Coping with Withdrawal Symptoms

Ending addiction to a substance you have long used is a scary process. You know you will experience many physical, emotional and social changes as you progress through withdrawal and recovery. The side effects of detox can be the most intimidating part of your recovery. However, there are effective ways to cope with withdrawal symptoms.

What to Expect of Withdrawal Symptoms

When you stop using the substance of your addiction, whether drugs or alcohol, withdrawal symptoms may start to occur within a few hours. You may experience a wide range of physical, emotional and psychological changes. Some of these effects can be downright scary.

For example, many people think that alcohol addiction should be the easiest of substances from which to detox. This is generally assumed because alcohol is legally available and most people don’t consider it as dangerous as illegal drugs. In fact, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be the most difficult and dangerous of addiction detox side effects.

According to the American Family Physician, alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Hand tremors
• Dehydration
• Heart palpitations
• Swings in blood sugar
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hot flashes
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Seizures

How to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

Millions of people must go through these withdrawal side effects each year, in order to gain recovery from addiction to alcohol. It’s always safest to go through alcohol withdrawal in a medically supervised detox program, just as one should for any substance addictions. A licensed and supportive detox program can help patients in coping with withdrawal symptoms through a variety of medications and other methods.

Other means of coping with the symptoms of withdrawal include:

• Ensuring you are well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids, including those that help replenish electrolytes
• Eating nourishing meals and snacks to keep blood sugar levels balanced and help your body function throughout detox
• Leaning on a support system of care providers, medical personnel, counselors, addiction specialists and loved ones
• Learning to endure cravings in a healthy manner using skills learned from addiction specialists and other programs
• Avoiding temptations and triggers, including means for relapse, stressors and other bad influences
• Taking prescribed medications as they are provided by licensed medical professionals and exactly as prescribed, to help you endure especially difficult symptoms
• Adopting relaxation techniques to overcome cravings and get through detox
• Using positive affirmation and positive thoughts to overcome difficult moments, cravings and other thoughts that hinder progress in detox and rehab

Overcoming Withdrawal through Accredited Treatment

When you’re seeking to overcome withdrawal and achieve recovery for sustainable sobriety, you need the help and support of licensed and accredited professionals who thoroughly understand addiction and recovery. In a Joint Commission-accredited treatment program, you will gain the evidence-based therapies and dual diagnosis treatment you need to fully recover from your addiction. Recovery requires work, dedication and constant attention. All of these needs can be met and made easier through care received at a quality treatment facility.

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida is a Joint Commission-accredited rehab providing dual diagnosis treatment and a comprehensive array of therapies for complete, sustainable recovery from substance abuse. When you’re ready to gain sobriety for the long term and regain a positive, healthy lifestyle full of hope and fulfillment, Beaches Recovery can help you succeed.

The recovery you want is just a phone call away. Contact Beaches Recovery now at 8666050532 for more information and to verify your insurance.