Stopping substance abuse habits can be a lot harder than people believe. Often, people who attempt to quit experience withdrawal symptoms, which can make recovery difficult for the first few days, weeks, or even months. This withdrawal often drives them back to using. While some symptoms are mild and can be handled during rehab, others can be incredibly uncomfortable or painful. Individuals who experience more intense symptoms of withdrawal may need to go through a detox program before entering an outpatient rehab.
The Cause Of Withdrawal Symptoms
When most illicit substances are first used, people usually experience some sort of high. While coming down from that initial high won’t normally cause problems, repeatedly using in order to achieve the same high can cause severe issues later on.
People who continue their substance use will start building a tolerance to it. Instead of producing the same high, the body will become used to the drug intake and attempt to normalize itself after the substance is ingested. Tolerance by itself won’t cause withdrawal symptoms. However, if people continue substance abuse after a tolerance has been built, they can become physically dependent.
Those that become physically dependent on a substance feel like they have to take it in order to feel normal. By this point, the body has become familiar with the substance and going without it for extended periods of time can cause the body to go into shock. People who become physically dependent will experience withdrawal symptoms hours after their last use. In order to stop the symptoms from rising, some users continue the drug abuse regardless of the consequences.
Why Detoxing Might Be Necessary For People Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms patients experience will vary depending on what they’re using and how long they’ve been using it. There are similar symptoms that can arise in each individual, though, regardless of the substance involved. While many of these symptoms are mild, some can be dangerous if not cared for properly. Some of those symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mood Swings
- Behavioral Changes
- Uncontrollable Shaking
Some people attempting to stop their substance use could even experience life-altering or fatal symptoms, such as:
- Heart Attacks
- Respiratory Failure
- Seizures
- Strokes
Even those that experience mild symptoms may want to go through a detox program before entering rehab. At a detox facility, patients will be able to work with trained professionals who are familiar with the symptoms of withdrawal and will be able to provide them with the support and medical care they need in order to get through the difficult process.
Steps To Recovery Can Help You Determine If Your Withdrawal Symptoms Require You To Go Through Detoxing
Steps To Recovery partners with a detox facility that provides care to patients who need help during withdrawal. In order to determine if you need to go through detox, we’ll meet with you during pre-admission and discuss how withdrawal may be keeping you from a substance-free life. If your symptoms are intense enough, we’ll direct you towards the detoxing facility so you can start your treatment in a way that’s going to be the healthiest and safest for you.
No matter what type of facility you need to begin your recovery, Steps To Recovery can help. We want to help you get the care and support you really need in order to start your addiction treatment on the right foot. You don’t have to let your substance use control how you live your life. Call Steps To Recovery today at 267.719.8528 and talk with a professional staff member about where and how your treatment should begin.
