What Happens During Drug Withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal poses a significant challenge in overcoming substance use disorder. At Midwest Recovery Centers in Kansas City, we understand individuals’ difficulties during this recovery phase.

It’s not merely physical; emotional and psychological hurdles are equally daunting. We emphasize providing thorough education and strong support for those taking this vital step toward a healthier, substance-free life.

If you or someone you care about is going through drug withdrawal, this guide offers helpful tips and strategies to manage these challenges. We aim to support you with the information and tools needed for your recovery journey. Together, we can strive for a healthier, substance-free future.

What Is Drug Withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal is a condition where physical and mental symptoms are experienced by a person who reduces or stops using an addictive substance. Symptoms can be caused by alcohol, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and some prescription medications, each causing different effects depending on how they act in the body.

Symptoms of withdrawal depend on various factors: the drug used, length of use, intensity of use, and prior medical history. The heavy and long-term user, for instance, would most likely experience more serious withdrawal symptoms than the light, infrequent user.

Some withdrawal symptoms occur after long-term substance use, disrupting the body’s balance. Stopping leads to cravings and symptoms from mild anxiety to severe issues like seizures. Recognizing these symptoms is vital for successful recovery.

Common Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms from drugs can differ widely depending on the substance involved. Typically, these symptoms are divided into two primary categories: physical and psychological.

Common physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sweating: An increase in perspiration that can be excessive.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feelings of sickness that may lead to throwing up.
• Muscle Pain: Discomfort or aching in muscles.
• Cramping: Sudden pains in the stomach or other areas due to muscle contractions.
• Fatigue: A state of extreme tiredness or exhaustion.
• Tremors and Shaking: Involuntary body shaking, often noticeable in the hands.
• Changes in Appetite: Alterations in the desire to eat may lead to overeating or loss of appetite.
• Rapid Heart Rate: An increased heart rate can feel uncomfortable and alarming.

Common psychological withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety: A feeling of unease or worry about various issues.
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness that can affect daily life.
• Irritability: Increased sensitivity to frustration or a short temper.
• Mood Swings: Rapid mood changes, from extreme highs to deep lows.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Sleep Disturbances: Disruptions in the normal sleep cycle, leading to poor-quality sleep.
• Cravings: Intense urges to use the substance again, which can be powerful and challenging to resist.

In severe withdrawal cases, complications can arise that significantly threaten health, including:

• Seizures: Sudden uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can lead to convulsions.
• Hallucinations: Sensing things that are not present, such as seeing or hearing things that don’t exist.
• Delirium Tremens (DTs): A severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can include confusion, agitation, and intense physical symptoms.

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to significant complications due to their strong dependency and withdrawal effects. It’s essential for those experiencing withdrawal to seek medical supervision for safe and effective symptom management and to lower the risk of severe complications.

Stages of Drug Withdrawal

The drug withdrawal process is a complex journey that typically occurs in three distinct stages: acute withdrawal, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (commonly referred to as PAWS), and stabilization.

The acute withdrawal stage begins within hours to a few days after stopping substance use. It involves intense physical symptoms that vary by substance, including nausea, sweating, agitation, and tremors, lasting from several days to a week. Due to symptom severity, medical detox at a facility like Midwest Recovery Centers is crucial for safety and comfort, with trained staff to manage care.

After the acute phase, individuals enter post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), facing challenges like mood swings, low energy, fatigue, and cravings. Unlike acute withdrawal, PAWS symptoms can persist for weeks or months, making ongoing support essential. Therapy and aftercare programs can help manage these symptoms and provide coping tools for recovery.

The final stage of withdrawal is stabilization. Here, the individual’s physical and emotional state normalizes, marking a crucial step toward recovery as they rebuild their daily routines. This stage includes therapeutic practices addressing addiction’s underlying causes. Through therapy, individuals learn to manage cravings and develop coping skills for long-term recovery, fostering a sustainable path to a healthier, fulfilling life.

Types of Therapy for Drug Withdrawal

Counseling, as a part of an addiction recovery process, should be done early enough for effective management of withdrawal. Midwest Recovery Centers is one of the region’s well-performing facilities, offering various therapies tailored to meet specific individual needs.

Evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, help in battling withdrawal symptoms and restructuring distorted thought patterns. These treatments provide useful techniques for relapse prevention, laying a foundation for healthy living. A strong coping ability ensures better success in the recovery process and helps reinforce coping techniques to promote a stronger mentality.

Traditional psychotherapy and holistic therapies complement recovery since they address the mind, body, and spirit. Various techniques, including yoga, meditation, and art therapy, reduce stress and promote mental health through self-discovery and healing. These methods enhance self-expression and connect individuals with their inner selves, thus helping them complement evidence-based treatments for lasting well-being.

What Therapy Helps With During Withdrawal

Therapy is crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms from substances. It offers emotional support and teaches coping strategies for overwhelming cravings. Additionally, therapy addresses co-occurring mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression, often linked to substance use.

Therapies like individual, group, and family sessions help people rebuild their lives post-addiction. Individual therapy offers personal attention, group therapy fosters community support, and family therapy involves loved ones in the process of addiction.

Family programs support recovery by creating a healing home environment. They equip family members with the knowledge and skills to help their loved ones effectively, fostering compassion and understanding as everyone faces recovery challenges together.

Medical and Therapeutic Support During Detox

Medical detox, the first phase of withdrawal treatment, requires constant medical supervision to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Medications may ease discomfort and help stabilize the individual during this vulnerable time.

At Midwest Recovery Centers, we adopt a holistic recovery approach by combining clinical services with therapeutic modalities. This integration ensures a smooth transition from detox to ongoing care, providing individuals with essential support for long-term recovery success.

Why Professional Help Matters

Attempting to withdraw without medical or therapeutic support can be dangerous and less effective. Professional facilities like ours provide a safe environment, access to medical care, and comprehensive treatment plans. Programs like residential detox and extended care create a structured setting where individuals can focus solely on recovery. Transitional recovery and community-based Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) offer additional support to maintain progress.

Your Journey to Sobriety Starts Here – Don’t Wait, Call Now

Overcoming addiction is a challenging yet vital journey, and drug withdrawal is a crucial first step toward reclaiming your life. With our expert support—including specialized medical detox and individualized therapies—you can face this critical phase with strength and safety. At Midwest Recovery Centers in Kansas City, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate care and proven, evidence-based treatments tailored just for you.

Take charge of your future without delay. If this article speaks to you, please share it to help raise awareness and assist those in need. For additional information or personalized advice, contact our dedicated team today. Together, we can guide you on your journey to recovery and a brighter future.

“Drug withdrawal and detoxification is a very important process as it can be life-threatening, depending on what drugs were being abused, and the patient’s personal health history. Certain drugs need to be medically detoxed, while others are okay to discontinue altogether, but for all patients, this is all a matter dealt with by our expert medical team. We are Joint Commission accredited, led by a team of expert clinical and medical staff that have been doing this for a long time, we are here to do what is right for you. There are so many things that can affect someone’s detox process, that is why our Admissions team does such a thorough job of gathering all the information they do. Our Clinical Director taught our Admissions team all about Locus parameters and how to identify certain features, diagnoses, substance use history, legal issues, medical issues, medications, etc. We want to consider the full picture so that our clinical and medical teams are prepared to help that patient the second they walk in the door. The more information we have, the better equipped our techs, RNs, therapists and managers are to plan for how best to help our clientele. We are in the business of behavioral health, we are treating human beings, so there is not one size fits all approach. We take pride in nurturing every client that we have the honor of interacting with.”

-Taylor Brown, CRADC

FAQs

What are the symptoms of drug withdrawal?

Symptoms vary but may include nausea, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia. Severe cases can involve seizures or hallucinations.

How long does drug withdrawal last?

Withdrawal duration depends on the substance and individual factors but typically ranges from a few days to weeks.

What is the difference between evidence-based and holistic therapies?

Evidence-based therapies are backed by scientific research, while holistic therapies focus on overall well-being. Both can be effective in managing withdrawal.

Is medical detox necessary for withdrawal?

Medical detox is crucial for substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines due to potential complications. It ensures safety and comfort during withdrawal.

How does therapy help with withdrawal?

Therapy provides emotional support, teaches coping skills, and addresses co-occurring mental health disorders to aid recovery.