A Guide to Help Someone Going Through Withdrawal
Drug and alcohol withdrawal is a painful and sometimes dangerous experience. When a person stops using a substance after their body becomes dependent, they will go through withdrawal.
Withdrawal can include various physical and psychological symptoms, depending on the length of use, the substance being withdrawn from, and other factors. If you know someone who abuses drugs or alcohol, intervention can save their life. It’s important to get them to help and offer support throughout their recovery.
Learn how to help someone you know through withdrawal and discover how our New Jersey detox programs can help!
How to Help Someone Going Through Withdrawal?
Watching a loved one go through withdrawal is tough, but there are ways you can help:
Withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal in some cases due to severe physical and psychological symptoms. Professional medical detox provides around-the-clock monitoring and medical intervention to manage these symptoms and ensure the person’s safety. Additionally, they can provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. If your loved one is going through withdrawal, strongly encourage them to seek help from a qualified medical professional or a detox facility.
Withdrawal can be an emotionally challenging experience, and your loved one may feel scared, anxious, or depressed. Be patient, understanding, and nonjudgmental. Let them know that you care and are there for them. Listen to their concerns and offer words of encouragement. Avoid criticizing or blaming them for their addiction.
If your loved one is detoxing at home (which is generally not recommended for severe cases), create a safe and comfortable environment for them. Make sure they have a quiet place to rest and recover. Remove any triggers or temptations that could lead to relapse. Ensure they have access to healthy food and drinks.
During withdrawal, the body may experience dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Encourage your loved one to drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious meals throughout the day. Offer to prepare healthy snacks and meals for them. Avoid sugary or processed foods, as these can worsen withdrawal symptoms.
Learning about addiction and withdrawal can help you better understand what your loved one is going through and how to best support them. There are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also talk to a doctor or addiction specialist.
While it’s important to be supportive, it’s also important to set boundaries and take care of yourself. Don’t enable your loved one’s addiction by covering up for them or making excuses. Take breaks when you need them and seek support from others if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember, you can’t force someone to get help, but you can offer your love and support while encouraging them to seek professional treatment.
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What is Withdrawal?
Withdrawal is the body’s response to the absence of a substance it has become dependent on. When someone stops using drugs or alcohol after prolonged use, their body struggles to adapt, leading to withdrawal symptoms. The severity and duration of withdrawal depend on the substance used, the length of use, and the individual’s overall health. Withdrawal can be both physically and emotionally painful, which is why professional care is often necessary to ensure safety and comfort.
At Discovery Institute, we understand how difficult withdrawal can be. Our team is here to provide compassionate, medically supervised detox programs to help individuals through this challenging phase with as much comfort as possible.
Side Effects of Drug Withdrawal
The symptoms of withdrawal vary based on the type of substance used. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Physical Symptoms: Sweating, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, headaches, fever, chills, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
- Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, hallucinations, paranoia, and intense drug cravings.
- Severe Symptoms: Seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), extreme dehydration, or life-threatening heart rate fluctuations.
The effects of withdrawal can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions. That’s why seeking medical supervision during detox is crucial. At Discovery Institute, we provide round-the-clock medical monitoring to help individuals safely navigate the withdrawal process.
What Happens To the Body During the Process of Withdrawal?
When a person uses a substance regularly, their body adapts to it. Over time, the substance becomes necessary for normal function. When that substance is suddenly removed, the body reacts, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
- Brain Chemistry Disruption: Many substances affect neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Without the drug, the brain struggles to rebalance these chemicals, leading to emotional and psychological symptoms.
- Nervous System Hyperactivity: Many drugs suppress the nervous system. When use stops, the body overcompensates, causing symptoms like tremors, anxiety, and rapid heart rate.
- Organ System Strain occurs when the liver, kidneys, and other organs work overtime to process toxins and restore balance.
Because of these effects, it’s crucial for individuals undergoing withdrawal to receive proper medical care. Our detox programs at Discovery Institute offer medically assisted withdrawal management to reduce risks and ease discomfort.
Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal timelines vary based on the substance, dosage, and duration of use. Here’s a general overview:
- Opiates (Heroin, Prescription Painkillers): Symptoms of opiate withdrawal begin within 6-12 hours, peak around 72 hours, and subside after a week.
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan): Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal start within 1-4 days, peak within two weeks, and may persist for months.
- Alcohol: Symptoms start within 6 hours, peak at 24-72 hours, and taper off after a week.
Every person’s withdrawal experience is unique. At Discovery Institute, we customize treatment plans to ensure a safe and effective detox experience.
Withdrawal Management
Professional withdrawal management ensures safety and minimizes discomfort. Our medical team at Discovery Institute provides:
- 24/7 Medical Supervision: Constant monitoring of vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Immediate administration of medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and address any medical emergencies.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Use of medications to reduce cravings, minimize withdrawal symptoms, and stabilize brain chemistry. This may include medications to manage anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and pain.
- Therapeutic Support: Individual and group therapy sessions to address the emotional and psychological aspects of withdrawal. This can help individuals develop coping mechanisms, manage stress, and address any underlying mental health conditions.
- Nutritional Support: Providing a balanced and nutritious diet to replenish essential nutrients, restore physical health, and support the body’s healing process. This may include dietary supplements and meal plans tailored to individual needs.
Under professional care, individuals are less likely to relapse and more likely to transition successfully into addiction treatment.
How Detox Helps Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
Detox is the first crucial step in recovery. At Discovery Institute, our detox programs help individuals safely eliminate substances from their bodies while managing symptoms. Benefits of medical detox include:
- Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Medications can be administered to alleviate the physical symptoms of withdrawal, such as nausea, vomiting, tremors, and muscle aches. This can make the withdrawal process more tolerable and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Medical supervision can help to prevent and manage serious health issues that can arise during withdrawal, such as seizures, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. This can include monitoring vital signs, providing fluids and medications, and intervening quickly if complications occur.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Therapy and counseling can provide individuals with coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, cravings, and other emotional challenges that can arise during withdrawal. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups.
By choosing a professional detox program, individuals increase their chances of long-term recovery.
Why Is Medical Detox Important for Withdrawal?
Attempting to quit substances cold turkey at home can be dangerous. Medical detox provides:
- Safe Withdrawal: Supervision ensures that any severe symptoms are managed appropriately.
- Customized Care: Detox plans are tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Smooth Transition into Rehab: After detox, individuals can move seamlessly into addiction treatment programs.
At Discovery Institute, we prioritize comfort and safety, ensuring every individual gets the best start to recovery.
Is It Possible To Prevent Drug Withdrawal From Happening?
The only way to fully prevent withdrawal is to avoid developing a dependency in the first place. However, for those already dependent, tapering under medical supervision can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
At Discovery Institute, we create personalized detox plans that help minimize withdrawal symptoms while preparing individuals for long-term sobriety.
Detox Safely at Discovery Institute
At Discovery Institute, we offer a comprehensive, medically supervised detox program that provides:
- Medical Supervision: 24/7 monitoring by experienced professionals.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Every individual receives customized care based on their needs.
- Compassionate Support: Our team provides emotional and psychological support to ease the detox process.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, don’t go through withdrawal alone. Reach out to Discovery Institute for the care and support you need to begin your recovery journey safely.
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Dr. Joseph Ranieri D.O. earned his BS in Pharmacy at Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1981 and His Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine Addiction Certification. Dr. Ranieri has lectured extensively to physicians, nurses, counselors and laypeople about the Disease of Addiction throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 2012.
