The first phase of addiction recovery is detoxification. This is where the substance is flushed out of your system. However, there are cases where the patient relapses or starts to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal management is specialized care given to people experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to ceasing use.
According to NCBI, Up to 50% of Alcohol Use Disorder patients experience withdrawal symptoms. This blog will discuss the causes of drug withdrawal, its symptoms, and drug withdrawal services.
DetoxLA is a Los Angeles drug and alcohol detox center that can help you overcome addiction. Contact us today to learn more about available treatment.
What Causes Drug Withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal occurs when a person who has been using a substance regularly suddenly stops or reduces their use. This can cause the brain and body to become physically dependent on the drug, leading to a range of physical and psychological symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of the substance. The severity and type of withdrawal symptoms depend on several factors, including the drug used, the amount used, and the length of time the person has been using the drug.
In people who have become physiologically dependent on drugs, withdrawal is often a psychological response to the absence of a substance. During withdrawal, the body attempts to rid itself of any lingering chemicals caused by the drug. This can cause a temporary disruption in the brain’s functioning accompanied by physical and mental health consequences.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration classifies drug withdrawal into two – acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal.
Acute withdrawal is the emergence of symptoms immediately after discontinuing the substance use. These symptoms vary based on the length of the acute withdrawal period for the substance. For example, the acute withdrawal period for alcohol lasts seven days, while stimulants last between 1 – 2 weeks. Symptoms that last beyond this period are called protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal.
Symptoms of acute withdrawal differ between substances. For alcohol, the patient may experience the following;
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Increased blood pressure
Opioids and stimulants share similar symptoms, but some are specific. These are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Slow thoughts
- Slow movement
- Fatigue
- Fever
These symptoms can become dangerous and affect the patient’s recovery. An experienced medical professional best manages acute withdrawal.
Most protracted withdrawal symptoms are usually psychological due to long-term substance abuse, which alters the brain’s function. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addictive substances like cocaine rewire the brain and accelerate dopamine production, resulting in euphoria. Over time, the brain loses its power to control the chemical, resulting in a shortage. Addicts would need to take more of the substance to experience the same level of pleasure. It is these that produce protracted withdrawal.
Symptoms of protracted withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Reduced libido
- Depression
- Difficulty in concentration
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Cravings
Withdrawal can be fatal if not managed medically. In such situations, you need an experienced team of doctors to help manage these symptoms and alleviate discomfort.
What is Withdrawal Management?
Withdrawal management, also known as detoxification or detox management, is managing the physical symptoms that occur when an individual stops using a substance they have been dependent on. Withdrawal management program aims to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the individual while their body adjusts to functioning without the substance. This can involve medications, supportive care, and monitoring of vital signs to prevent or manage potential health complications. Withdrawal management is typically the first step in a broader substance use disorder treatment plan.
What is the Importance of Withdrawal Management Services During Detox?
The importance of withdrawal management services during detox is as follows:
- Safety: Detox can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, delirium, and even death. Withdrawal management services provide medical supervision to ensure the safety of the individual during this process.
- Comfort: Withdrawal can be a physically and emotionally uncomfortable experience. Withdrawal management services offer medications and other interventions to manage symptoms and make the process as tolerable as possible.
- Success: Withdrawal management services increase the likelihood of successful detox, as they provide support and resources to help individuals overcome the challenges of withdrawal and begin the path to recovery.
- Treatment planning: Withdrawal management services also play a crucial role in developing an individual’s treatment plan, as they provide information about the individual’s substance use history and any co-occurring medical or mental health conditions that need to be addressed.
Contact DetoxLA for Withdrawal Management in Los Angeles
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms doesn’t mean you are in a worse state. It means you are on the right track to recovery. Many people who passed through this phase ended up recovering and living normally. And with the help of medical detox programs like the ones provided at DetoxLA, you can recover and live healthily once again. If you’re or know anyone battling drug and alcohol addiction in Los Angeles, we at DetoxLA are here to help you kickstart your recovery journey.
Our luxury facility provides a safe and comfortable environment to start your recovery. Besides medical detox, we offer drug and alcohol detox and integrate support programs to expedite recovery.