For those who have had to endure drug withdrawal, they can tell you first-hand the experience can be difficult. Drug withdrawal not only takes a toll on one’s physical health but also on one’s mental health as well, causing high levels of anxiety.
Drug withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the substance and how long the individual has been using it. Even though trying and coming off drugs may seem daunting, some effective treatments can help reduce anxiety during drug withdrawal.
What Is Drug Withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal is the process by which an individual stops taking a certain substance, such as alcohol or opiates, and goes through various physiological effects as their body adjusts back to functioning without that substance.
As this happens, different systems within the body will go through varying levels of stress and disruption. This often causes many symptoms that can make the withdrawal process uncomfortable and cause psychological issues such as heightened anxiety levels.
Why Does Withdrawal Cause Anxiety?
Withdrawal is a normal physical reaction when the body no longer receives what it was accustomed to receiving before addiction began. The changes in chemistry caused by withdrawal create tension, agitation, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, digestive issues, and more.
Withdrawal can be very difficult on both mental and physical levels because those who were used to depending on drugs or alcohol can no longer rely on them. This creates an immense feeling of loss and despair.
In addition, many people experience cognitive changes during drug withdrawal, including slowed processing speed, decreased concentration, and impaired memory function. All these effects can increase levels of anxiety even further.
For many people with substance use disorders, there can be co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety disorders or depression, which may have existed before becoming dependent on drugs. Or alcohol but then become exacerbated during withdrawal from these substances due to the hormonal shifts associated with this process.
Anxiety during drug withdrawal may cause the person to feel uneasy or scared in situations that would normally not produce those reactions and can prevent individuals from finding comfort in positive distractions like exercise, healthy eating habits, and talking with supportive people.
Additionally, substance abuse produces physiological changes in our bodies’ fight-or-flight systems, making anxiety more likely to occur following drug withdrawal.
It is essential that individuals struggling with substance use disorder reach out for professional help while they work toward achieving sobriety, so they have someone qualified who understands how both anxiety and withdrawal impact recovery journeys and is available for support along the way.
White Light Behavioral Health provides treatment protocols that include holistic approaches that focus on overall wellness rather than just targeting addiction. Our services typically offer nutritional counseling and therapy designed specifically for tackling mental health conditions such as anxiety related to withdrawal symptoms during detoxification from drugs or alcohol.
What to Expect During Drug Withdrawal
During this period, one may experience physical and psychological symptoms as their bodies try to return to their natural balance. Common withdrawal symptoms include tremors, sweating, nausea, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and hallucinations.
Drug withdrawal can be unpredictable and range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the substance they are withdrawing from. It is essential to be aware of potential withdrawal symptoms so that you can take the necessary steps to cope with them. Some people may find that their withdrawal symptoms last for only a few days or weeks, while others may find that their withdrawal lasts longer or is more severe.
In general, it’s important to remember that withdrawal from drugs can be severe and should not be taken lightly. It is essential to seek medical attention if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms to get the necessary treatment and care. If you are considering quitting a drug or alcohol, it is important to seek professional help first to ensure you have all the support and resources you need.
How Can I Manage Anxiety During Drug Withdrawal?
It is important to remember that although dealing with drug withdrawal is difficult, it is possible to manage any associated symptoms, such as anxiety, with proper medical treatment. A doctor or therapist may recommend benzodiazepines or antidepressants to help relieve tension or lower your stress response while undergoing detoxification.
Additionally, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is beneficial in treating depression and other psychological issues during recovery; learning new techniques, such as relaxation, can also provide helpful strategies for managing anxiety while recovering from drugs. It is also important to create a healthy environment where individuals feel supported; friends or family members should be involved to ensure the best possible outcome during this time.
Ultimately, overcoming addiction and going through the drug withdrawal process can be tough. Still, it doesn’t have to be impossible – understanding how drug use affects your mental state is key to coping with feelings of anxiety along the way.
Don’t hesitate to speak up if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious – getting professional help during this period can make a difference in successfully coming off drugs safely and maintaining your sobriety long-term.
Get Treatment at White Light Behavioral Health
White Light Behavioral Health offers a range of treatments for those suffering from drug withdrawal and anxiety. Their expert team understands the complex symptoms that can occur with addiction and work hard to develop a customized treatment plan that best fits each patient’s individual needs.
White Light’s highly experienced clinicians are well-equipped to treat both the physical and psychological effects of drug withdrawal. Along with therapies aimed at treating underlying issues associated with drug abuse and anxiety, they also offer medical detoxification programs that can reduce the physical discomfort caused by substance use disorder.
Whether you’re looking for long-term support or a short-term solution for overcoming your addiction, White Light Behavioral Health provides compassionate care designed to get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
