Confronting addiction is a difficult process in all phases, but many patients find that drug withdrawal is the hardest part. Whether heroin, opiate painkillers or meth, withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to downright dangerous. Patients often report that the mental agony of giving up the drug can be the most intense aspect. In an uncontrolled environment where patients attempt to quit on their own, relapse tends to be the most common result. Getting professional help is the best option for those who want to get addiction help.
What Happens During Drug Withdrawal?
Dependence and addiction to drugs and alcohol creates an unnatural state in the body that is completely supported by these substances. When the substances are removed, both body and mind lose that support and go through a variety of uncomfortable symptoms on the way back to normal. Drug withdrawal symptoms depend on the substance being used, the length of time it was used and how much was used. One common symptom tends to be a severe depression that makes patients feel like they will never escape from it.
Physical symptoms can include chills, muscle aches, gastrointestinal upset, sweating and shaking. Depending on the drug, symptoms can start within 24 hours of the last dose, or it may be a few days. Sometimes withdrawal can start within only a few hours or after taking a reduced dose. However, most patients struggling with addiction say that the mental pain of quitting is the worst part. Depending on the substance being detoxed, some withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous to the user’s health. Heroin is said to have some of the most intense withdrawal symptoms that, if left unchecked, can easily lead to a relapse.
Why Relapse is Common During Drug Withdrawal
When patients attempt to stop using drugs or alcohol by themselves, the result is very often relapse. In part, this is due to the strong cravings that happen during withdrawal as a result of a dependence. The other aspect is that addicted people typically begin taking a substance to feel a certain way. Withdrawal tends to exacerbate any previous, original mental issues or negative emotional states that preceded drug use.
Inability to sleep is a common symptom of withdrawal that keeps patients feeling their unwanted feelings, from depression to anxiety to panic. It is common to feel as though there is no end to the symptoms of withdrawal. Patients increasingly become desperate to use again to get rid of the symptoms. A common reason for relapse is that users getting clean want to ease the withdrawal symptoms and end up using, undoing the detox work they have already done.
Medical Detox for Drug Withdrawal
Medical detox is the answer to the uncomfortable pain of withdrawal. This form of detox helps alleviate the pain with medications and give you support throughout your detox process. You get supervision as well as professional support from start to finish. With medical detox at a dedicated facility like Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston, Texas, patients will experience the following:
- A full evaluation for treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms
- Experienced staff and a medically monitored environment
- Safety and security
- Personalized attention
The fear of withdrawal does not have to keep you from seeking help for your addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Are you concerned about heroin withdrawal symptoms or withdrawal from other drugs or alcohol? Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston can help you put a stop to the controlling state of addiction. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery center in Houston, TX, today at 866.516.8356 and begin your journey to recovery. Do not wait to get the help that you or your loved one needs.
