If you’re struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), the chemical need to avoid withdrawal may become so intense that continued use outweighs the risk of relapse, overdose, or even death. Your fear isn’t unfounded. The body can become so dependent on substances that abruptly quitting can lead to intense physical and emotional distress in the form of:
- Shivering
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Irrational behaviors and thoughts
For many people, withdrawing from certain substances will always involve intense pain, flu-like symptoms, and, if left untreated, even a potentially life-threatening condition called opioid withdrawal syndrome for individuals dependent on certain pain medications, heroin, or fentanyl.
If you’re a concerned family member or friend, and your loved one communicates a fear of withdrawal, avoid dismissing how challenging detox is. While there are many societal, economic, and social barriers to entering inpatient recovery treatment in Iowa, detoxing is a legitimate deterrent.
St. Gregory Recovery Center understands withdrawal’s legitimacy and intensity, so we provide round-the-clock medical assistance during our detoxification services in Bayard, IA. In this article, we’ll help you understand what withdrawal is on a medical level, why it happens, and how we can help you.
What Is Withdrawal?
Withdrawal is your body’s reaction to reducing or stopping the use of a substance you’ve grown dependent on. This process affects both your physical and mental health. Whether the substance you struggle with is opioids, alcohol, nicotine, or otherwise, withdrawal can be overwhelming and may require professional supervision. Either way, you don’t have to go through withdrawal alone.
The bittersweet news is that how you react while detoxing can vary widely based on the substance, how frequently you use, and how long you’ve been using, but understanding key symptoms commonly related to alcohol dependence can help prepare you in general:
- Physical symptoms: Muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever, and tremors
- Mental symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, confusion, and even hallucinations
Understanding Why Withdrawal Happens
Substances like opioids and alcohol can change your brain chemistry over time, creating a physical dependence. Your brain adapts to the substance’s presence, but when you remove it, the body responds with withdrawal symptoms. While this reaction is a natural physiological response, it can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable.
When Does Withdrawal Happen?
Withdrawal symptoms can start within hours to a few days after stopping substance use, especially in the case of alcohol. Still, exact timelines of symptoms and severity can be different for everybody.
For example:
- Symptoms often begin within 6 to 24 hours of reducing or stopping alcohol use specifically. You may experience headaches, irritability, rapid heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or delirium.
- Symptoms may include muscle pain, nausea, sweating, and agitation, starting as early as a few hours after last using opioids, including pain medications that fall in the opioid category.
Why Choose Medical Detox at St. Gregory Recovery Center?
Since withdrawal symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, fatal reactions, medical support is often available and encouraged. Upon admission, we conduct a comprehensive medical assessment to evaluate your physical health, potential withdrawal symptoms, and any medical concerns related to substance use. Later, you’ll find compassionate care and professional support to ease every step of the way.
Here’s how:
- Safety: Our medical team monitors your health and addresses symptoms as they arise.
- Comfort: We use evidence-based methods to reduce discomfort and help you feel supported.
- Ongoing support: Detox is just the first step. We guide you toward more treatment and recovery options, all tailored to your preferences.
Perhaps most importantly, our detox services go beyond helping your body adjust safely; we also prepare you for long-term recovery.
How St. Gregory Recovery Center Supports Long-Term Recovery
- Comprehensive, faith-based residential care. Our Bayard residential program provides a safe, faith-based space where you can improve your mind, body, and spirit. After detoxing, you can transition to residential care where we’ll expose you to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), life coaching, and wellness activities.
- Flexible outpatient program. You may not always need intensive medical support to detox. Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) includes several hours of therapy and medical supervision each day, allowing you to return home in the evenings. You’ll participate in individual, group, and family therapy sessions, along with treatments like yoga and nutritional counseling.
- Intensive outpatient treatment. Designed for those who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy, but are well over the withdrawal hump, our IOP in Des Moines offers several hours of therapy and support services each week. This includes individual therapy, group sessions, and holistic treatments, enabling you to maintain your daily routines.
Detox From Substances Safely in Iowa
Whether you’re concerned about withdrawal for yourself or a loved one, help is available and healing is possible. Contact us today to get started!
