When you are addicted to a drug, quitting can seem like an impossible task. The good news is that with the help of a rehab center and detox program, you can overcome your addiction and start on the road to recovery. However, it is important to be aware of how long drug withdrawals will last and what kind of side effects you might experience.
In this blog post, we will discuss the withdrawal timeline for different drugs as well as the most common side effects, as well as how online treatment for drug addiction can help you. If you’d like to learn more about how to get help, visit our website today or call us at 833-957-2690!
Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of withdrawal are different for everyone going through drug withdrawal but the most common are anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The timeline of how long it will last vary depending on how much the drug was being used before quitting but generally speaking they are most severe between 24 hours after stopping consumption up until about one week later when things start to get better.
Substance use disorder, or heavy drug use, can have adverse consequences and unpleasant symptoms, or even painful symptoms. Specific withdrawal symptoms may include :
– Nausea and vomiting
– Sweating and fever
– Racing heart or palpitations
– Tremors or shaking
– Headache
– Anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia
– Depression and suicidal thoughts
– Difficulty concentrating or thinking straight
The severity of symptoms and withdrawal timelines usually depends on how much of the drug was being used. Depending on the drug you may also become physically dependent on the substance, even if you are not addicted. This means that your body has become accustomed to a certain level of the drug and will experience withdrawal symptoms when it is no longer in your system.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, withdrawal can be very intense but will peak within one to three days of starting and gradually subside over time, but symptoms may persist for several weeks.
Withdrawal can be very unpleasant, but fortunately, Mindflow Recovery Institute is here to help! Just give us a call at 833-957-2690 for a free consultation.
Drug Withdrawal And How It Affects You
Drug withdrawal can affect your body and how it works as well. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while others are more likely to have problems with their heart rate (increased or decreased) or blood pressure changes which can cause headaches too!
There is no way to tell how long drug withdrawals will last but these symptoms usually go away within a few weeks of stopping substance abuse. Drug withdrawal also can cause physical symptoms during the withdrawal process such as sweating, shaking, and feeling very cold. Many people also feel emotionally distraught and this can lead to anxiety or depression.
Most drug withdrawals last about a week but for some people, it may take longer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please speak with your doctor who can help you through the detoxification process safely and effectively. There is no easy addiction treatment for drug abuse but some ways to make the process more tolerable are taking medication prescribed by your doctor and seeking counseling from a mental health professional.
It’s important to know how long do drug withdrawals last because this will help you prepare for the detoxification process. You should expect some side effects during withdrawal such as sweating, shaking, and feeling very cold but many people also feel emotionally distraught as well which is normal.
What To Expect With Drug Abuse
Drug abuse can determine the majority of your withdrawal symptoms depending on your drug addiction. Sometimes there can be acute withdrawal symptoms and in that case, you may wonder how long do drug withdrawals last?
Many people think that how long do drug withdrawals last is the hardest part of overcoming the addiction but it’s only temporary. You should prepare for how long drug withdrawals can last because you will experience some side effects and they are not pleasant.
It can be a challenge to know exactly what withdrawal symptoms you might experience. The worst withdrawal symptoms will of course be dependent on how long you have been addicted to the drug and how much of it your body has become reliant on.
But in general, most people can expect acute withdrawal symptoms for about two weeks after quitting abruptly. This is how long drug withdrawals last for the average drug abuse person. However, some may suffer from protracted or post-acute withdrawal syndrome which is a form of withdrawal that can last for months or even years.
The good news is, however, that with time and patience most people will eventually recover from drug withdrawals.
Side Effects To Consider
There are several side effects associated with drug withdrawals. The most common ones are:
– anxiety
– depression
– irritability
– fatigue
– insomnia
– headaches
– muscle aches or pain
The Difference With Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can be different. People may experience hallucinations, seizures, and even delirium tremens (DTs) which is a form of severe withdrawal that can be life-threatening if left untreated. For most, symptoms of withdrawal is a normal part of the recovery process, however, there are treatments available that can help make the process more bearable.
When you consider the struggle with alcohol withdrawal, it is important to remember that alcohol addiction is a disease. Alcoholism changes how the brain works and how you think about drinking, especially during alcohol withdrawal. It can be difficult to stop using drugs or alcohol on your own, but with help from professionals, you can overcome your addiction and learn how to live without drugs or alcohol.
Most importantly when it comes to alcohol withdrawal, you can experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens.
More Common Than Not
In the United States, alcohol use is extremely common. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 14.45 million people over 18 years old have an alcohol abuse disorder (AUD). Of those with AUD, only about a quarter get treatment for their condition each year.
Some drug withdrawal symptoms can be more severe and cause issues with mental health. If you’re experiencing a decline in your mental health due to physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, speak to medical professionals right away.
Other forms of withdrawal symptoms can be more damaging than others for your physical and mental health. The most unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and more severe symptoms can come from opioid withdrawal.
Opioid Withdrawal Is No Joke
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can last up to a week, and the most severe symptoms can last for several weeks.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms are typically less severe than opioid withdrawal symptoms, but they can still be quite uncomfortable. Benzodiazepine withdrawals can produce anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. The length of time that benzodiazepine withdrawals will last varies with the opioid dependence created by the substance abuse. Some even experience flu-like symptoms that may seem normal but excessive sweating, hot and cold flashes, increased anxiety, and even high blood pressure should be taken seriously. Benzodiazepine dependence can develop within six months of daily use, and benzodiazepine withdrawal may occur when the drug is stopped.
Opioid withdrawals are typically more intense than other types of drug addictions because opioids directly affect how the brain functions, how it thinks, and how it perceives pain or pleasure. The effects can vary depending on how severe an individual uses opioid drugs.
Opioid addiction to prescription painkillers is becoming more and more prevalent in the United States. Withdrawals from opioids can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include muscle and bone pain, anxiety, agitation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. In some cases, individuals may also experience a fever, rapid heart rate, or severe confusion.
Get The Help You Need
To help manage withdrawal symptoms the mental health services administration suggests tapering off the drug slowly under a doctor’s supervision, using medications such as clonidine or lofexidine to help ease withdrawal symptoms, and attending emotional support groups.
The world health organization suggests, in the early stages of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain, drink plenty of fluids, and get rest.
Physical dependence is also common when you experience withdrawal symptoms for the first time and American addiction centers encourage those detoxing to seek professional help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these withdrawal symptoms, we ask that you please reach out to us for help. Mindflow Recovery Institute offers online therapy services that’re both convenient and confidential for those who are suffering from withdrawal or substance abuse issues.
A Great Alternative With Medical Detox
Medical detox from a drug rehab center can provide a safe and comfortable way to detox from drugs. Some medications can be used to ease the withdrawal symptoms, as well as emotional support. Drug detox is also effective and can help treat withdrawal effects from certain drugs, like opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.
Treatment facilities offer medical supervision for inpatient detox and outpatient detox. Inpatient detox is recommended for those with a severe addiction or who have had previous unsuccessful attempts at quitting drugs cold turkey. Outpatient detox may be more appropriate for people with less serious addictions and can be completed while continuing to live at home.
What Do Substance Use Disorders Look Like?
Signs to look for with substance use disorders:
– Excessive use of drugs and alcohol, including how long it takes to start feeling the effects of substances after taking them
– The inability to quit or cut down on drug and/or alcohol use despite repeated attempts
– Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit substance abuse
– Taking more of a substance to avoid substance withdrawal
-Sudden absence or even self-harm
For more information about withdrawal timelines, medical detox, and drug rehab, visit our drug addiction treatment page for the best practices with addiction treatment today!