Did you know that 10% of the population in the United States has an addiction to drugs, whether that be prescribed medication or recreational drugs? Of that 10%, three-quarters and not active in their recovery.
If you have a drug addiction problem, quitting has probably crossed your mind several times. But we all know that it can be challenging to stop using drugs. One of the biggest hurdles is detoxing from drugs in the first place.
So, how do you get clean? In this article, we’ll share all of the sobering facts about what to expect when detoxing.
What Is a Drug Detox?
Drug detox is a process where all of the traces of the drug will be removed from your body. This is designed to make you physically stable so that you can start therapy for your addiction.
When you have an addiction, your body gets used to you having that substance in your system. Detoxing helps you get used to being without any drugs in your system.
What Happens to Your Body When Detoxing From Drugs?
When you’re physically dependent on any drug, your body adapts to its presence in your system. When you stop using abruptly after a long period of use, your body can become quite violently ill. This can produce withdrawal symptoms as your body attempts to get used to the lack of drugs.
Opioids such as heroin and painkillers act on dopamine. They create feelings of euphoria and happiness. Following long-term use of opioids, the brain will stop producing dopamine on its own and will rely on drugs to help.
This leads to lower dopamine levels in the system which can lead to depression and anxiety.
What Are the Most Common Drug Withdrawal Symptoms?
The withdrawal symptoms that you experience will vary depending on the substance that you’re addicted to. For example, if you’re addicted to cocaine, you’ll experience more psychological withdrawal symptoms, whereas, with drugs like heroin, there are more physiological symptoms.
Common symptoms may include:
- Hot and cold flushes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps and tremors
- Increased appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Poor concentration and memory
- Insomnia
- Restlessness and irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Many people will book into a specialist detox center to help get the right support when they’re facing these symptoms.
How to Prevent Drug Withdrawal From Happening
Going without drugs can be scary and even life-threatening. Fortunately, there are methods that can stop withdrawal symptoms, meaning you can have a safer recovery.
Seeking help is essential. By booking into a drug rehab facility, you’ll get the support you need while you detox. Not only that, but it is possible to get prescribed medication that will ease the withdrawal process and stave off many of the withdrawal symptoms.
How to Detox From Drugs
If you have a substance addiction, detoxing from drugs should be your number one goal. Search for a rehab center near you and get support during the withdrawal process.
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