What To Do If Your Loved One is Experiencing a Withdrawal

Did you know that the relapse rate for individuals struggling with substance use disorders is relatively high? The rate is estimated to be between 40 percent and 60 percent.

A few factors influence the severity of withdrawal:

Level of dependency
Length of time abusing the substance
Type of substance abused
Method of abuse (e.g., snorting, smoking, injecting, or swallowing)
Amount used each time
Family history and genetic makeup
Medical and mental health factors

Learn more about withdrawal and how you can help your loved one below.

WITHDRAWAL - WHAT IS IT?

Substance withdrawal is the development of a substance-specific maladaptive behavioral change. Typically, your loved one experiences uncomfortable physiological and cognitive consequences, which results in a reduction in, heavy and prolonged substance use.

A withdrawal occurs due to the brain's production of neurotransmitters being suppressed from addictive substances. Drugs, including alcohol, are depressants. This means the substances reduce the functionality and nervous activity within the brain. When the substance is stopped being in use, the mind rebounds by producing a surge of adrenaline which causes withdrawal symptoms.

Every drug is different, and every person is different. So each experience with withdrawal is personalized to the individual choosing to use the substance. There are, however, general signs and symptoms you can use to tell if a withdrawal is what your loved one is experiencing.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:

Anxiety
Clammy skin
Dilated pupils
Fatigue
Insomnia
Irritability
Mood swings
Seizures
High fevers
Confusion

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms:

Changes in appetite
Decreased sex drive
Digestion problems
Dizziness
Insomnia
Mood swings
Nausea
Weight loss

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms:

Memory loss
Fatigue
Mood swings
Sleep problems
Social isolation
Increased appetite
Paranoia
Nightmares
Seizures
Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms
Aches and pains
Exhaustion
Agitation
Hallucinations
Anxiety and depression

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms:

Agitation
Anxiety
Watery eyes
Muscle aches
Sweating
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Dilated pupils
Nausea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Lung infection
Intense urges to use again

These symptoms are the most common among adults and typically are seen prevalent within eight hours of the last use and can occur days later. Certain addiction substances can cause death during withdrawal while others are safe to withdraw from despite the unpleasantness of the symptoms. Because an individual can not be sure if their withdrawal will be dangerous or safe, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional.

IS DETOX AN OPTION FOR YOUR LOVED ONE?

Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and psychological effects of detoxification, which can occur after stopping drug or alcohol use.

Not seeking treatment for substance abuse withdrawal can be dangerous to your loved one, as the withdrawal effects can be harrowing. Over the years, many individuals have tried managing their substance withdrawal at home, and some have not survived. Treatment and support should immediately be sought out if your loved one decides to stop using substances and gets sober.

Supervised detoxification may prevent potentially life-threatening complications that might appear if the patient were left untreated.

3 Stages of Detox

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, detox comprises three steps:

Evaluation - Assesses the presence of substances through urine, breath, or blood testing, current mental health state, existing medical issues and the appropriate strategy for the next steps.
Stabilization - Consumes the majority of treatment; acclimates your loved one to the detox process and provides medical and psychological services to treat symptoms if required.
Build a willingness for further treatment - By itself, detox does not constitute thorough addiction treatment. As withdrawal symptoms resolve, staff will begin promoting additional treatment options to increase the chances of sustained recovery following your loved one's detox program. Detox is an appropriate initial step of treatment for those who experience mild to severe reactions to withdrawal.

For those who have developed a substance dependency for alcohol, hypnotic, sedative drugs or opioids, medically-assisted detox is recommended. People with negative experiences of withdrawal, mental or physical health issues and limited support at home will also likely benefit from medically-assisted detox.

When the drug use stops, dependent individuals often experience a host of mental and physical health symptoms that are uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Stopping the use of substances leads to adverse effects which range from being uncomfortable to fatal. For other drugs associated with a less dangerous or difficult withdrawal syndrome, detox might not require close medical management.

