One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome on the path of recovery may be drug withdrawal. As far as the drug is alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, the physical and psychological effects of stopping it can be decidedly intense (indeed, sometimes hazardous, without appropriate care).
In the blog post, we are going to discuss the symptoms of drug withdrawal, its duration for various substances, and the safest and most effective methods of treating the condition. Are you or a loved one weighing detox? Valiant Detox and Assessment Center is there to guide you through your healing process with care, compassion, and clinical practice.
What is Drug Withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal is a reaction the body shows when we stop or sharply decrease taking a substance it has become dependent. Upon habitual use of the drug, the body and brain mechanisms adjust to the existence of the drug. The body, when the substance is taken away, has problems rebalancing itself and hence withdrawal symptoms that may vary between mild and severe.
Common Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal
The effects of drug withdrawal greatly differ according to the drug or substance, the quantity of the drug one is using and the period he or she has used that particular drug. The symptoms by substance category are given below in general:
1. Alcohol Withdrawal
- Anxiety, restlessness
- Shaking (tremors)
- Vomiting and nausea
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Seizures ( severe )
- Delirium Tremens (DTs): a medical emergency that includes confusion, a fast heart rate, and hallucinations
Symptoms can usually be stabilized using common alcohol withdrawal medications such as benzodiazepines to avoid complications.
2. Opioid Withdrawal (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl)
- Muscle aches
- Stuffy nose and watering eyes
- Yawning
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chills and goosebumps
The experience of opioid withdrawal is excruciatingly painful, and although rare, it does not normally cause death, though it may result in a relapse when one is left without support.
3. Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
- Panic attacks
- Heart palpitations
- Sleep disturbances
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Opioid withdrawal is very uncomfortable, but in general, it is not life-threatening, although a patient without support can easily relapse.
4. Stimulant Withdrawal (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Bleakness and nervousness
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Cravings of strong drugs
- Suicidal thoughts
Withdrawal of stimulants is primarily psychological and it is important to have psychological support.
Duration and Initial Signs of Withdrawal
How long the withdrawal process lasts and what the withdrawal symptoms are depend on the course of action and drug type, starting hours/days after the intake stops. Every substance has its own history:
Alcohol
- 6–12 hours: Tremor; anxiety; headache; nausea
- 24–48 hours: Risk of seizures
- 48–72 hours: Possible onset of DTs
- 5–7 days: Symptoms usually subside, but sleep issues and cravings can persist
Opioids
- 6-30 hours: At this stage, pain in the muscles, sweating, and restlessness are observed.
- 72 hrs: Supremacy amid the symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting
- 7 10 days: Physical symptoms decrease, cravings persist
Benzodiazepines
- 1 4days: Rebound anxiety, insomnia
- 510 days: Increased withdrawal symptoms
- Weeks to months: Low pseudo injury during tapering
Stimulants
- 24-72 hrs: Crash feeling, fatigue and depression
- 1-2 weeks: The desire to eat more, mood swings
- Weeks-months: it might last a while in cravings and feeling symptoms
Factors Affecting Duration and Severity
The duration and the severity of withdrawal depend on several factors such as:
- Substance type: Certain substances have more serious consequences of withdrawal than others (e.g. benzodiazepines vs marijuana)
- Duration of use: The longer the use, the worse the symptoms become
- Dosage: large doses have the capability of making the withdrawal experience worse
- Polysubstance use: Consumption of more than one substance makes the treatment process difficult
- Physical health: Underlying diseases can complicate withdrawal, physical well-being: Underlying diseases can complicate withdrawal, physical well-being
- Mental health: Feelings of anxiety, depression, and trauma may aggravate it
- Support system: When distress is increased by loneliness or pressure
Due to these variables, the withdrawal should by no means be addressed on a one-size-fits-all basis. Individualized treatment programs such as those of the Valiant detox and assessment center, increase comfort and results.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms Safely
The best and safest way of drug withdrawal recovery is through professional med lab detox, especially for alcohol and benzodiazepines which can have fatal complications. This is how the process of withdrawal can be employed safely:
1. Medical Assessment
An individual is fully assessed before commencing detox: details of prior medical history, substance use, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
2. Drug Withdrawal Medications
Medications can ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications:
- Benzodiazepines are used for alcohol withdrawal to prevent seizures.
