Withdrawal Symptoms From Drug Detox
Drug detox (or "detoxification") addresses the physical component of drug addiction. Detox is the process of removing all the harmful toxins that drugs bring into the body. However, when an individual undergoes detox, they are likely to experience a series of uncomfortable side effects from the procedure, known as withdrawal symptoms.
While the withdrawal symptoms are rarely life threatening, then can cause the individual to relapse into drug use, or cause suicidal thoughts.
Why Is Drug Detox So Important?
The drug rehab process cannot begin until drug detox is complete. While there are still drug toxins in the bloodstream, the chance of relapse is simply too high. Also, while the individual still possesses these toxins in the body, counseling and other rehab programs will not attain their desired effect. This is why many rehab programs feature detox, on site as part of the program.
Withdrawal Symptoms From Drug Detox
During drug detox, the body is going to go through some changes. Individuals will find themselves going through periods of discomfort as their system, which has come to expect the presence of the drug in question, adjust to life without .
While withdrawal symptoms vary according to the drug in question, the following is a list of some of the most common:
- Anxiety – The thought of not having an upcoming drug fix can causes significant amounts of anxiety and hand-wringing for the individual.
- Paranoia – A more common withdrawal symptoms for some drugs than others, paranoia is caused by the misfiring of the brain during detox.
- Sleeplessness – With opiate drugs such as heroin, Vicodin or OxyContin, the individual going through withdrawal may have a difficult time sleeping through the night.
- Weight loss – When an individual is craving a drug, this hunger for the substance will be stronger than the hunger for food. Thus, many individuals in detox will experience significant weight loss because they simply do not care about eating.
- Suicidal thoughts – One of the most extreme withdrawal symptoms, suicidal thoughts often accompany this process. This is one of several reasons why detox should always be performed under the supervision of a medical professional.
- Depression – Many drugs take control of the pleasure centers of the brain. When the drugs are cut off, the brain has often forgotten how to produce pleasurable feelings on its own. This can lead to depression and a number of other negative symptoms.
Other withdrawal symptoms include
- Joint or muscle pain
- Sweats or chills
- Exhaustion and extreme fatigue
How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms From Drug Detox Last?
Although it varies according to the individual, and the depth of their drug problem, most withdrawal symptoms last between two days and two weeks.
Michael's House is a residential rehab facility that offers a full detox program to its patients. The caring professionals at Michael's House can help guide an individual through detox and the difficult withdrawal symptoms that accompany the process. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.
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