Providence Recovery, an addiction treatment center, offers Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) for our clients. Professionals will need to evaluate each person individually to determine the best treatment option for them. However, our IOP and PHP are ideal for those who have been through residential treatment or detox. People who gain value from our programs are those want to continue their treatment or those who cannot commit to long-term residential treatment and have the motivation and transportation to attend the treatment.

Although Providence Recovery does not explicitly offer detoxification services, we can recommend a detox facility catered to your loved one's specific needs.

At-Home Withdrawal

Home-based withdrawal involves your loved one going through withdrawal while living in their own home. Experiencing withdrawal at home is possible, but not recommended.

Disadvantages of experiencing withdrawal symptoms at home include:

Lack of powerful medications
Lack of professional support
Severe withdrawal symptoms that weren’t accounted for
Surrounded by potential triggers

If your loved one completes a successful detox at home, they could experience anxiety about not using drugs or drinking alcohol and getting their life back on track. This has the potential to play an integral part in relapse prevention. You can provide support by recommending the following services:

Alcohol and drug support services
Seeking a medical professional
Individual or group counseling
Outpatient programs
Outreach support
Self-help and peer support groups
Residential rehabilitation
Health and medical services
Dietician or nutritionist
Welfare services
Accommodation services
Income support services
Advocacy services
Legal services
Employment, education and training services

HOW TO SUPPORT A LOVED ONE THROUGH WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal symptoms are known to linger for a few weeks. Medical assistance during detox is vital in the recovery process. Providence Recovery can connect your loved one to a:

Detox facility
Personalized treatment plan
Monitoring services
Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
And most of all, an encouraging and supportive community

Before, during and after your loved one’s detox in a supervised facility, you can still support them with these helpful tips;

Provide emotional support during tough times. You’ll want to verbally encourage your loved one with positive reinforcement that their journey to sobriety is courageous and to make it known they have your support.
Reduce or avoid visitation from people who use drugs. Anyone who may cause stress will make the withdrawal process more difficult for your loved one.
Minimize or remove any obstacles and challenges. Your loved one is mentally and physically going through a lot of change. Fighting cravings, career responsibilities, financial management and family obligations can add up and get to be too much to handle. With your loving support and guidance to help take the load off, it can make their recovery process easier.
Challenging any illogical thoughts during withdrawal is an essential function of a support person. Your loved one could experience adverse symptoms, or question if the withdrawal were a realistic idea. Encourage them to read through their list of reasons and goals for going through withdrawal.
It could also be helpful to view negative symptoms in a positive light, such as viewing them as signs their body is getting rid of toxins.
Encourage proper nutrition. Healthy and well-balanced eating reduces mood swings and provides other benefits. Poor dietary habits contribute to increased cravings and the risk of relapse. It is also good to encourage your loved one to drink lots of fluids. The recommended daily intake consists of eight glasses of a variety of non-alcoholic drinks.
Maintain a productive schedule. Do things like watching TV or movies, take walks or short car rides, read magazines, etc.
Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Help your loved one manage stress by using basic techniques such as talking, exercise, or massage.

What else can you do to help your loved one?

Speak with a medical professional
Compile a list of positive goals related to giving up the drug use
Develop a plan for potential setbacks

WITHDRAWAL FACILITIES IN CRAIG, COLORADO | HOW PROVIDENCE RECOVERY CAN HELP YOUR LOVED ONE

Providence Recovery can provide treatment for your loved one after their withdrawal period:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Sober Living Home

Tips from the Providence Recovery staff to prevent relapse for your loved one's continued sobriety:

Involving them in a treatment program can significantly reduce relapse rates.
Improving their overall quality of life through a holistic treatment approach. At Providence Recovery, we treat our patients as a whole, body and mind.
Maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and physical activity. Alcohol and drugs deplete the body of essential nutrients.
Improving sleep quality, minimizing insomnia and fatigue. These are some side effects of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and not getting enough sleep can potentially lead to a relapse.
Practicing mindfulness by participating in yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or massage therapy.
Attending all therapy and counseling sessions.
Participating in a support group.
Avoiding triggers, such as people, places, or things associated with previous drug or substance abuse.
Finding a new hobby like painting, writing, learning an instrument, etc.
Asking for help when needed.