A key symptom of addiction is experiencing withdrawal effects when not using or drinking. Depending on the person and the type of substance, these effects may be physical, emotional, behavioral, or a combination. Someone with an addiction to alcohol, opiates, or benzodiazepines may experience severe, overwhelming physical effects when they begin to withdraw. Other substances often produce emotional symptoms rather than physical ones. Regardless of the type of substance, withdrawal is an essential (often inevitable) step towards achieving sobriety.
Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to manage, especially when trying to detox from drugs or alcohol without help and support from a medically managed withdrawal program. As with the effects of addiction, withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone. Some people experience only mild symptoms, while withdrawal for others involves severe and potentially life-threatening physical and psychological effects. Seeking help at a medically managed withdrawal program ensures you have the support you need to manage withdrawal symptoms of all types safely.
What is Withdrawal?
When you use alcohol or drugs for an extended period, your brain and body develop a dependency on the substance to function normally. The most notable change to your brain is how it produces and releases a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain responsible for feelings of joy and pleasure. The use of alcohol and drugs trick the brain into releasing abnormally high dopamine levels, leading to the “rush” or “high” people feel when drinking or using. Without treatment at a rehab program to help you stop using, abuse of drugs will, in time, lead to addiction.
Once your body depends on the presence of drugs or alcohol to carry out vital functions, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using. Withdrawal is the process of your body learning how to function without substances and is often a combination of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. When you decide to stop using, your body craves your substance of choice leading to unpleasant and sometimes painful effects called withdrawal symptoms.
What is a Withdrawal Management Program?
In a withdrawal management program like Dallas Detox Center, highly skilled medical and mental health professionals provide support and guidance as you begin your sobriety journey. Withdrawal support at a detox program in Dallas includes monitoring your vitals and, depending on your needs, administering medications to help reduce the intensity of specific withdrawal symptoms allowing you to focus your energy on getting well.
What is the Importance of Medically-Managed Withdrawal?
Withdrawal symptoms are a part of detoxing from drugs or alcohol for someone who begins a medically managed withdrawal program. Depending on the nature and severity of your addiction, withdrawal can lead to intense and sometimes overwhelming symptoms. In some cases, medical intervention is crucial to ensure safety. When you choose to detox alone, medical help may not be immediately available to assist with these symptoms. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on your specific circumstances.
Detoxing (withdrawing) from drugs and alcohol at a Texas rehab center like Dallas Detox Center ensures you will have the support and guidance you need to safely and effectively manage withdrawal symptoms. At a medically supervised withdrawal center, trained medical staff and mental health professionals are available to monitor vitals and provide medical and emotional support throughout the most challenging stages of detox. Having consistent support in a comfortable and safe environment significantly reduces exposure to triggers and relapse during detox.
How to Find a Withdrawal Management Program in Dallas
If you or a loved one are ready to take the first steps towards sobriety but are concerned about safely detoxing from drugs or alcohol, a medically managed detox program at Dallas Detox Center is the best place to start. Although withdrawal can be challenging, it is essential to cleanse your body from the harmful effects of substances allowing you to make a clean and fresh new start. Without the support and guidance received from a withdrawal management program, fully detoxing and managing potentially severe withdrawal symptoms may be too demanding on your own.
Let us help you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our withdrawal management program in Dallas.