day while following the treatment plan requirements.
Online outpatient care can be extremely convenient and easily adaptable to patients’ needs. They can assist with managing cravings as well as physical symptoms. If medical-assisted therapy is required, nurses can remotely arrange prescriptions to be sent directly to Great Oaks Recovery Center .