Although many of the addicts often want to quit, the drug withdrawal symptoms make them seek relief through continued substance abuse. If your child is in college and prone to substance use disorders, then a college student drug rehab can offer essential support for recovery.
According to government surveys, an estimated 20 million individuals in the US suffer from substance use disorders every year. Addiction is one of the worst epidemics in the country; it affects the users, families, communities, and the economy.
What Is Drug Withdrawal?
Withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and occur when one tries to quit substance use abruptly. They may cause extreme pain and can even be fatal. As such, these severe and unpleasant symptoms increase the risk of relapsing.
Continued use of drugs makes the body adapt to the presence of the substance in the system. A sudden stop after long-term use can lead to illness and a broad range of symptoms. This happens as the body tries to familiarize itself with the absence of drugs and chemicals.
For example, opioids like painkillers and heroin alter dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. They create euphoria and leave the user with extreme happiness. If you continue using these drugs for an extended period, the mind ceases the production of dopamine, relying on opioids for the effects.
Less production of dopamine after an addict stops using the drugs can lead to depression and anxiety.
The Common Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
In general, the symptoms you’ll experience will depend on the kind of drug you have been using. Prescription drugs and alcohol may cause both psychological and physical symptoms. Conversely, stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine lead to psychological symptoms.
However, there are some common withdrawal symptoms that almost all addicts experience, including:
- Insomnia
- Poor memory and concentration
- Blood pressure increase
- Increase in heart rate
- Dehydration
- Tremors
- Tension in muscles
Is There Safe Recovery?
If you want to quit drug abuse without endangering your life, a medical detoxification facility offers a safe and effective option. A supervised program ensures that mental health professionals will monitor your situation 24/7 during the withdrawal stage. Therapists track your emotional state and vital signs to ensure safety.
Certified addiction treatment centers in California offer a wide range of treatment services, including:
- Alcohol Detox & Recovery
- Prescription Drug Addiction Therapy
- Opiate Addiction Treatment
- Dual-Diagnosis Therapy
- 12 Step Program
Overcome Addiction at Rehab
Some individuals try to quit substance abuse without seeking assistance from a rehab facility. This is ill-advised. Apart from the intense cravings, drug withdrawal symptoms can lead to extreme health consequences, some of which can be life-threatening. This is why many addicts relapse, they tend to self-medicate after experiencing the unpleasant and painful withdrawal symptoms.
For example, alcoholics may experience delirium tremens after several days of avoiding the drink. The condition comes suddenly without any warning. If a drug addict is suffering from seizures, seek immediate medical intervention to save a life.
Depression can commonly affect those trying to quit amphetamine or benzodiazepine. Fortunately, therapists can reduce the adversity of these symptoms by offering customized substance abuse treatment programs in California.
People who quit drug abuse without a rehab program are highly likely to relapse within a year.
The Takeaway
The withdrawal symptoms often last for one to two weeks, but it can be longer for chronic users. After about two days of withdrawal, the symptoms peak and continue for several days or weeks. After this stage, they start fading.
Chronic substance addiction causes numerous negative impacts on society at large. The epidemic has ruined the lives of millions of families in the US. If you’re suffering from addiction, seek immediate help from a rehab center. Although drug withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, finding the right treatment option can ensure long-term recovery.
