Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal in Cape May County, NJ

The first step in recovering from a drug or alcohol abuse disorder is typically to undergo detoxification, during which the body begins to free itself from the chains of chemical dependence on toxic substances. For many people, the defining feature of detox is alcohol or drug withdrawal. Looking ahead to detox can be intimidating, and undergoing the experience of alcohol and drug withdrawal can be intense, frightening, and uncomfortable. At Cape May County Drug Treatment Centers, we put our very best efforts into providing access to high quality medical detox programs that account for these attributes.

Understanding Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal

If you can, try to imagine your brain as a spring. It is strong, flexible, and resilient. Through chronic abuse of drugs or alcohol, more and more weight is gradually placed on that spring, coiling it up tightly. When the use of drugs or alcohol is stopped, the weight on that spring is suddenly lifted, and the brain rebounds. Part of that rebound involves a release of hormones and neurotransmitters that had previously been suppressed, causing symptoms that can be uncomfortable and disorienting.

While this generalization holds true for all types of drug addictions, it is also true that all drugs and all individuals are different. The discontinuation of some drugs produces pronounced physical symptoms, while withdrawing from others is more of a psychological experience. Meanwhile, some individuals are more susceptible to certain types of symptoms than others. Unique personal histories and medical backgrounds play an important role in withdrawal as well.

Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal

For some individuals in treatment, the psychological symptoms of withdrawal prove to be harder to endure than the more physical ones. Fortunately, medications and other therapeutic techniques can help make them bearable. These symptoms commonly include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, confusion, depression, paranoia, and feelings of isolation.

Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal

These can include sweating, fast or slow heartbeat, heart palpitations, tense or aching muscles, chest tightness, shortness of breath, headaches, and fever. Monitoring of physical symptoms throughout the detox period allows healthcare professionals to know when treatment for them is required.

More Dangerous Symptoms

Certain types of addictive substances, such as alcohol and tranquilizing drugs, are known to produce withdrawal symptoms that can be debilitating and even life-threatening. Detox from those kinds of substances, therefore, should always be undertaken in a medical environment under the supervision of a professional staff. Symptoms that fall into this category are seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), strokes, heart attacks, and hallucinations.

Although withdrawal can be frightening, it can be completely safe when carefully supervised and treated. A successful detox will also mark the entry to lasting recovery. If you would like more information about our addiction recovery programs at Cape May County Drug Treatment Centers, please feel free to give us a call at (609) 756-3686 today.