Prolonged and excessive use of drugs and alcohol can alter the brain’s makeup, leaving everyday people dependent on these harmful substances. When people struggling with drugs and alcohol abruptly stop using them, the brain generates powerful impulses that cause widespread discomfort.
Depending on the level of dependency someone has developed, the side effects of alcohol and drug detox could be severe. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida in Jupiter, Florida, our staff of experienced professionals works diligently with community members to overcome detox symptoms. To learn about the detox process at our treatment center, reach out to our team today at 866.294.5306.
What are Common Alcohol and Drug Detox Side Effects?
When people become addicted to alcohol or drugs, abruptly stopping their use can cause severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms to manifest. The notion that someone addicted to drugs or alcohol can handle quitting cold turkey could put their lives in danger. The impact of detox side effects cannot be calculated in advance and require professional monitoring. These rank among the common side effects people experience during a drug or alcohol detox:
- Anxiety and tremors
- Severe headaches
- Nausea, vomiting, and fever
- Insomnia, cold sweats, and night terrors
- Delirium tremens (DT), confusion, and hallucinations
- Racing heart rate and escalating blood pressure
Over time, the body and mind grow accustomed to having drugs and alcohol in the system. Once the flow of mind-altering substances stops, the reaction can overwhelm people without professional treatment and care to minimize the impact. It’s vital to learn how to manage side effects while under the proper care of a professional treatment center.
How to Deal with Alcohol and Drug Detox Side Effects
A misconception exists that detox side effects only last a few days to a week. The mainstream understanding tends to be that people struggling with addiction complete a detox program, and the withdrawal symptoms disappear. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In reality, withdrawal symptoms may last for months and, in some cases, more than a year. Many decrease in severity, but they still require ongoing management. These are ways everyday people can deal with withdrawal symptoms.
Attend a Certified Detox Program
Perhaps the most successful way to manage the initial drug or alcohol detox and ongoing symptoms is to work with a professional detox center. There are wide-reaching programs available for both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Certified programs evaluate individual needs, risk factors and monitor the early days of the detox. After that, they provide ongoing treatment and support to manage triggers and avoid backsliding.
Exercise
The physical activity prompts the brain to release endorphins and restore the chemical imbalance caused by addictive substances. Exercise also lowers stress and improves sleep patterns.
Nutrition
Drugs and alcohol typically deplete the body of vital nutrients. Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet promotes mental and physical healing. It’s also advisable to avoid caffeine and excessive sugar after completing the initial drug detox.
Hydration
Dehydration ranks among the typical detox side effects. In the days and months after the formal detox was conducted, people in recovery commonly mistake hunger and thirst for cravings. Food and water can help avoid these feelings.
Stick to Daily Routines
Ensuring you get a full night’s sleep is essential to the healing process. Draft a plan to get to bed on time and wake each morning after a restful sleep. Structure and routine can help missteps when urges pass through your body and mind.
Drug and alcohol detox side effects can take a long time to wane. Ongoing treatment to deal with side effects and joining a group provide the support necessary for recovery.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
The prospect of drug and alcohol detox side effects often causes people to hesitate. Getting through the first week can be a challenge. But with professional care and compassion, side effects can be effectively managed, and you can get on the road to recovery. If you or a loved one wants to learn more about dealing with drug or alcohol detox symptoms and getting into a program, call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306, or contact us online today.
