Whether you’re suffering from cocaine addiction or you’re battling with alcohol, there are a few symptoms that you can expect. It’s important to be aware of these so you can make the best possible decision for your health.
Alcohol
Depending on how much you drink and how long you’ve been using, you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. You can do some things to help yourself through this difficult time.
When you stop drinking, your body will try to restore its chemical balance. This means it produces more naturally stimulating chemicals like dopamine. This important neurotransmitter helps regulate mood, cognition, and energy. Dopamine also assists with motivation and motor coordination.
You might also experience hallucinations, which are often very detailed imaginative visions. You might also have vivid dreams, rapid breathing, or tremors. Seeking medical attention if you have any of these symptoms is advisable.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to serious. Those who have heavy or long-term use of alcohol or who have anxiety have a higher risk of suffering from severe symptoms.
When you first stop drinking, you might experience anxiety and restlessness. You might also feel a little shaky and have headaches. You might even have nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will monitor your vital signs and check your urine for alcohol.
When you’ve reached a certain point, you might need to go to an inpatient facility for treatment. Inpatient treatment might include monitoring your vital signs, blood tests, and medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and lorazepam (Ativan), can be used to treat these symptoms. These sedatives can help you through the early stages of withdrawal. You might also need a support person. They can remind you of your loved ones, give you an emotional boost, and watch for an overdose.
Your doctor can also test you for any other conditions related to alcohol use. You might need extensive testing, especially if you have no definite history of abstinence from drinking or if you present with fever or altered mental status.
Cocaine
During the withdrawal stage, your body will experience various physical and psychological symptoms. This may include fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. These symptoms are usually temporary and may be eased with medication. However, if the withdrawal is long, you may develop severe depression.
The intensity of the cocaine physical withdrawal symptoms depends on the amount of cocaine you’ve taken and how often. This can range from a few weeks to months.
In the withdrawal phase, you’ll feel intense cravings for the drug. You’ll also suffer from a number of other side effects, including mood swings and a decline in your memory.
Aside from these symptoms, people who have been using cocaine for a long time are at a greater risk of developing severe depression. This can include suicidal ideation and psychotic episodes. If you’re at risk, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The lifeline can provide you with advice and support.
The worst withdrawal symptoms are during the first month after you stop using. You may become very dehydrated and malnourished.
Aside from these physical and mental effects, cocaine withdrawal can cause extreme cravings for the drug. This can lead to relapse. The best way to prevent a relapse is to seek medical treatment.
You can also try out an intensive outpatient program for cocaine withdrawal. These programs last for a few weeks and sometimes include a detox component. In addition to providing you with counseling and other coping skills, these programs will help you identify triggers and provide you with healthy outlets for stress.
Withdrawal from cocaine and alcohol is a complicated process. You’ll need support to get through the process. Talk to a doctor before you begin.
Benzodiazepines
During withdrawal from drugs, the symptoms may range from mild to severe. The type of drug being withdrawn, the length of use, and the degree of dependence are all factors that determine the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Physical withdrawal symptoms can occur immediately after a person stops using a substance. They include nausea, tremors, hallucinations, confusion, and aches and pains. It’s important to keep hydrated during these symptoms.
In addition to physical symptoms, psychological withdrawal symptoms can also occur. These can have a severe impact on an individual’s well-being. If you or a loved one are suffering from these symptoms, it is important to get the help you need.
There are several medications you can take to control withdrawal symptoms. These can include anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders. They can be difficult to withdraw from.
It is important to seek professional help to stop drug use. Your doctor can help you learn more about withdrawal and how to avoid relapse. They can also help you manage your symptoms so that you can maintain your sobriety.
During withdrawal, it is important to get plenty of rest. It’s not uncommon to experience insomnia, restlessness, and agitation. You should try to establish a regular sleep schedule and practice good sleeping habits. You may also want to engage in stress management activities.
If you or a loved one are going through withdrawal, it’s important to seek out support. Find someone you trust and discuss your feelings with them. You can also talk about what worked for you and what didn’t.
The withdrawal process can be uncomfortable and frightening. You’ll likely need to stay in a hospital or residential facility for a few days. You’ll also have to clean up all your drug paraphernalia and remove it from your home.
Opiates
During withdrawal, the body is thrown out of balance and has a difficult time adjusting. This can be uncomfortable, as well as potentially dangerous. Some symptoms include nausea, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and agitation. If these symptoms persist, seek help from a health professional.
Medications can be used to treat specific withdrawal symptoms. These can include anti-anxiety and anti-depressants. These medications can also be used to treat sleep problems.
Other symptoms may include hallucinations, extreme delusions, and seizures. These are severe symptoms that can harm both the person and others. They are a result of the lowered substance levels in the blood.
It is important to get support and find ways to cope with the withdrawal process. During this time, you might need to be close to loved ones or stay in a residential setting. During this period, you may have to perform practical tasks such as driving or doing household chores.
Physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms can last months. During this time, you will need to focus on your mental and physical health. Getting plenty of sleep and eating healthy can help you cope with the withdrawal process. Exercise can also be beneficial.
Getting help from a medical provider is a great option for those who want to avoid relapse. Many insurance providers cover addiction treatment. It can be a challenging time, but it is a necessary part of the recovery process.
During withdrawal, you might have cravings for the drugs you are taking. This is due to your brain learning how to function without substances. If you feel you are struggling with withdrawal, talk with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing.
During this period, you might need a supportive person to keep you on track. Having someone remind you of what is good about you and what you need to work on can be a great source of encouragement.
Treatment options
During withdrawal from drugs, you may experience physical symptoms. These symptoms vary from person to person and can last for weeks or months. You might experience insomnia, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It can be difficult to deal with, but you can get the help you need.
Treatment options for physical withdrawal symptoms from drugs can include medications, medical supervision, and emotional support. It’s important to have someone you can talk to during this time. You should also eat well and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
You should also plan for a follow-up treatment program. This will reduce your chances of relapse. It can be helpful to go to an inpatient facility to receive medical assistance during your detoxification. Inpatient facilities have staff on hand 24 hours a day.
When you are quitting, you can expect a lot of irritability. You might also want to exercise to help improve your mood. You can also get emotional support in a support group or individual counseling.
You might be experiencing a physical craving for the drug you are quitting. Your doctor can prescribe medications to treat your cravings.
Your doctor can also give you advice on what to do during withdrawal. He or she can help you adjust your dosage of medication and monitor your vital signs. Your doctor will discuss your long-term treatment plans.
Some people may be concerned about a medically supervised detox. This is a safe way to get through withdrawal. It can be beneficial for simple withdrawals, as well. During the first week of inpatient rehab, you will undergo a closely monitored detox.
A follow-up treatment plan is necessary to help you stop cravings and prevent relapse. These treatments can include FDA-approved medications.
