What Causes Withdrawal?

Drug addiction and substance abuse can negatively impact an individual’s life in a variety of ways – including mentally, physically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. Additionally, the addiction will, directly and indirectly, affect the individual’s loved ones and surroundings. 

While addiction can completely change a person’s life for the worse, there are treatment options and procedures available. Most addiction treatment requires a rigorous detoxification process combined with medication, therapy, behavioral changes, habitual changes, and family support. 

The recovery process can help anyone regain control of their life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy and often comes with a wide variety of complications. Don’t worry; your support system and healthcare providers will help you overcome any obstacles and challenges you might face. 

What is Drug Withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal occurs when an individual stops using or cuts back on drugs or other harmful substances after a period of intense use. During drug withdrawal, the individual experiences a number of physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional changes that make it hard to quit. 

The withdrawal period is crucial during recovery – it’s something most people will experience when trying to overcome addiction. Those who can get through the withdrawal symptoms have a much better chance of long-term recovery than those who don’t.

There are Florida rehab centers and recovery facilities that specialize in helping individuals cope with and overcome the withdrawal process. This is often the first step in recovery and is the main reason why rehab facilities require patients to complete a detox before starting treatment. 

What Causes Withdrawal?

When someone exposes their body to drugs or other harmful substances, it creates a chemical and structural imbalance in the brain and the rest of its organs. Over time, the body gets used to this ‘new normal’ and counters it to help maintain a balance and sense of internal homeostasis. 

When the individual finally stops using the drug, the body must adjust to the change in homeostasis and balance. This is what we know as drug withdrawal and refers to all the different changes occurring in the body. There are two primary causes of withdrawal:

• Tolerance – when someone uses a drug or harmful substance for an extended period, their body grows tolerant to it. This means the drug has less of an effect on the person and often results in the individual taking higher doses to satisfy their high.
• Dependence – the more someone grows tolerant to a drug, the more they use it. The more they use the drug, the more their body grows dependent on it. As a result, they might feel like they can’t live without the drug and are incentivized to use it again.

Getting through drug withdrawal requires close monitoring and professional guidance. It’s not easy to overcome, but it is possible with the right support, resources, advice, treatment, and care. If you or someone you know needs help through the withdrawal process, contact us. 

What are the Most Common Withdrawal Signs?

Everyone has a different experience once drug withdrawal begins, and it largely depends on the drug of choice, how much was taken, how frequently the drug was used, whether or not the drug was combined with another substance, and the individual’s underlying health concerns. 

With that said, some of the most common withdrawal signs and withdrawal symptoms include:

• Changes in diet and eating habits
• Mood changes and mood swings
• Excessive sweating, shakiness, and tremors
• Nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting
• Having a hard time sleeping or getting quality sleep
• Irritability, restlessness, and fatigue

In addition to the symptoms being different in each individual, the amount of time the individual spends in withdrawal is going to be different. That’s why rehab centers must take a tailored and personalized approach to treat withdrawal. Without it, patients would struggle in treatment.

How to Find a Comprehensive Drug Detox Program in Florida

Are you ready to finally put your drug-induced life in the past? Do you dream of the day you get to live a drug-free life? Are you worried that you won’t have the wherewithal to get yourself through the withdrawal process? Does the addiction treatment procedure scare you? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, don’t panic – you’re not alone. There are millions of people out there struggling to overcome addiction every single day, and there are millions of others ready to drop what they’re doing and help you get through it – including us!
At Prevail Recovery Center, we take pride in our human-based approach to drug addiction and substance abuse treatment. In our Fort Lauderdale outpatient rehab, we ensure each patient receives the support, resources, therapy, and medication they need to turn over a new leaf.