How to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

Addiction is not easy to overcome. One of the reasons it is so difficult to fight is because it leads to withdrawal symptoms. 

When a person uses a drug for an extended period, their body becomes used to having it in its system. When the drug is not in the system, it responds by producing flu-like symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms.

The person knows the only way to overcome these symptoms is to go back to using. This puts them in a dangerous cycle that is difficult to get past. 

But if you go to the right rehab facility, they will give you the tools to manage withdrawal symptoms. Read on to find out more about what you can expect when trying to overcome dependency issues.

What Causes Withdrawal? 

Withdrawal occurs because the body is attempting to reach a new level of homeostasis as the drug leaves its system. This leads to disruptions in brain chemicals that can have negative effects on mental and physical health. 

How Long Does Withdrawal Last?

Withdrawal may last for different lengths of time depending on the type of drug you were addicted to and the severity of the addiction. Symptoms typically start to appear within 24 hours of not using the drug, but this varies. Symptoms will appear just a few hours in some instances, while others may take days before they kick in. 

The symptoms usually go away within two weeks, but sometimes they can last longer. In some cases, they may never go away completely. 

Are Withdrawal Symptoms Fatal? 

Withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable, but they are rarely fatal. However, if you are addicted to alcohol, you may develop delirium tremens. If this condition is not correctly managed, it could cause severe seizures that can result in death. 

Fortunately, delirium tremens are not typical and only effects about 5% of patients. It produces fatalities in only 15% of people affected. 

What are Common Withdrawal Symptoms?

The withdrawal symptoms you experience will vary depending on the type of drug you are recovering from. Here are a few that commonly occur after you stop using addictive substances. 

• Racing pulse

• Agitation

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Sweating

• Hallucinations

• Seizures

• Anxiety

• Tremors

• Insomnia 

• Abnormally high blood pressure

• Trouble sleeping 

• Digestive issues

• Muscle cramps

• Runny nose

• Hot and cold flashes

• Mood swings

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

What Role Do Detox Centers Have During Withdrawal?

The medical staff at a detox center plays an essential role in helping manage withdrawal symptoms. They ensure the patient remains as comfortable as possible throughout the process. They administer medication to minimize symptoms and cravings. They provide supervision to ensure relapse doesn’t occur.  

After withdrawal is complete, patients move on to therapy. During therapy, patients are treated based on their addiction and its underlying causes. This gives them the tools they need for long-term recovery. 

Once therapy is complete, patients move on to aftercare. The facility continues to support them with ongoing treatment to ensure they make a healthy adjustment to sober living. 

How Prevail Recovery Can Help

There are many rehab facilities that can help you manage withdrawal symptoms. But which one is right for you? You can do extensive research to find out, but you may save some time by contacting Prevail Recovery Center first. 

Prevail Recovery operates a comfortable facility in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL. We offer a supervised detox process providing medications to keep patients as comfortable as possible. The process occurs in an inpatient facility where clients are supervised 24 hours a day for as long as needed. 

After detox is complete, patients move on to one of our outpatient programs. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. This allows patients to recover while they continue to go about their daily lives. 

Our therapy is integrated with a dual diagnosis approach. This means patients are simultaneously treated for addiction and its underlying causes. Scientifically proven methods are used to provide lasting recovery. Withdrawal is one of the most challenging parts of the recovery process. Prevail Recovery offers medically-assisted detox that ensures they make it through this stage comfortably and without relapsing. Call today to find out how we can get you on a path to healthier living.