Misusing addictive substances, such as alcohol and drugs, changes brain chemistry. Individuals who live with addiction develop tolerance to these substances and require larger, more potent doses to achieve the same effects. Sadly, those who habitually use addictive substances also tend to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. These symptoms range widely in severity from uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening. Managing withdrawal symptoms is vital for long-term recovery and short-term safety.
That said, medical drug and alcohol detox is very supportive if you or someone you care about is working to get free from substance use. Managing withdrawal symptoms effectively during this phase is essential, and the team at Evoke Wellness is here to help. We’re reachable at 866.429.2960 or online and have centers in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Texas, and Massachusetts. Our friendly staff looks forward to assisting you as you begin the recovery process.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on which substances a person is using. Symptom severity also differs depending on individual biology, the length of time a person has been using, and the dose they typically use. Nonetheless, there are a few common withdrawal symptoms that many people in early recovery face. These include:
- Headaches and muscular pain
- Shaking
- Nausea or vomiting
- Runny nose
- Gastrointestinal discomfort or dysregulation, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Irritability and brain fog
- Elevated body temperature and abnormal sweating, sometimes including feeling clammy or having goosebumps at the same time
- Drug or alcohol cravings
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Insomnia and exhaustion
In severe cases, withdrawal may include more dangerous symptoms such as seizures, tremors, panic attacks, extreme disorientation, paranoia, or hallucinations.
The Benefits of Detox
Enrolling in a detox program can help manage the intense withdrawal symptoms that immediately follow a person quitting drugs or alcohol. Through medication-assisted treatment, supportive environments, and vitals monitoring, professionals help patients start the recovery journey on the right foot.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
In some cases, doctors administer FDA-approved medications during detox to reduce discomfort. For example, painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with muscle or headaches. Doctors treating opioid addiction sometimes use opioid receptor agonists and partial agonists like methadone and buprenorphine to taper withdrawal and mitigate cravings. Clonidine, a medication that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, may also help during opioid detox. It can reduce anxiety and mood swings and increase attention so that patients manage cravings with greater ease.
Managing Cravings in a Supportive Environment
Because cravings are often intense during withdrawal, detox benefits those in early recovery by keeping them safe from immediate relapse. Unfortunately, a substantial percentage of those who attempt to detox on their own start using again very quickly due to the intensity of cravings and discomfort in the first few days without drugs. Living in a treatment center or hospital during detox means being away from one’s usual substance triggers and sources. This can be a game-changer during this vital but vulnerable time.
24/7 Vitals Monitoring
Managing withdrawal symptoms with professional detox also benefits addiction recovery patients by ensuring their vitals receive consistent monitoring. A doctor’s care significantly reduces the chances of dangerous, unforeseen health outcomes during withdrawal. Dehydration, for instance, is a particularly common side effect of withdrawal and one that can be quickly and easily resolved in a medical context by giving intravenous fluids.
Evoke Wellness offers detox programs in our state-of-the-art treatment centers. Compassionate professionals are ready to help you or a loved one take the first steps toward a better future.
Call Evoke Wellness and Start Detox Now
Why wait to seek qualified assistance in the journey toward lasting sobriety? Evoke Wellness staff are available to answer your questions and help you with intake. Our centers in Texas, Illinois, Florida, Ohio, and Massachusetts offer a wide range of services, and our treatment plans are highly customizable. Get started today by calling 866.429.2960 or filling out our confidential online form.
