What are the Signs of Being Dope Sick?

When dealing with substance addiction, it’s important to learn the terminology. It’s not uncommon for people to refer to certain drugs or conditions in some different ways. For instance, marijuana goes by several different street names—weed, pot, bud and Mary Jane. Dope sick is a term that has been around for years. People may not use it as often as they used to, but we still hear it on the streets. So what does dope sick mean?

Fortunately, here at Beaches Recovery, we’re very familiar with all sorts of drug abuse terminology. We can guide you through understanding just what “dope sick” means, what individuals suffering from it are dealing with, and the addiction treatment programs that can help individuals heal and recover.

Do you or a loved one need marijuana addiction treatment? Call us today at 866.605.0532.

What Does it Mean to be Dope Sick?

It might come as a surprise, but dope sick is the same thing as withdrawal. When an addicted individual goes through withdrawal, the symptoms they exhibit emulate a variety of illnesses. Sometimes, family members will see that their loved one is sick while unaware they have a substance addiction. This is because, for many drugs and alcohol, the symptoms of withdrawal are the same as those of a cold or flu. When an individual’s withdrawal symptoms look like the symptoms of common illnesses, it’s easy to not look much deep beneath the surface. Since the causes of the assumed illnesses are drugs or “dope,” people adopted the term dope sick.

Let’s look at some signs of heroin withdrawal. It makes it easier to see why some people might make this common mistake. Here are some common signs:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating and trembling
• High blood pressure
• Breathing issues
• Sleeping issues

It wouldn’t be surprising for someone experiencing food poisoning to display some of these symptoms. In this way, it makes it plausible for individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction to hide their dependency. However, learning to identify the signs of being ‘dope sick’ or withdrawal can help you or a loved one get the treatment necessary to heal from the disease of addiction.

Treating Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

While some withdrawal symptoms look like certain illnesses, people should note they are far more dangerous than the common flu. The best and safest way for an addict to get through withdrawal is by enlisting the services of a detox facility. Medically supervised detox creates a safe and secure environment for individuals to undergo withdrawal symptoms while having the necessary support to get them through it.

Given the dangerous nature of some withdrawal symptoms, there’s plenty of reasons why a medically-monitored detox makes sense. Under the care of medical staff, the patient gets a chance to clear withdrawal in a safe and comfortable environment. Should they show any signs of distress, a doctor is present to intervene. Intervention might include staff prescribing certain medications to relieve pain or help the patient sleep. The end-goal of detox is preparing the patient for addiction therapy.

Beaches Recovery–a Top Florida Rehab

At Beaches Recovery center, we focus on treating each patient as a unique individual. As such, we offer a broad menu of traditional and holistic treatment options. A shortlist of our services includes the following:

• Residential drug rehab: Our inpatient facility is located close to a lovely stretch of beach. This location allows our patients to focus on their treatment and recovery without the distractions and triggers that are found in daily life.
• Outpatient detox: This allows our patients to continue working and caring for their families while they receive the care they need.
• Intensive outpatient program: Our intensive outpatient program is primarily designed for patients who have completed residential treatment and are ready to transition back to life outside of treatment. This program allows our patients to continue working and attending school while receiving the support they need to stay sober.
• Dual diagnosis treatment: For patients who are struggling with both addiction and mental health issues, we offer dual diagnosis treatment. This type of treatment addresses both the addiction and the underlying mental health issue, providing our patients with a comprehensive plan for recovery.
• Family therapy: We believe that family support is essential for recovery. As such, we offer family therapy services to help our patients heal the relationships that have been affected by addiction.

If you suddenly stop using drugs and become dope sick, your health is at risk. You need to seek help for both your withdrawal symptoms and addiction. With so much on the line, you want help from a top treatment center like Beaches Recovery. Our professional staff is ready to take your call and offer you the support you need. To start the process, call us at 866.605.0532.