For people in recovery from a substance use disorder, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely difficult to deal with once you have decided to stop using. Withdrawals happen when you stop using a substance that your body has become dependent on. This is usually due to the long-term use of a substance. Once you have decided to taper off of the substance, or if you quit cold-turkey, your body begins to go through withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be physical or psychological. You feel these symptoms during the time your body is detoxifying itself. Your brain also releases neurotransmitters telling your body that you are craving the substance. You must fight against these withdrawal symptoms. You can do this. We can help.
What Types of Withdrawal Symptoms Could I Experience? How Long Will I Feel Them For?
Withdrawal symptoms can vary due to the type of substance your body has become dependent on, as well as the length of time you spent using the substance. These symptoms can be mild and last a few days or be long-lasting and very pervasive. The four main classes of drugs and their withdrawal symptoms are as follows:
- Alcohol: tremors and/or seizures lasting three days to several weeks
- Benzodiazepines: anxiety and/or seizures lasting weeks or months
- Cocaine: depression and restlessness lasting seven to ten days
- Heroin and prescription painkillers: flu-like symptoms lasting five or so days
Dealing With These Withdrawal Symptoms
Your symptoms can last for a while and be severe if you have been on the substance for a while. The only way to work through them is learning how to cope with the symptoms in a healthy way. Reaching out to our treatment center at Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is a good idea. Our staff can help you manage withdrawal symptoms by getting you into meetings, treating your co-occurring disorders, doing family therapy, and more. We have a program that can be beneficial for you.
The Difference Between Treating the Symptoms and Treating the Addiction
You must know that treating your withdrawal symptoms is not treating your addiction. There are ways to treat withdrawal symptoms, such as with medication that can take the edge off of the symptoms. You have an underlying addiction, though, that must be treated. You will need to learn how to navigate triggers and stay sober so that you can stay on the path to recovery. We can help you with that.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here for you. We have programs that will be helpful. Call us today at (844) 413-2690. We want to help you. Call now.