Coping with substance abuse is hard, not only for the person using but for their loved ones as well. It’s very difficult watching someone you care about struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Often, it takes hitting rock bottom for someone to admit there’s a problem. Whether it’s an alcohol use disorder or heroin addiction, attending a rehab facility to ease drug withdrawal symptoms is crucial.
Alcoholism vs. Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcoholism is an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcoholism is a non-medical term many people are familiar with. Professionals may be more likely to use the AUD term because it covers a broad range of alcohol-related issues, including varying levels of severity.
Additionally, unhealthy alcohol use includes binging or continuing to drink despite the negative health, relationship, and employment consequences. Unfortunately, an alcohol use disorder isn’t always easy to identify in a society that normalizes alcohol consumption. For example, people regularly drink at weddings, birthday parties, happy hours, or on the weekend. Overall, if your social circle drinks heavily, you’re likely to do the same.
Drinking becomes a problem when you can’t seem to function without alcohol. You may become irritable if you can’t drink or get defensive if someone suggests your alcohol use is out of control. You’ll eventually spend more time and resources on alcohol than on activities you previously enjoyed. Not to mention, you’ll probably withdraw from family and friends who don’t support your heavy drinking.
Common Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
No matter the substance, when you stop using substances you’re physically or psychologically dependent on, you’ll suffer withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how often and how much you use, they’ll range from mild to severe. Withdrawal is an uncomfortable, painful process, which is why so many people continue using. Often, it feels easier and more comfortable to continue using instead of going through the rough weeks of withdrawal.
What can you expect when you stop taking a substance you’re dependent on? Common drug withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Irritability
Overall, they’ll be most intense at the beginning and gradually taper off as addictive substances leave your body.
Most importantly, understand withdrawal can be life-threatening depending on your addiction severity. That’s why it’s so important to have proper supervision when going through the process. With the right treatment and relapse prevention training, you can successfully detox and begin the path to recovery and optimal healing.
Getting the Necessary Treatment
Whether it’s alcohol or other substance you’re struggling with, Steps to Recovery can help. Our addiction treatment center in Levittown, PA provides a collaborative environment where clients receive customized care for successful recovery.
Our treatment programs include:
- Alcohol addiction rehab
- Men’s drug rehab program
- Women’s drug rehab program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Dual diagnosis treatment
We provide treatment in a transparent, collaborative environment, and we work to maintain an intimate setting with an average staff-to-client ratio of 3 to 1. Clients work on daily goals as well as life skills that they’ll use for long-term sobriety.
Are you ready to overcome your addiction to alcohol or drugs? We’re here to help. Contact us today, and we’ll get you started on the transformative journey to recovery. Call 267.719.8528 now.