DRUG AND ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT
It’s important to note that this potential discomfort should not discourage individuals from seeking help for addiction. But to ensure safety during the detoxification process, it is crucial to find the appropriate level of support.
Our center for addiction treatment in the Woodlands, Texas offers withdrawal management for people suffering from mild to severe symptoms that come as a result of substance abuse. We’re dedicated to helping people through the withdrawal process in a way that sets them up for success in the recovery process.
Detox alone doesn’t lead to long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. A treatment program that includes counseling can be essential to developing long-term recovery, and medical support during transition can help sustain sobriety in the early stages of recovery.
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Which Drugs Require Withdrawal Management?
Symptoms and their severity greatly depend on the drug. Some drug addictions are more prone than others to necessitate medication-assisted treatment. When multiple substances are involved, withdrawal management is more complicated.
When a person develops a physical alcohol dependence, their body requires the substance to function properly. As a result, withdrawal symptoms will typically begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last instance of alcohol consumption. The acute withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol can persist for up to 10 days and can encompass the following:
- Feelings of anxiety
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors or shakiness
- Dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Difficulties with sleep
- Seizures
- Hallucinations and delusions
The most uncomfortable alcohol withdrawal symptoms tend to emerge between 36 and 72 hours after the last drink. In some cases of heavy consumption, withdrawal management patients may experience extreme symptoms called delirium tremens (also known as “DTs”). This emphasizes the importance of safe and healthy detox before entering intensive treatment programs such as inpatient rehab.
Withdrawal symptoms benzodiazepines are strikingly similar to those of alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms of benzo withdrawal in benzo detox include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Hand tremors
- Anger, agitation, and irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Short-acting sedative withdrawal symptoms (oxazepam, alprazolam, and temazepam) typically begin one to two days after the last dose and can last for four weeks. Long-acting withdrawal symptoms (such as for diazepam and nitrazepam) typically begin up to seven days after the last dose and can last for about eight weeks.
Opioids include both prescription narcotics such as OxyContin, Percocet, fentanyl, morphine, and codeine as well as drugs like intravenous heroin. The type of opioid and the amount taken (along with personal health risk factors) will dictate the estimated duration of withdrawal symptoms and the severity.
Quitting a short-acting opioid can cause withdrawal symptoms that appear within hours after the last use and may resolve by day 10. But withdrawal symptoms linked with longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, may appear two days after the last use and may continue up to 20 days. This is highly dependent on the opioids and the personal health of the person undergoing detox.
It’s highly recommended that opioid withdrawal be managed with medically-assisted detox, to control the difficult emotional and physical side effects of withdrawal. Symptoms may include:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia and trouble sleeping
- Runny nose and teary eyes
- Aching muscles
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Chills, sweating, and fever
- Bowl problems, such as constipation
- Agitation
- Irritability
Opioid withdrawal is not considered life-threatening in the same way that alcohol and sedative withdrawal are; nonetheless, vomiting and diarrhea can cause major medical consequences such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Individuals with pre-existing cardiac issues may potentially experience medical difficulties during withdrawal as a result of withdrawal symptoms such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
Prescription drugs cause withdrawal symptoms severe enough to merit medical detoxification due to the symptoms it causes, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Stimulants affect the chemistry of the brain and can lead to serious addiction when taken in high quantities or for an extended length of time. Following the cessation of stimulant use, the brain undergoes a readjustment phase characterized by physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. The severity is dependent on the dosage and duration of usage.
Symptoms usually appear within hours of the last usage, but might take up to a day to appear. Post-acute withdrawal effects like mood swings, insomnia, and sadness can linger for weeks or months. In certain situations, stimulant withdrawal can result in the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Fatigue and body aches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Mood swings
The psychological symptoms of stimulant withdrawal can be very severe and can lead to relapse, aggressive conduct, or suicidal thoughts. The sorts of symptoms seen during stimulant withdrawal differ from person to person and are highly influenced by the individual’s history of use.
Treatment and Support in Withdrawal Management services
The point of detox isn’t just to heal the body from the absence of the substance, but to help the individual be well enough to think about the next steps of their recovery journey and make decisions about ongoing treatment. This is why we also offer stabilization treatment in addition to detox, so that individuals can be supported at every stage of their recovery from addiction.
Don’t assume that you know when you need when you first contact a facility about detox. Depending on the substance and the intensity of your addiction, necessary services may include:
- Medication-assisted treatment to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings
- Counseling and therapy to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies
- Medical care and monitoring to ensure a safe and healthy withdrawal process (and quick responses in case the body has a strong reaction to withdrawal or medication)
- Case management services to support individuals in recovery and connect them with community resources
Our team of medical professionals and support staff work closely with each person to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. We understand that recovery is a journey, and we are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance every step of the way.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Help
Professional help is essential for several reasons:
- Medical supervision: A medical team can monitor withdrawal symptoms and provide medication-assisted treatment to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
- Personalized treatment: Experienced addiction professionals can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals.
- Support and guidance: Support staff can provide ongoing guidance and support to help individuals navigate the recovery process, weigh options for the next steps, and connect them with community resources if necessary.
Our withdrawal management program at Magnolia City Detox provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to receive the medical care and support they need to start their addiction recovery journey.
Healing From Addiction at Magnolia City Detox
We believe in healing the whole person from addiction, so we’ll work with you from the first assessment to build a treatment plan that works for you. We’ll help you find the right treatment program to help you recover. Don’t wait to feel better — if you or a loved one needs help to stop using drugs and alcohol, contact our drug and alcohol detox center based in the Woodlands, TX.
Dr. Olaniyi O. Osuntokun
Dr. Olaniyi O. Osuntokun is a Neurology & Psychiatry Specialist based in Conroe, Texas, and Lafayette, Indiana. He has extensive experience in treating Individuals with substance use disorders and addiction. He earned his medical degree from University of Ibadan College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
