Alcohol and drug addiction have a negative effect on both mind and body. Addictions not only affect you as an individual but it also negatively affects your work and relationships with friends and family.
After a certain point, the alcohol and drug addiction leaves you helpless and feeling out of control. At that point, it is essential to reach out to professionals for help in order to gain back control over your life.
You may think that you can quit alcohol and drugs on your own, but it isn’t a matter to be taken lightly. With an array of serious side effects resulting from alcohol and drug withdrawal, medical professionals recommend inpatient detox and withdrawal programs to overcome these issues.
Understanding Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Before learning how to cope with alcohol and drug withdrawals, it is important to understand what qualifies as alcohol and drug addiction.
In the early stages, many addicts will not have built a physical dependency on drugs or alcohol yet. In cases where drinkers and users get shaky and nauseous when they haven’t had a drink or used the substance within a certain amount of time, it’s highly likely that the individual is addicted.
The Physical Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Withdrawals
When you stop drinking or using the substance suddenly after regular partaking, your body will start showing the physical side effects of withdrawal.
These symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Shaky hands
- Whole-body tremors
- Vomiting
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Rapid mood changes
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Disorientation
- Light, sound, and touch sensitivity
- Heart rate changes
- Seizures
In some cases, users may experience a serious side effect of delirium tremens, which typically starts 48 to 72 hours after the last use. This symptom is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Should you experience any of the symptoms below, call an emergency hotline straight away.
How to Cope with Drug and Alcohol Withdrawals
Where possible, try and prepare for withdrawal depression and anxiety before deciding to quit. Think of non-alcoholic or drug-related ways to cheer yourself up when you’re down. Entertainment such as your favourite comedy or feel-good movies (so long as they aren’t about drinks, drugs, or partying), and other healthy self-care practices can help ease these unhappy moments.
Remember, these negative feelings are normally a part of the process. Withdrawal depression and anxiety is temporary and often lasts for no more than a couple of weeks. Research reveals that those withdrawing from crystal meth are inclined to feel depressed, however, those feelings are gone after a week.
If your feelings of depression, anxiety, or any other drug and alcohol withdrawals make you feel like you can’t cope, it is advised to seek professional help.
Trust The Professionals
Ultimately, professional help is a surefire way to help you get through your drug, and alcohol withdrawals safely and securely. Experienced, licensed facilities are able to provide acute detox and drug rehabilitation services that are government regulated. These programs range from 7 to 14 days with constant medical supervision.
Patients receive a safe and comfortable environment with 24/7 nursing support, personalised help to manage their symptoms and withdrawals, and a unique assessment by the medical team to ensure the best care possible is provided during treatment.