What Are Drug Withdrawals?

Drugs and alcohol can certainly ruin someone’s life. Sometimes it’s a long process, and for others it can happen relatively quickly. If you are looking to quit using drugs or alcohol but are scared of withdrawals, please don’t let that be the reason to not get sober. Unfortunately, there is only one way out of addiction, and it’s to get through withdrawals. Different substances have different withdrawal patterns, and learning how to deal with them can help save a life. Fortunately, there are plenty of addiction treatment facilities that can help you manage withdrawal safely and comfortably. Addiction is a powerful thing but someone that is determined to recover is just as strong.

 What Is Withdrawal?

Withdrawal is defined as the physical and psychological effects that happen to a person and the brain following the abrupt discontinuation of use of a drug or alcohol. This means that when you stop using a drug or other substances that alter your mental or physical state of mind, the way your body reacts is the withdrawal from the substance. Withdrawal is something that all people experience to some degree when they do stop using drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal can vary from drug to drug and from person to person.

Withdrawal can happen to anyone that has been using drugs or alcohol, then either loses access to them, or stops using them all together. Withdrawal can be incredibly scary and can even lead to death in some cases. If you are dealing with withdrawal you can experience mild to extreme side effects, depending on the substance you’re abusing. Above It All strongly suggests detoxing at an addiction treatment facility and not on your own. 

What Is Detox?

The process of detoxification can cause your body to go into withdrawal, as it’s the process of removing toxic substances from your body. Detox at a treatment facility is led by medical professionals to ensure your safety. Detoxing at an addiction treatment facility is also the best way to manage the pain of withdrawal. You’ll be monitored 24/7 by medical staff who are experts in addiction. Above It All is here to match you with a treatment facility that has a professional detox program so you can start your recovery journey the right way. Detoxing at a facility is much safer than detoxing at home and experiencing unmonitored withdrawal symptoms. After you complete detox, the next recommending step is residential inpatient treatment. Once you experience withdrawal, it’s important to learn the coping skills that will help keep you sober, so you never have to withdraw again.

Withdrawing From A Substance

Different drugs create different withdrawal symptoms. See below for the most common withdrawal symptoms associated with the most commonly abused drugs:

  • Cocaine: Depression, feelings of hopelessness, and feeling restless. On average these symptoms last about seven to ten days. 
  • Alcohol: Short term tremors and seizures. Severe alcoholics can experience wet brain during withdrawal or even death. 
  • Opioids: Flu like symptoms; body aches, runny nose, fever, and vomiting. 
  • Benzodiazepines: Anxiety, depression, and seizures. It’s important to not stop using these drugs cold turkey. 

Seeking Addiction Treatment

For those that are struggling with addiction, seeking treatment is going to help you work through the substance abuse and the issues that caused the addiction in the start. Above It All is a free addiction placement service that helps you find the program that is going to work for you and help you recover. Our 24/7 help line is answered by addiction experts who can answer any question you may have about treatment. We offer matching services for detoxification, residential inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and sober living. Reach out to us today to get the help you deserve! 

Drug Abuse – 10 Interesting Facts

Drug-Abuse-10-Interesting-FactsThe number of myths and misconceptions about drug abuse and addiction are staggering. Despite efforts to educate and inform, many still cater to rumor and believe “old wives tales” in an effort to gain understanding on the topic. In this entry, we seek to denounce the rumor mill in hopes of providing some much-needed clarity on the topic at large. Here are 10 facts about drug abuse.

 

 

10 Drug Abuse Facts

1 – Drug addiction and abuse takes its toll on all Americans – Regardless of whether you struggle with addiction in a personal manner, the emotional and financial impact effect stems throughout every town, community, and state.

2 – Drug addiction and abuse costs the American taxpayers an average of $484 billion each year. This number includes lost job wages, healthcare costs, crime, traffic accidents and associated costs of the criminal justice system.

3 – Drug addiction and abuse can be linked to at least ½ of all major crimes committed in the United States, as roughly half of those taken into custody for violent offenses, such as assault or homicide, were under the influence at the time of arrest.

4 – Nearly 2/3 of those found in addiction recovery centers report sexual or physical abuse as children. Studies show child abuse to be a major factor in later life drug addiction.

5 – A stimulant is a drug that provides users with added energy and contentment. Common stimulants include cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and even caffeine, and can be quite addictive.

6 – Many drugs are addictive due to the chemical changes they impose on the brain. Brain chemistry affects how people act, feel and experience life in a general manner. By changing the equation, these substances can cause permanent harm and even psychosis.

7 – Any IV drug use increases the risk of HIV exponentially.

8 – Inhalants encompass an array of office and household products. Users will inhale the fumes emitted by these products to obtain a high. Common inhalants include paints, glues, gas and other chemicals. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the largest at-risk group for inhalant use are adolescents ages 12 – 15.

9 – Though a great many people tend to focus their attention on alcohol and illegal drug abuse, the most addictive drugs are often found in the medicine cabinet. Many people become addicted to medications prescribed by a licensed physician to treat chronic pain, anxiety or sleeplessness. Others steal medications from friends and family members or purchase them illegally.

10 – Though marijuana has garnered a reputation as a medicinal cure-all, the drug offers its fair share of side effects, including memory loss, learning issues, clumsiness, altered reality perceptions and increased heart rate. The THC found in marijuana works to inhibit brain function and can result in long-lasting effects even after a user has quit smoking.

 

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