You may have been told that the only way or the best way to stop using alcohol or other drugs is to just stop. For many people, however, quitting cold turkey doesn’t lead to sustained sobriety, and it can even be dangerous to their health. In some extreme cases, people have even died from severe withdrawal symptoms. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, we treat men and women who have been diagnosed with substance use disorders, and we want to share the information we have learned about getting and staying sober.
Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms
For some people, withdrawal is unpleasant, but not life-threatening. It’s just like a bad flu for them. For others, the symptoms are far more serious and can be agonizing enough that the person returns to using, just to make the withdrawal symptoms stop. The substances a person uses will determine what symptoms they are most likely to experience.
Alcohol
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Tremors or seizures
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heart rate
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
Benzos
- Sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Dizziness
Opiates
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
- Racing heart
- Anxiety
- Dilated pupils
- Restless legs
- Aching muscles and joints
Amphetamines
- Psychosis
- Depressed mood
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Excessive appetite and sleeping
The Importance of Detoxing Safely
To reduce the dangers of withdrawal symptoms, it is generally recommended that people who have used alcohol or other drugs heavily or for long periods of time receive medical supervision from healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about addiction, to monitor their vital signs and address pain, dehydration, seizures, and other symptoms that may tempt them to relapse or threaten their safety.
In addition, it is essential to eat healthy, well-balanced diets that can help their bodies recover from nutritional deficiencies that may have resulted from their substance use.
It may be recommended for them to gradually reduce their use over time, rather than abruptly quitting. They may want to consider medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when available and recommended.
People Who Should Never Detox at Home
Some people may prefer to detox at home because it’s more comfortable for them, they don’t have insurance that will cover detox, or they don’t trust medical professionals. Home detox is possible for many people, but they should not attempt this alone, in case they encounter an unexpected medical emergency and need to go to the hospital. A sober support person should always be present to call an ambulance or drive them to the emergency room since they will not be able to do so themselves.
Home detox is also associated with a higher degree of relapse, but it is still an option for a lot of people. There are some situations, however, where a person should absolutely never attempt a home detox. These include:
- Anyone without a trustworthy sober support person who can stay with them
- People who don’t have safe, stable housing
- Individuals who have previously experienced seizures or delirium while withdrawing
- Anyone with a history of suicide attempts
- People with serious medical conditions
- Individuals who have engaged in problematic drug use
What to Expect From Inpatient Detox
When a person checks into a treatment facility or hospital that offers inpatient detox, such as Safe Harbor Recovery Center, they will receive medical monitoring to ensure they are safe throughout their detoxification. They may also have access to medications that are available to make their cravings and withdrawal symptoms more manageable.
Detox is not the end of the road. It’s just the first step on a longer recovery journey. Once that is complete, clients can receive an evaluation, supportive environment, medication management, therapy, case management, inpatient or outpatient treatment, and planning for aftercare.
As they weather the ups and downs of recovery, Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, VA is here to help our clients and their families navigate everything from the “pink cloud” phase to finding a sponsor and repairing relationships to building sober support systems. We also offer services for alumni who successfully graduate from our program to support them as they return to their daily lives and build a substance-free future.