There are many addicts out there that really want to kick their habit, but they fear the physical and mental pain of withdrawal symptoms. Not knowing what to expect is usually the scariest part of withdrawals. When you suddenly give up a drug, your brain and body have to work extra hard to get back to their normal balance. Mild to severe symptoms will be felt as your body fights internally with itself. Some factors that determine your withdrawals are:

• Types of substances used
• Length of time drugs were used
• Drug potency
• If substances were combined
• Your physical and mental health

Some of the most severe withdrawal symptoms occur when alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids were abused. Learning about these symptoms before you detox can help you alleviate any discomfort that comes along with them. Below are some common symptoms you can anticipate when you begin to detox.

Physical Discomfort

You will feel exhausted because your body will feel like it’s fighting itself. Withdrawal also causes the body to feel pain. It may feel like your body is burning. Your eyes will feel like they are burning, and your nose can run. On top of the soreness, you may also feel pins and needles throughout your body. Your temperature can also change quickly. At one moment you may have the chills and the next thing you know you’re hot and sweaty.

You won’t be able to get rid of all your discomfort, but stretching and massages can help alleviate some of your pain.

Sick Stomach

As your body detoxes, your stomach will be twisting and tumbling. If there was one symptom to expect, expect feeling very nauseous. This may progress into vomiting or acute diarrhea.

You can try stomach-soothing medications or acupuncture to help alleviate discomfort. Acupuncture is said to be very helpful in reducing nausea.

Anxiety, Paranoia, and Irritability

Unfortunately detoxing doesn’t come with just physical symptoms. You can experience high levels of anxiety during your withdrawals. Your mind can begin to whirl and you can become paranoid. As the stress from your withdrawals increases, it can make you more irritable or promote mood swings.

Yoga, breathing practices, and being in nature can help alleviate these mental symptoms. Do not disregard them. Mental symptoms can be just as powerful as physical ones.

Restlessness

With all the withdrawal symptoms going on, you may notice that you can’t stay still. The body could begin to shake uncontrollably. It may be really hard for you to sleep because of the pain you’re feeling.

Music can help take your mind off the symptoms that are troubling you. If you are having trouble sleeping, you could try natural sleeping supplements, but you’re better off not putting anything new into your body during the detox process.

Remember that withdrawals affect everybody differently and that it can be very dangerous to detox by yourself. Detoxing with a medical professional (like the ones here at Allendale Treatment) will give you peace of mind for a safer, supervised detoxing experience.