The term dope sick is often used when individuals are in withdrawal from opioid drugs. If this occurs, it usually indicates two things–that the person is addicted to opiates, and that they are not currently under the influence of opiates. Learn how to tell if someone you love is suffering from dope sickness symptoms.
Tremors and Shaking
One of the most noticeable dope sick symptoms is shaking. This is completely involuntary, and users won’t be able to hide this symptom. It happens because the body is not accustomed to functioning without drugs in the system.
Sometimes, individuals won’t shake constantly. Instead, they may experience occasional tremors. If you notice this happening, and there is no explanation, then it could be a sign that the person is struggling with withdrawal.
Changes in Appetite
Using opioid drugs can disrupt your digestive system and your appetite. So it makes sense that when you stop using opioids, your digestive system rebels. One of the common signs of dope sickness is having an insatiable desire to eat. Your body may be craving drugs, but without access to them, it is food that can feel like a temporary solution.
Individuals might also experience nausea or vomiting. Sometimes, diarrhea and abdominal cramping can occur. While the exact combination of symptoms may vary, most people who are dope sick will struggle with some form of intestinal distress.
Severe Mood Swings
Many opiate withdrawal symptoms are physical. However, dope sickness can also involve behavioral or psychological symptoms. For instance, dope sickness can often cause severe mood swings.
Someone who is struggling with dope sickness might start crying about something insignificant seemingly out of the blue. Or, they might get upset and fly into a rage over something small. Some people who are dope sick may suffer from anxiety, depression or even paranoia. Fortunately, all of these symptoms are temporary and will eventually pass.
Temperature Fluctuations
Dope sickness impacts many parts of the body, and one way the body responds is by struggling to regulate temperature. Dope sick symptoms may start with hot flashes and then transition into chills and shivering. Extreme sweating is very common, and it can lead to dehydration in a short amount of time.
Treating Someone Who is Dope Sick
If dope sickness impacts someone you care about, then seek professional help. At Serenity House Detox, clients can go through withdrawal in a safe, supportive environment. This is the first step to overcoming addiction, and it isn’t something that anyone should have to go through alone.
In a medically supervised detox program, clients can expect all of the following:
- Comprehensive intake evaluation
- Relapse prevention planning
- Dual diagnosis support
- Addiction counseling
- 24/7 medical monitoring and treatment
Being dope sick can be very uncomfortable, but there is no need for individuals to go through withdrawal alone. Serenity House Detox offers locations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida, to give clients the support necessary for recovery. Begin the journey to sobriety by calling 866-294-5306 today.
