When you suffer from addiction to a substance, this means you become physically and psychologically dependent on the substance. When you stop taking the drug, you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms. While everyone experiences withdrawal to some degree, the severity of such symptoms are different for everyone.
Levels of Withdrawal
You can experience levels of withdrawal that range from mild to moderate to severe. A mild form of withdrawal may be that of a headache resulting from missing your morning coffee. Withdrawals can be moderately uncomfortable but manageable. However, more severe withdrawal symptoms can bring about the need for medical supervision because not only are such withdrawal symptoms extremely unpleasant, but can be very dangerous.
Factors Affecting Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are not the same for everyone. Several different factors will determine what withdrawal will be like from one person to the next. Such factors include the following:
- The type of drug the person is using
- The length of time the person has been using the drug
- Age and health of the person who’s using
- If the substance was used in combination with other drugs
- Any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symtpoms that are mild can be managed by the person experiencing them. However, moderate or severe symptoms can be dangerous meaning medically supervised withdrawal is necessary. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Informationsymptoms of withdrawal can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety and insomnia. Symptoms can begin to appear as soon as 24 hours after the last use of the drug, so it is imperative to seek help quickly to reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. In extreme cases, withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that the person doesn’t make it through the withdrawal process. The caring and compassionate staff at Hickory Treatment Centers can provide the professional medical care needed to get you or your loved one through withdrawal symptoms safely and with the least amount of discomfort. A person who is going through withdrawals may also experience irritability, sadness and depression.
Treatment for Withdrawal
After onset, withdrawal symptoms typically last for ten days but can linger on for as long as six weeks. The duration of withdrawal symptoms will depend on the drug and the severity of the addiction. It is often necessary to medically monitor an individual who is experiencing severe withdrawals. He or she may be given drugs to counteract the negative side effects of withdrawal.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medications used to treat withdrawal symptoms are safe and effective in helping a person overcome the symptoms leading to a successful outcome. Medications can also be given to reduce a person’s cravings for the drug.
If you are concerned that you are going through withdrawal from a drug or you want to stop using a drug but are afraid of the withdrawal symptoms, help is available. The caring staff at Hickory Treatment Centers is waiting to help you. We have the experience, knowledge and resources to help you get through this difficult period in your life. You can depend on us to keep you safe and comfortable during your withdrawal symptoms. If you’re ready to turn your life around, take that first step and give us a call today.
