When overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction, there are many different obstacles you might encounter along the way. Recovering from addiction is no minor accomplishment, and it takes an immense amount of courage to work toward sobriety. It’s vital to have a strong support system that you can rely on throughout the process of recovery.
One of the biggest hurdles that recovering addicts encounter is withdrawal. Because the symptoms of withdrawal can be very severe and painful, this is often seen as the most difficult stage of recovery. However, understanding the nature of withdrawal symptoms can help ensure that you know what to expect from the process.
Here’s everything that you need to know about withdrawal symptoms and the role they play in addiction recovery.
Understanding the Withdrawal Process
Withdrawal is your body’s response to a sudden interruption in drug or alcohol use. When you abruptly quit drinking or taking drugs, you begin to develop a powerful craving for the absent substance. As a result, this physical and mental craving will start to manifest itself in a wide range of unpleasant symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can develop at any point in the recovery process. The amount of time it takes for symptoms to appear depends on certain factors, including the type of substance, the duration of use and the method of use. In addition, factors such as your metabolism, lifestyle and genetic profile may play a role in the onset of symptoms.
In most situations, withdrawal symptoms develop about 8 hours after you last used drugs or alcohol. Once 24-72 hours have elapsed, these symptoms typically reach their peak. However, it’s important to note that this is an estimate based on the majority of cases, and your experience may be different.
The length of the withdrawal process is also highly variable. While some patients may only suffer withdrawal symptoms for several days, others might not return to normal until weeks or, in some cases, months later.
What Are the Most Common Withdrawal Symptoms?
No two experiences with withdrawal are exactly alike. However, there are certain warning signs that most recovering addicts have in common. Below are some of the most common symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shakiness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Changes in mood
- Muscle pain
- Restlessness
- Changes in appetite
Because withdrawal can impact patients in such a wide variety of ways, it’s imperative to make sure that you receive the right treatment for your specific needs. By seeking out custom-tailored drug or alcohol addiction treatment, you can significantly boost your chances of achieving long-term sobriety.
Recover From Withdrawal With Professional Support
Attempting to withdraw from drugs or alcohol on your own is extremely risky. Not only can the process be painful and uncomfortable, but it may also pose serious dangers to your health and well-being. The safest way to complete the withdrawal process is by seeking out professional care and support.
At Hickory Treatment Centers, we specialize in a vast range of addiction services, including medical detox. During our medical detox program, you will receive personalized treatment to reduce the risk of dangerous complications during withdrawal. With the dedicated help and support of our highly skilled medical staff, you can work toward overcoming your addiction in a safe and supportive environment.
