It’s extremely important to understand what drug dependence is so you can make the choice to start detox–a crucial first step of recovery. Dependence to drugs is one of the leading causes why people stay in the cycle of using drugs. Not only that, but trying to end drug dependence by self-detox is one of the leading causes of relapse and can be potentially fatal. Once you understand how dependence to drugs works, you’ll feel more comfortable going to detox.
How Does Drug Dependence Work?
There are many different substances that people use on a regular basis that can make the body become dependent. Aside from drugs, people can become dependent to caffeine, sugar, nicotine and other things we put in our bodies. If you were to quit any of the listed substances, you might feel a little irritable and strange. This is because your body has developed a dependence for these substances and doesn’t know what to do without them.
Your body is an extremely complicated and precise vessel that’s always working and trying to maintain balance. The evolution of the human body has allowed us to change, survive and adapt to many different conditions. The body is constantly working on maintaining balance and regular substance abuse changes that balance. The physical dependence comes from the body changing to adapt to drugs coming into the body regularly.
Drug Dependence and Withdrawal
If you were to quit caffeine or sugar, you might be pretty irritable for a few days, but nothing too major would happen. With drugs, the story is much different because the mind and body are drastically affected. Depending on the substance you’re using, the symptoms of withdrawal can vary. Some substances can cause mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal, and others have only mental symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Irritability
- Aches and pains
Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines cause mental symptoms of withdrawal like anxiety, depression and irritability. Drug dependence to substances like prescription medications and heroin cause mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal. Trying to detox from any of these substances alone often leads to relapse because the symptoms are so uncomfortable. Some people experience far more dangerous symptoms from withdrawal like heart failure and seizures.
Get Professional Help
If you’ve developed a drug dependence, you don’t have to go through it alone. Serenity House Detox & Recovery is here to help you. We have a state-of-the-art drug detox program that will help you overcome the symptoms of withdrawal. Our staff will be with you at all times to ensure your safety, and we’ll try to make you as comfortable as possible. Through medical detox and holistic therapies we can help. Call 866-294-5306 to start the journey out of drug dependence.
