Struggling with an addiction is very scary and confusing. You may not understand the withdrawal definition, which can lead many users to continue their substance use. If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there’s a good chance you have gone through withdrawal. You need to understand what’s happening to your body and that help is available.
Want to know more about detox and rehab treatment? Call us today at 866.262.0531.
What’s the Withdrawal Definition?
Your body is extremely complex, and there are many systems in place to help you survive. Your body is constantly trying to maintain a balance of chemicals. Whenever you use anything in excess, it begins to slowly create a dependence. You can develop a dependence on nicotine and caffeine, but drugs and alcohol create worse symptoms.
When substances begin to leave your system as your body removes toxins, withdrawal happens. Your mind and body struggle to cope without the substances. Your brain has billions of neurotransmitters that begin to misfire and cause different symptoms. Depending on your substance of choice, the symptoms of withdrawal can vary.
Drug and alcohol withdrawal is the body’s reaction to abstaining from a drug or alcohol. It can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s important to seek professional help if you’re struggling with addiction.
Withdrawal from Opiates and Alcohol
The symptoms of withdrawal from opiates and alcohol are extremely harsh, as well as dangerous. These symptoms are not only physical but also psychological. Often times, these symptoms are so harsh that people relapse in an attempt to feel well again. As you can see, trying to detox on your own is difficult and nearly impossible.
The symptoms from these substances can include:
- Body tremors
- Anxiety
- Aches and pains
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Insomnia
The symptoms are much more extensive, and some people develop worse symptoms. Alcohol is extremely dangerous, but both substances can result in cardiac arrest. The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can also cause seizures if you don’t have medical help. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Valium, cause similar symptoms and also put you at risk of seizures.
Stimulant Withdrawal
Many people abuse stimulants, such as powder and crack cocaine, meth and prescription amphetamines. While these drugs don’t cause physical symptoms, you should still seek the help of drug detox for other symptoms. The psychological symptoms are very difficult to overcome on your own.
Most people who take stimulants only experience mild side effects, but for some people, the side effects can be more severe. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing stimulant withdrawal:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Headache
It is important to remember that stimulant withdrawal is not life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Withdrawal from stimulants can last for weeks or even months, so it is important to seek help from a professional treatment center equipped to handle detox procedures.
In detox, you will be given medication to help ease the withdrawal symptoms. You will then be given rehab therapy and support to help you overcome your addiction.
Withdrawal Help
Crestview Recovery works closely with a high-quality medical detox facility to provide you with medical attention at all times. This gives you a foundation for recovery, but your journey is just beginning.
Crestview Recovery will help you adjust to a much better way of living. You will learn how to be honest with yourself and others, set healthy boundaries, and find your authentic voice. This is an important step on the road to recovery. We are here for you every step of the way.
Our facility has a beautiful location in Portland, Oregon, which gives you the perfect place to heal. We’re here to provide a wide range of addiction treatment programs in your recovery efforts. Give us a call today for more information at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
