When a person decides to quit using drugs and alcohol, they will encounter withdrawal on their path to recovery. Recovery is possible with help, and when you choose a medical detox program Florida residents trust, you’ll be able to find it. But how can you get help learning how to deal with withdrawal symptoms in the meantime? In many cases, medical detox programs can help.
At BoardPrep Recovery Center®, we are proud to offer medical detox services as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment program. Detoxing from any drug or alcohol can be difficult, and it’s important that you do so in a safe and controlled environment. In addition to our detox services, BoardPrep Recovery Center® offers a wide range of addiction treatment programs that have helped countless individuals achieve lasting sobriety. Our approach is tailored to meet the needs of each individual, and we offer a variety of outpatient services. To learn more about our detox services and how they can benefit you or a loved one, please call us at 866.796.4720 today.
How Addiction Works
When a person uses drugs, their brain and body become accustomed to the changes the high provides. A chemical change takes place, creating the dependency that follows. Your body’s reaction to the detox process can lead to a wide range of symptoms that can make it challenging to stay committed to treatment.
Dealing with Withdrawal
There are things you can do to relieve some of the discomforts of withdrawal, and many detox programs will include these strategies. One of the best ways to deal with withdrawal symptoms and avoid a relapse is to be aware of your triggers and not put yourself in situations that may cause you to use again. If you do end up needing to detox, BoardPrep Recovery Center®’s medical detox center in Tampa can make it more comfortable and safer. There is only so much help you can receive during home-based withdrawal.
Timeline of Withdrawal
Withdrawal takes time, and it often depends on which drug you used, how you abused it, how long you’ve been using substances, and how dependent you’ve become. If you have any co-existing disorders, it can also be more difficult.
Side Effects of Withdrawal
The side effects you experience will depend on the above factors as well, but often include the following:
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Depression, anxiety, or mood changes
- Nausea
- Muscle pain, weakness, or shakiness
- Seizures
- Drug cravings
- Heart, blood pressure, or respiratory issues
- Sweating, fever, or chills
- Confusion, memory issues, or trouble concentrating
- Nightmares, paranoia, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts
Are Some Drug Withdrawal Processes More Dangerous than Others?
Withdrawal from some drugs, such as alcohol or opioids, can be more dangerous than others. For instance, alcohol withdrawal may cause seizures, and opioid withdrawal can lead to severe hydration. Both of these can be deadly without proper medical attention.
Another significant danger of going through withdrawal without medical support is the potential for relapse. At times, your withdrawal symptoms may become some intense that you’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of them, including using substances again. However, returning to drug use after going through the initial stages of withdrawal can put you in danger of experiencing an overdose. An overdose can happen when your body is no longer able to tolerate the amount of drugs or alcohol you’re using, and it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Difficulty remaining conscious
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Coma
- Death
If you or someone you love is going through withdrawal, it’s essential to seek professional help right away.
10 Ideas for Dealing with Withdrawal Symptoms
There are several ways you can help alleviate the tough part of withdrawal and help ensure you don’t have a relapse. Not all of these suggestions will work for everyone, so try what works for you.
1. Medical Help
Remember, medical help is a key component of addiction recovery, so don’t discount the importance of getting help for your detox process.
2. Stay Hydrated
Keeping up with your water intake will help you feel less irritable. It will also ease some of the physical discomforts, like headaches.
3. Get Excercise
Gentle exercise will help improve mood, soothe sore muscles, and release tension. It’s also good for your heart, lungs, and blood pressure.
4. Eat Balanced Meals
Eating the right foods will help build up the nutritional deficiency you acquired from using, which will also alleviate some withdrawal symptoms.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
Resting when you feel the need will help combat the times of restlessness. Sleep also helps regulate mood and blood pressure.
6. Join a Support Group
Support is a vital part of any recovery. Having someone to talk to that’s been in your shoes will help you cope. It can also help ease harmful thoughts or keep you from making bad decisions.
7. Try Relaxation Strategies
Relaxation strategies like meditation or yoga can help alleviate stress and reduce tension. It helps you focus on breathing, which can help your blood pressure, lungs, and physical symptoms like headaches.
8. Find a Distraction
Sometimes it’s the mind we need to help, so finding a way to distract yourself is beneficial. Watching movies, reading, or finding something that makes you laugh can help release endorphins, which decrease pain.
9. Pamper Your Body
Baths to help combat sweatiness or chills can also be relaxing. Get a massage to help alleviate sore muscles. Pampering your body during this time helps give it the break it needs to recover.
10. Keep a Journal
Journaling is a way to get out the feelings you’re experiencing and give you a record of them so that you can revisit the journal if you were to get the urge to use substances again.
Get Help Dealing with Withdrawal at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
The key to detox and recovery is to find a professional substance abuse treatment program that works for you. Professional medical help is needed in most cases of addiction. We offer a range of substance use treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
If you need help dealing with withdrawal and overcoming addiction, please call us at 866.796.4720. You are not alone, and our programs can help put you on the road to recovery.
