A series of symptoms known as the withdrawal syndrome, sometimes the discontinuation syndrome, is felt by individuals who have developed a physiological reliance on a substance and then abruptly quit using it or dramatically reduce their consumption. Withdrawal symptoms can be brought on by a wide range of substances, including alcohol, numerous narcotics (both legal and illegal), and some prescription medications. The main subjects covered in this article include withdrawal from alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, opioids, stimulants, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Withdrawal symptoms
After ceasing drug use, a variety of withdrawal symptoms may show up. Some of the withdrawal symptoms that are most frequently felt include the following:
- Appetite changes.
- Temperaments.
- Shivering/chills
- Congestion.
- Depression.
- Fatigue.
- Irritability.
- Myalgia.
- Nausea.
- Restlessness.
- Nosebleed.
- Shakiness.
- Insomnia.
- Sweating.
- Tremors.
- Vomiting.
The most serious symptoms include delirium, convulsions, and hallucinations. Depending on the substance consumed, how long it was consumed, and how much, the kind and intensity of withdrawal symptoms may change.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
There are numerous ways to handle withdrawal symptoms. The following 10 methods can help with the discomfort of withdrawal:
Medical detox
This is the greatest method for managing withdrawal, according to most professionals. Withdrawal has major physical and psychological effects that shouldn’t be disregarded. According to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, roughly 3-5% of people going through alcohol withdrawal have delirium tremens (DTs), a potentially lethal form of withdrawal (NEJM).
Medical detox program at Saving My Tomorrow includes ongoing monitoring and treatment for withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms and urges of the clients can be managed with medication, and they have access to ongoing emotional support to keep them safe.
Regularly exercise
Exercise increases the production of feel-good endorphins in the brain, which can aid in restoring the body’s natural chemical balance. The benefits of exercise go beyond having a better sleep and feeling less stressed and anxious. According to studies published in Frontiers in Psychology, regular exercise has been proven to lessen drug dependence, cravings, and relapse. Cardiovascular exercise, such as walking or running, has been demonstrated to improve physical and mental health and emotional stability during withdrawal.
Balanced lunches
Dietary modifications can have a significant positive impact on the body and mind. It will help if you consume meals high in proteins and other essential vitamins and nutrients to return your body and brain to normal. Alcohol and drugs can deplete the body of essential nutrients. Therefore it’s important to take supplements during withdrawal to speed up healing. Avoiding caffeine, sugar, processed meals, oils, and saturated fats can be advantageous. It could be helpful to take vitamin supplements to replenish the stores lost during active addiction. Studies indicated that almost half of the research participants who were also struggling with addiction had insufficient iron or vitamin A, C, D, or E levels. These findings were reported in Today’s Dietician. Eating healthily can boost feelings of self-worth and self-care, prevent malnutrition, speed up recovery from physical and mental harm, and lower the intensity of desires. When the body is well-nourished, the mind is less likely to feel negative emotions like worry, anger, and despair.
Hydrate
Many people lose water as a result of the extraction process. Enough hydration is necessary for the body to recuperate. Lessening the frequency of these episodes can be accomplished by maintaining healthy amounts of nutritional intake and water consumption.
Schedule your sleep
Sleep is essential for emotional and vital health. When people get adequate sleep, their capacity to think, control their moods and regulate their hunger improves. A good way to improve the quality of your sleep is to observe a bedtime and wake-up schedule consistently. Try to wind down with some soothing activities rather than engaging in stimulating activities like exercise or watching TV just before bed. When in withdrawal and sleep is regularly disturbed, regulating sleep through healthy sleep habits can be useful.
Support group
A fantastic way to meet people who are working on sobriety and who can give advice and encouragement to others just starting is through peer support groups and 12-Step programs (like AA). Receiving assistance while going through withdrawal can lessen the likelihood of relapse. Being with other people who are dedicated to sobriety and have similar goals can be incredibly beneficial during withdrawal and the ongoing recovery process.
Conclusion
People can set themselves up for a successful recovery with effective detoxification management. After completing detox, a person might strengthen their newly found sobriety by enrolling in an addiction treatment program. Although therapy is when recovery takes off after withdrawal, support during withdrawal is essential to ensure it goes well. Check with your insurance company to find out if your insurance will cover any of your detox or rehabilitation program costs.
