Addiction is a complex disease. It has both physical and mental aspects requiring attention so that a person struggling with a substance use disorder can heal. Perhaps the most obvious signs of addiction are the withdrawal symptoms that arise when dependency reaches a certain point. When one quits regularly abusing a substance, they tend to go through withdrawal. Withdrawal takes place as the body is adjusting to no longer having the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can make the addiction recovery process difficult. At a minimum, these symptoms will be uncomfortable. These symptoms are too much for people to handle in some cases, so they start using drugs again. However, studies show that if people know what to expect during withdrawal, they’re less likely to relapse.
At Santé Center for Healing, we can help individuals begin the healing process through addiction detox services. Once having dealt with the initial withdrawal symptoms, individuals can move into the treatment program best suited to their needs.
What Determines the Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms?
While some withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance, other factors also influence the severity. For example, the longer that people use a certain drug, the more intense that withdrawal becomes. In general, however, withdrawal happens in phases that get easier as time goes on.
First Phase
In general, the first phase of withdrawal happens within the first 12 hours. The duration of withdrawal also depends on the drugs or substances that people take. The initial symptoms usually peak after three days and include:
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
These symptoms usually continue for around five days and get easier after that. The first days are usually the hardest of the process. In most cases, the first phase is over within 10 days.
Second Phase
The second phase is less intense than the first phase, but the symptoms usually last longer. In general, people can expect the second phase to last around two weeks. During this time, the brain tries to return endorphin levels to normal. Some symptoms that people experience during the second phase include chills, leg cramps, and goosebumps.
Third Phase
The third phase is the least severe, but it lasts the longest. In general, this phase can last between a week and two months. It’s because this phase lasts so long that long-term treatment is usually necessary for people to overcome addiction.
During this phase, it’s common for people to experience insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety. Once this phase is over, people generally feel normal again. To stay normal, however, they need ongoing addiction therapy.
How Addiction Detox Services Can Help
Having a safe, comfortable space to work through the withdrawal symptoms accompanying addiction is necessary for healing. With medically supervised detox, individuals can rest assured that their health and vital signs are being monitored so that should any complications arise, they can be addressed immediately. At the same time, detox begins the process of treatment that individuals will experience when they move into an addiction treatment program. In both detox and a specific substance abuse treatment program, individuals can expect to take part in therapies like:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Fitness therapy
- Life skills therapy
- Nutrition therapy
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Psychodrama therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Trauma therapy
Fight Back Against Your Addiction Today with Help from Santé Center for Healing
At Santé Center for Healing, we know how hard it is to overcome addiction. We work with our clients to provide various levels of care depending on their needs. We offer several programs that can help make a recovery as comfortable as possible. Some of the different services that we provide include:
- Medical detox program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Transitional living program
- Residential addiction treatment
Don’t let your addiction rule your life. Fight back with our help. Going through withdrawal and detoxing is only the first step on the road to recovery. The detoxing phase can seem scary to those who have not gone through the process. Thankfully, once withdrawal symptoms have subsided, you can work on building a better life for yourself. Whether you live in Argyle or need a better alternative to Ft. Worth or Dallas addiction treatment options, reach out to us today at 866.238.3154 for more information about our services.