- Methadone or Buprenorphine helps ease opioid withdrawal symptoms.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can support mood during stimulant withdrawal.
- Anti-nausea and sleep aids assist with physical comfort.
These are the types of drugs that help in the withdrawal and they are prescribed and are under the supervision of licensed professionals.
3. Tapering
Instead of abruptly stopping the drug, tapering refers to the gradual decrease of the amount of drugs in a way that will avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, especially when it comes to the use of benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
4. Nutrition and Hydration
The body could be depleted during withdrawal. It is vital to take rehydration and balanced nutrition to assist physical recovery.
5. 24/7 Monitoring
In a medical detox facility, the care is given 24/7 to check vitals, anticipate complications, and prevent risks.
6. Therapeutic Support
Although the first stage is detox, mental assistance is essential. Therapy is used to treat emotional symptoms and prepare them ready to long-term recovery.
What Happens After Detox?
Detox cannot be the final step. Unless the triggers of addiction are addressed, one is bound to relapse. Clients who have undergone detoxification in Valiant are directed to evidence-based programs, including:
- Inpatient rehab
- In-depth outpatient treatments (IOP)
- One-on-one and group therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Relapse prevention planning
We think that recovery is a process, not a universal process. That is why our clinical assessments guarantee that you will be directed to the appropriate amount of care after detox.
Get Help Today at Valiant Detox and Assessment Center
Withdrawing drugs does not necessarily need to be an isolated, potentially unsafe process. Valiant Detox and Assessment Center is a supportive and nurturing facility that offers detox, medically supervised, using a healing approach. You can fully rely on our team of skilled professionals as they will be with you at all times, on every step, including assessment, stabilization, and various others.
Contact us (720)-796-6885 now and talk with a caring admissions specialist to get the process started and begin that healthier life, or come to our site to learn more about our full-service detox programs.
Withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming but you don’t have to face them without support. At Valiant Detox and Assessment Center, we provide safe, medically supervised detox and compassionate care to help you through every stage of withdrawal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do drug withdrawals go on for?
The duration of drug withdrawal is determined by the nature of the drug, health of the individual and period and extent of usage of the substance. On average:
- The alcohol detoxification may take 5 to 7 days
- The opioid withdrawal normally takes 7-10 days
- The withdrawal of benzodiazepine can last few weeks up to months because of its intricacy
- The withdrawal of stimulants is characterized by 1 to 2 weeks but the emotional effects can extend up to 3 weeks.
We are able to assist in the management of symptoms effectively and safely at Valiant Detox and Assessment Center even during the withdrawal process which may last as long as possible.
2. What are four tips that can help a person cope with withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal is often hard to cope with, so the correct strategies matter a lot. Four useful tips are as follows:
- Medical supervision Seeking professional supervision during the detox process is both less risky and more comfortable.
- Be well hydrated and nourished- A healthy diet and regular water consumption help in the recovery of your body.
- Seek support to be strong again- Therapy, support groups or persons you love can keep you down to earth.
- Recreation and stress relief- Try to get light exercise, sleep, and meditation to dull the symptoms and anxiety.
All of them are included in your custom care plan at Valiant Detox and Assessment Center.
3. How many days until all withdrawal symptoms are typically gone?
Even then, many of the physical symptoms are likely to subside in 7 to 10 days, whereas certain mental and emotional symptoms like cravings, anxiety, mood swings may take weeks or months to resolve. Recovery periods are associated with different substances and individual cases of a person. Valiant Detox ensures that you become clean after detoxification, and then we offer you continued care in order to sustain your recovery.
