Drug Withdrawal Symptoms and Finding Help for Addiction in the Best Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Centres
What happens when you suddenly stop taking a substance on which you are physically dependent? Withdrawal symptoms are the result of abruptly stopping or decreasing the dosage of a particular drug that you are accustomed to taking on a regular basis. These symptoms vary from one drug to another, but in general, withdrawal symptoms tend to represent an exaggeration of the physical processes that the drug was initially suppressing.
For example, if you have been under the influence of depressive drugs such as opiates or alcohol, your withdrawal is likely to involve overly stimulated symptoms. Or, if you have been abusing stimulant drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, withdrawal symptoms will typically include a rebounding depression of physical function when you stop taking the substance. Acute withdrawal can be very unpleasant and, in some cases, downright dangerous. That’s why medical supervision is the best choice if you are discontinuing certain types of drugs.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Acute alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous and must be handled carefully with close medical supervision. Depending on the severity and duration of alcohol abuse, symptoms may appear within a few hours of the last drink and last up to a week. Seizures, hallucinations, and violent tremors are one of the most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Other symptoms include shakiness, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, an increase in body temperature, and anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
“Benzos,” such as Valium and Ativan, can also cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those experienced when quitting drinking. However, the period of withdrawal for these drugs can be exceptionally long, lasting anywhere from a week to a month before symptoms disappear. Withdrawal symptoms include heightened anxiety, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, delirium, and, possibly, seizures.
Opiates
Opiate withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, but it doesn’t carry the level of severe risk associated with withdrawal from alcohol and benzos. Individuals withdrawing from opiates such as heroin or hydrocodone can experience flu-like symptoms that include chills and sweats, insomnia, fever, nausea and vomiting, runny nose, and muscle aches.
Stimulants
Abruptly stopping stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine can produce withdrawal symptoms that last a week or two. Withdrawal from these drugs isn’t physically dangerous, but it can cause moodiness, fatigue, and hunger as the person rebounds from the stimulant effects. However, withdrawal from stimulants can cause depression and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide, so medical supervision is still necessary.
Looking for Drug Rehabilitation Centres? DayHab Can Help
Drug addiction rehabilitation centres such as DayHab offer medically supervised detoxification as the first step in recovery. At DayHab, we provide medically managed detox during the period of acute withdrawal for those suffering from addiction. We know how difficult it can be to seek out drug abuse rehabilitation centres and we treat every patient with respect and empathy. Our medical detox ensures careful management of your withdrawal symptoms and provides you with a safe, more comfortable environment in which to begin your new life. If you’re looking for the best drug rehabilitation centres in the Melbourne area, contact DayHab today.