Top Drug Detox Symptoms to Expect in Rehab (And How to Cope)

One of the reasons that it can be so hard to stop using is the experience or even the fear of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects of suddenly eliminating a substance from the body once the body has become physically dependent on it.

They can range from mild to severe and can last for days or even weeks at a time. This is dependent on how severe the abuse is and the type of substance being abused.

Below we’ll discuss the top drug detox symptoms to expect in rehab, and how to cope with them.

What Causes Withdrawal Symptoms?

Your body is constantly working to maintain balance. Exposing yourself to a substance for a long period of time throws off this balance and your body adjusts accordingly. If you stop using the new balance that your body has adjusted to is thrown off again. You will experience physical and psychological symptoms as your body tries to regain balance.

Most Common Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can start to appear in as little as a few hours from the last dose. They may differ depending on the substance or substance being abused and how dependent the body has become. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Anxiety or depression
• Irritability or mood swings
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Severe cravings
• Loss of appetite
• Paranoia
• Muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea, sometimes severe
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Flu-like symptoms such as chills, nausea, and vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

How To Cope

While in medically supervised detox you will learn a variety of different ways to manage symptoms. Some techniques include:

• Meditation. Studies have shown that meditation can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also alter the way a person perceives pain, and it promotes a sense of overall relaxation.
• Yoga. Not only is yoga beneficial for muscle aches and pains but it’s also another great practice in mindfulness.
• Journaling. Writing out thoughts and feelings out on paper is a great way to deal with stress. It allows a person to express thoughts and feelings that they might otherwise keep bottled up.
• Counseling. During detox and throughout treatment, therapy is an essential part of recovery. One on one counseling and group counseling offer an opportunity to identify self-destructive behaviors and learn how to respond properly.
• Exercise. Not only is exercise key to maintaining physical health but it’s also a key component of mental health. Physical activity reduces stress, improves sleep quality, and naturally improves your mood. It has also been shown to reduce cravings.

Another way to manage symptoms is by making sure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating properly, and drinking enough water. Your body will heal better if you’re giving it what it needs in the form of proper nutrition and exercise. Substance abuse can cause a number of nutritional deficiencies and these can cause symptoms of their own.

For example, excessive vomiting from opiate withdrawal can cause you to become dehydrated which can cause feelings of dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and fainting.

The Importance of Supervised Detox

While some withdrawal symptoms may be relatively mild, others can be severe. They have the risk of severe complications, even death. There is also the risk of severe psychological withdrawal, relapse, and the potential for overdose. Medically supervised detox is crucial in safely and effectively stopping substance abuse for several reasons.

Once a client enters a supervised detox program their intake counselor will help to create a personalized treatment program based on individual needs and substance abuse history.

Supervised detox provides a safe, clean, and supportive environment. While undergoing treatment clients are assisted in managing their withdrawal symptoms and receive around the clock professional care.

Their symptoms are monitored and treated accordingly while making sure that they are as comfortable as possible. There is no reason to go it alone. For the best possible chance of success, contact Daybreak Treatment Solutions today and let us show you how we can help.

DayBreak is NOT just another drug rehab center – it is a treatment solution founded on the core principles of change. Relapse no longer needs to be a part of your story, call us when you are ready for a life rediscovered…844-447-3239