Many people express anxiety over the prospect of seeking professional treatment for addiction. Although they may know they need help, they’re often fearful of the drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms that can occur. While it’s understandable to be nervous, remember that you can manage these discomforts with proper assistance.
Understanding the Effects of Addictive Substances
Addictive substances can create powerful changes in the delicate chemistry of the brain. As a result, the way the person perceives and responds to his immediate environment can change severely. This is one of the reasons why you need high-quality drug and alcohol withdrawal assistance for those facing the rehabilitation process.
Defining Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal
Understanding the process of drug and alcohol withdrawal can take away some of the anxiety a person might experience surrounding getting help. As your body becomes used to the effects of specific addictive substances, it adjusts to their presence in various ways. When you remove these substances, your body may be confused or overwhelmed in the beginning. Over time, your body will learn to adjust to the absence of these substances in the same way that it changed to their presence.
Symptoms Associated with Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal
Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include a wide array of discomforts. The list below highlights some common forms of withdrawal signs:
- Muscle aches and pains– Many types of addictive substances promote relaxation of the body and mind. After all, this is part of the appeal in using these substances. When a person removes them, however, it can be normal to experience a variety of aches and pains throughout the body.
- Anxiety and irritability– A person experiencing withdrawal from an addictive substance will often become volatile, anxious, depressed, or severely irritable. This change in mood is a regular occurrence as they begin to get used to experiencing stimuli without the effects of addictive substances present.
- High blood pressure– High blood pressure, a rapid pulse, and a faster rate of breathing are all common withdrawal signs. These conditions can be directly related to specific substances. However, they can also just be signs of the stress that removing these substances is creating in the body.
- Sleep disturbances– Sleeping too much or too little is prevalent during the withdrawal stage. Most people experience bouts of insomnia due to the physical and emotional discomforts that withdrawal can present.
- Convulsions or seizures– In severe cases, withdrawal can lead to severe convulsions, seizures, or loss of consciousness. A skilled rehab center can help deal with these severe withdrawal symptoms promptly.
The symptoms of drug withdrawal that a person experiences can vary depending on several factors. For example, these withdrawal symptoms may depend on the specific substance and how long the behavior has been continuing.
Assisting a Loved One Through the Treatment Process
Watching a loved one suffer the consequences of drug or alcohol addiction is emotionally devastating for many people. Alcohol drug education can help the family members of those seeking treatment to understand the complexities of the issue. As a loving family member, you will then be better equipped to offer continual emotional support as your loved one takes that important first step in getting the help he needs.
Steps to Recovery is a skilled rehabilitation facility located in Levittown, PA. The professional treatment team at Steps to Recovery is adept at dealing with the challenges of addiction in a supportive and holistic approach.
You don’t have to let addiction problems control your opportunities for future success and happiness. With the right intervention and tools, you can overcome these problems. Call 267.719.8528 today to learn how Steps to Recovery can help you create a plan for success.