Detox has many misconceptions. The problem with detox is that people either overstate it and scare people away from attempting recovery or it is understated and people get overwhelmed by a struggle they had no way of anticipating. Detox is entirely dependent on what exactly you are detoxing from, in addition to how severely you abused that substance and how recently. If you experience detox, you could experience symptoms as simple as a headache and a grumpy attitude or as intense as hallucinations and seizures. Detox is something that should not be taken lightly. Because of the potential for serious health issues, including death, it is vitally important to seek help from a trained professional before beginning your detox.
Alcohol:
Alcohol withdrawals should not be taken lightly. Detoxing from alcohol can be extremely dangerous and should really be done with the assistance of a medical professional. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can begin within 8 hours of one’s last drink and can last up to 7 days. Alcohol withdrawals can begin with anxiety, insomnia or abdominal pains and can also include hallucinations, fever, even seizures. The most serious form of alcohol withdrawal is Delirium Tremens. Symptoms of Delirium Tremens can include body tremors, confusion, deep sleep lasting for more than a day, hallucinations, and in severe cases, seizures. While not common, only occurring in 3-5 percent of individuals in alcohol withdrawal, DTs are the primary reason why your detox should be monitored by a professional.
Methamphetamine:
Methamphetamine detox may not be as dangerous as some other withdrawals, but it can still be extremely painful and traumatic. Withdrawals from meth can begin after 24 hours and can linger for as long as 30 days. Methamphetamine withdrawals will begin with fatigue, feelings of depression and an increased appetite. After 72 hours, symptoms can grow more complex and you may start to experience mood swings, paranoia, anxiety, and possibly even extreme suicidal thoughts. At around day 11 of treatment, you may start to experience insomnia while depression and cravings continue. While you may not experience any life threatening withdrawal, it is still important to have a professional help you through this time.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Heroin:
Heroin withdrawals come on quickly, typically within 6-12 hours and peak between days 1 and 3. While heroin withdrawal may not be considered life-threatening on its own, the symptoms may have complications that could be dangerous. Depending on how long someone has used heroin and to what degree, the symptoms of withdrawal can be very different. Mild symptoms usually include nausea, abdominal cramps, sweats, and chills while more severe symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, depression, muscle spasms and difficulty breathing.
The Springboard Center knows that treatment for addiction and alcoholism is important to you. That is why we are committed to providing you the best proven practices for treatment so you can live a full life of recovery. Call us today for information on our residential treatment program and sober living: (432) 620-0255
