A man finds support while going through detox symptomsIf you have a drug or alcohol addiction and stop using, you’ll go into withdrawal. During this period of recovery, you’ll experience many uncomfortable symptoms. While these vary depending on your substance of choice, understanding common detox symptoms better prepares you for the process.

Gastrointestinal Distress

An upset stomach is, perhaps, the most common detox symptom. Often, the digestive system acts up as the body begins withdrawing. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps are all possible during this process.

Many people also notice a change in appetite. Withdrawing from sedatives and opiates makes you not want to eat. However, people withdrawing from stimulants feel hungrier than normal.

Flu-Like Symptoms

During withdrawal, it’s also common to experience flu-like symptoms. Additionally, an increase in temperature, similar to a fever, may also occur. You might notice a runny nose, sore throat, or cough as well. This is your body’s way of coping with toxins leaving the body.

Disruptions to Your Sleep Cycle

Another common symptom of withdrawal is disruption to your sleep cycle. Just being uncomfortable during your detox makes it harder to sleep. Sleep disruption is more likely if you’re overcoming an addiction to a drug that encourages sleep, like many prescription pain medications and sedatives.

In addition, you might also experience vivid dreams or nightmares. Even when some individuals get to sleep, they don’t necessarily have energy in the morning. This is a normal and short-term response to ending substance abuse.

Depression and Anxiety

While many withdrawal symptoms are physical, many aren’t. For example, depression and anxiety may occur during detox as well. As the brain learns to function without addictive substances, the chemical disruption causes these psychological symptoms to intensify.

Additionally, many people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction also have a mental illness. Once addiction ends, the initial causes begin reappearing. The good news is that these conditions are rarely permanent. In addition, patients in treatment can get help for specific mental illnesses that don’t include substance abuse.

Strong Cravings

Anyone planning to complete drug or alcohol detox should expect to experience cravings. These are strong physical and psychological signals tempting you to use. While they can be severe, know they lessen over time.

When Detox Symptoms End, What Comes Next?

At Steps to Recovery, you can learn how to maintain your newfound sobriety. In a variety of recovery programs, you’ll have access to treatment methods and therapies that include:

• Aftercare and sober living options
• Individual psychotherapy
• Group therapy
• Family counseling
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Life skills training

Detox symptoms are just a small part of the recovery process. At Steps to Recovery in Levittown, Pennsylvania, you’ll make meaningful progress in the fight to overcome addiction. Call 267.719.8528 and start working toward lifelong sobriety today.