Drug addiction continues to impact millions of people each year despite the known dangers of abusing prescription and illegal drugs. If you suspect a friend or loved one is abusing drugs, there are tell-tale signs of drug withdrawals that point to a concerning problem. Those who experience drug withdrawal signs can find relief by enrolling in a drug addiction treatment program.
Outreach Recovery supports individuals who have developed an addiction to heroin, cocaine, cannabis, or prescription opioids. Our substance abuse treatment programs give patients the skills and confidence necessary to break their addiction, as well as teach them healthy life skills that promote long-lasting sobriety. We use a mix of behavioral and holistic therapies along with temporary medical support to ease drug withdrawal symptoms.
For more information on recognizing the signs of drug withdrawal, call 888.897.9284 today to start a healing conversation.
What Causes Drug Withdrawals?
Drug withdrawals occur due to how drugs affect the delicate chemical balance within your body. When you abuse drugs or alcohol for a long time, it causes significant changes in how your body releases dopamine and serotonin. These are two neurotransmitters that regulate happiness, coordination, sleep, and other necessary functions.
When you use drugs on a regular basis, the natural production of these chemicals shuts down. Instead, it relies on a steady supply of the drug to maintain the new chemical balance created by substance abuse. If you stop taking the drug suddenly, drug withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours. These symptoms can include:
- Nause and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
Drug withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the amounts ingested, frequency, and type. These symptoms will persist and increase over a period of 48-72 hours. The risk of relapse is extremely high during this time. The best way to avoid relapse and stop the abuse safely is by enrolling in an addiction treatment program.
Outreach Recovery is a full-service addiction treatment facility that delivers comprehensive treatment programs for anyone struggling with drug addiction. Our programs are tailored to the individual’s symptoms and cause behind the abuse and use behavioral therapies along with medical support to treat all aspects of the disorder.
5 Signs of Drug Withdrawal
Treating drug addiction requires treating the physical dependence caused by drug abuse as well as the psychological cravings that accompany withdrawal symptoms. Treatment programs include behavioral therapies along with medication to ease drug withdrawal symptoms. This has proven to be the best course of action to achieve long-lasting sobriety.
If you suspect a friend or loved one is abusing drugs, here are five signs of drug withdrawal to look for:
- Physical – One of the top signs of drug withdrawal is the physical pain and discomfort it creates. This can include muscle cramps, joint pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal pain that increase in intensity over time. Tremors and seizures are also common with drug withdrawals.
- Emotional – In addition to physical symptoms, drug withdrawals can also cause serious emotional issues as well. This can include feeling irritable, having sudden mood swings, or not wanting to be around anybody. Thoughts of suicide or fantasizing about death can happen in people who use drugs to self-treat other mental health disorders.
- Psychological – Those who turn to drugs to help ease depression and anxiety disorders will experience a worsening of their symptoms during the withdrawal stage. Drug addiction, depression, and anxiety have a close connection, where one disorder can fuel the other.
- Behavioral – The first 72 hours of withdrawal can be very difficult to get through without professional support. They experience intense cravings that can consume their thoughts completely. During the withdrawal stage, people will isolate themselves to avoid questions about their health. If asked directly about any addiction, they may get upset or act aggressively or violently about the accusation.
- Relationships – Drug withdrawals can be extremely hard on relationships, especially if the other person isn’t ready or willing to quit. One of the common causes of relapse during withdrawals is still hanging out with people who use drugs.
Success in battling addiction requires some significant life changes, one being the type of friends you have. If you continue to hang out with the same people or visit the same places where you used drugs, more than likely, it will lead to a relapse.
Contact Outreach Recovery to Enroll in Our Substance Abuse Treatment Program Today
Join Outreach Recovery’s drug addiction treatment programs to safely beat your addiction to cocaine, meth, heroin, or other toxic substances. When you first arrive at our discreet facility, we will run a full health assessment to determine the best course of treatment. Each of our programs consists of a healthy mix of behavioral therapies, holistic therapies, and medication-assisted treatment.
For help with drug withdrawal symptoms, call 888.897.9284 today to schedule a consultation or reach out online to begin the road to recovery.