What is the drug detox process? And what does it mean to go through withdrawal? While the definition of withdrawal and detox are often confused, they are two very different, but related concepts.

Drug detox is the process of ridding addictive substances from the body. This may require medically-assisted treatment (MAT) to safely manage the withdrawal symptoms that detox brings about. Withdrawal is a process that happens to the body when it adjusts to no longer having the addictive substance present. During this process, the symptoms that arise can be very discomforting, even painful, and potentially life-threatening under certain circumstances.

On top of this confusion between detox and withdrawal, it’s also important to note that this initial stage of most addiction treatment programs is not a cure by itself. Undergoing detox is not the same as undergoing rehab, although it’s again common for people to use the terms interchangeably. However, most cases of addiction do require clients to undergo detoxification before starting on further addiction treatment.

Looking for drug detox services in Texas? Call Santé Center for Healing at 866.238.3154 or contact our team online.

What Is the Meaning of Withdrawal?

When you ask: “What does it mean to go through withdrawal?” The answer could be the definition of withdrawal itself.

Withdrawal happens when the body and brain adjust to no longer having an addictive substance interfere with their functions. You may experience more withdrawal symptoms (or deal with more intense or more frequent ones) if you’ve been addicted for a long time or stop taking the addictive substance abruptly.

What is the Link Between Addiction and Withdrawal?

What is the meaning of withdrawal? We covered this above because a firm grasp on the definition of this concept is essential to understand the link between addiction and withdrawal.

When you develop an addiction, you also develop a physical and mental dependence on the addictive substance. Withdrawal symptoms arise when you stop using the substance or severely reduce your typical dose, which typically happens during the detox process. A detox program doesn’t actually help you through detoxification. It stabilizes your mental and physical health as you deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Not all addictive substances are the same and not all people react to each addictive substance in the same way. The withdrawal symptoms a client experiences during the detox process depends on many factors, such as:

Type of addictive substance
Typical dosage they take
Frequency of the dosages
Severity of their addiction
Their overall health
Whether they’re prone to using more than one type of addictive substance at a time

Withdrawal symptoms can vary. Separating them into categories is an easier way to understand their effects. The following are a few examples of how the body may react to quitting addictive substances:

Behavioral symptoms

These affect the way someone interacts with those around them and—to an extent—with the world around them. Dealing with the brain adjusting to the lack of addictive substances interfering with its functions can be difficult and exasperating. Agitation, being quick to feel anger, frustration, and irritability are common when withdrawing from almost every addictive substance.

Cognition problems

These involve difficulties in the ability to think and process information. Quitting addictive substances makes regaining regular cognitive abilities a challenge. Confusion, disorientation, and a slowed thought process are common.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

These are caused by the way the digestive system responds to detox. Appetite is usually affected in one way or another—detox can cause appetite loss or a sudden increase of it. Nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting are also repetitive symptoms during withdrawal.

Physical effects

Withdrawal symptoms can affect how the body works. Fatigue and lethargy are typical symptoms caused by many addictive substances—so are clammy skin, feeling cold, shakes, sweats, and tingles or tremors. Muscle pains and spasms are particularly common when withdrawing from opiates or muscle relaxers.

Psychological effects

These include the impact of withdrawal on mood, mental health, and overall well-being. Anxiety, depression, and nervousness are frequent examples of this type of withdrawal symptom. Delirium, hallucinations, and paranoia can be part of quitting some drugs and many cases of alcohol withdrawal.

Sleep problems

These are some of the most common parts of withdrawal. The sleep schedule is very sensitive, and when the body adjusts to detoxification, it affects sleep habits. Bouts of insomnia, interrupted sleep, and nightmares are typical withdrawal symptoms.

What Should Clients Expect From Drug Detox Services?

Detoxification from addictive substances involves three essential components:

Evaluation: This happens during the admission process. The staff assesses a client’s addiction history and medical records to create a custom treatment plan that addresses all of the client’s needs. This includes recommendations that deal with the detox process and further treatment.
Stabilization: After starting detox, the goal is to stabilize the client’s mental and physical health while they’re dealing with withdrawal symptoms. This may require MAT.
Transition into further treatment: Once stable, the client can transition into further addiction treatment programs.