Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal in Linden, NJ

When we talk about alcohol and drug withdrawal, we are referring the physical, psychological, and emotional experience a person has when they stop using a substance that their body has become dependent upon. Alcohol and drug withdrawal has a reputation for being uncomfortable, debilitating, and sometimes dangerous, making it the most intimidating part of treating addiction for many people. While these things are true to an extent, it’s important to understand that without the “pain” of alcohol and drug withdrawal, there can be no “gain” in the way of further treatment.

Confronting drug dependency head-on may be uncomfortable, but there’s no other way to get started on the road to recovery. The symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal can vary in severity as well as in length, but it can be comforting to know that when exposed to adequate medical supervision and treatment, are rarely very serious or life-threatening.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can occur in people who have been heavily drinking over a period of weeks, months, or years and stop or drastically reduce their drinking suddenly. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can appear as little as two hours after alcohol was last consumed. Other times, symptoms may not appear for two or three days. Alcoholism is one example of a substance abuse disorder that should be treated in a clinical setting, because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start out as quite mild, but rapidly progress into more serious issues such as hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens, all of which can require urgent medical attention. It’s especially important to have medical supervision if there is a history of previous alcohol withdrawal episodes or other chronic health conditions like heart disease, epilepsy, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Opiate Withdrawal

Withdrawal from heroin and other opiate drugs such as prescription pain relievers often produces flu-like symptoms that last 2-4 days. These might include sweating, fever, aching muscles, anxiety, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Stimulant Withdrawal

Withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine or Adderall does not usually involve serious symptoms. It is most often characterized by intense cravings to use the drug and emotional disturbances like depression and anxiety that may last for several weeks.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

“Benzos” are a potent class of medication used to treat panic disorders, seizures, insomnia, and muscle tension. Stopping their use suddenly can result in a rise in those symptoms it’s meant to treat, leading users to feel very tense, anxious, irritable, and confused for weeks, and sometimes even months. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can also present as panic attacks, hypertension, and an irregular heartbeat, and is best treated under close supervision of health care professionals.

The right type of approach to alcohol and drug withdrawal can prevent serious symptoms before they happen, which is why professional guidance is crucial. A doctor can help assess whether an individual is best treated in an outpatient or inpatient setting. When withdrawal symptoms are mild, an outpatient setting can be preferable, as it typically is less expensive and interferes less with life outside of treatment.

An inpatient setting can be more beneficial, and even vital for successful treatment, when withdrawal symptoms are expected to be severe or lasting, or when an individual lacks a supportive network of friends and family. In all cases, the goals of treatment for withdrawal remain the same: to reduce the immediate symptoms, to prevent complications, and to provide a starting point for long-term therapy that promotes lasting recovery from addiction.

If you would like to find out more about what we offer at Drug Detox Centers Linden, or have questions about withdrawal, we hope you will contact us at (908) 368-4232 today.