A drug or alcohol detox is the first step to recovery from substance abuse. This process helps individuals cease usage of drugs or alcohol and begins the healing process.
It’s not a simple process; it involves unpleasant physical side effects that can last for up to five days after ceasing usage of any substances. The withdrawal symptoms peak on day three, and they can be challenging to manage. You might not even know what you are going through until it hits you and you realize how much of an impact these chemicals have had on you.
The physical symptoms aren’t the only things making this process challenging. The mental rollercoaster you go through can be equally as difficult, maybe even more so because we don’t always understand why we feel this way.
With that said, read on to learn five withdrawal symptoms patients experience from detoxificaiton at drug and alcohol treatment centers.
Loss of Appetite
The first symptoms of withdrawal come in the form of a loss of appetite. When you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may have noticed a change in your taste buds, making food taste bland, unappealing, or even disgusting.
This is because drugs and alcohol can have an impact on the taste buds, altering a person’s sense of taste, which is why many people consume unhealthy snacks and sweets when they are under the influence. Unfortunately, though, this can also lead to malnourishment and a lack of essential nutrients if you aren’t careful.
Nausea and Vomiting
When you detox, your body is cleaning itself of all impurities, toxins, and substances that have been harming it. Unfortunately, this can lead to nausea and vomiting during the first few days of detox, and it can be accompanied by anxiety, headaches, and dehydration.
Usually, the nausea and vomiting only last a couple of days can be controlled by managing your hydration levels, eating smaller meals, and taking anti-nausea medication if necessary. But if it continues for much longer, you should visit your doctor to ensure that it isn’t a sign of a more serious situation.
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Severe Depression
Another common symptom that can make you question your entire life is the severe depression that can set in during withdrawal.
Depression can last for up to a week, and it can feel like you are being dragged down into a dark abyss with no hope of getting out. There are several possible causes for this extreme state of sadness, including changes in hormone levels, or lack of sleep.
Irritability and Anxiety
The sudden change in your brain chemistry and the inability to understand why you are feeling these things can also lead to a lot of irritability and anxiety. These feelings are caused by the change in the amount of certain chemicals in your brain, and they can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.
Body Aches
Another sign that your body is healing itself is the fact that you experience body aches. This is because your organs are detoxing and working overtime to rid the toxins from your body. Unfortunately, this can lead to aches and pains, especially in your muscles and joints, as well as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. It can be challenging to get through these days, but it will be worth it in the end.
Winding It Up
The withdrawal symptoms of a drug or alcohol detox can be challenging and even scary. However, with the proper treatment, support, and care, these symptoms can be managed with ease.
The best thing you can do is to remain positive, be kind to yourself, and know that these symptoms will pass. Once the process is complete, you will be able to embrace sobriety and start the healing process towards a brighter future.
