Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal in Cleveland, OH (216) 666-2727

One of the reasons that so many people struggle to overcome their addictions is the intensity of alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol and drug withdrawal can be extremely excruciating as it shocks the system. Many people try to go through detox and therefore through their alcohol and drug withdrawal on their own which is definitely a mistake, especially when there is an alternative option in the form of medical detox. Drug Detox Centers Cleveland can help you find the alternative options you need.  

The Mechanism of Withdrawal

Alcohol and drug withdrawal occur when a person has developed a physical addiction to drugs or alcohol. The whole process starts with substance abuse. When a person consumes an addictive substance, it has interactions with the brain and nervous system. Drugs and alcohol trigger certain actions in the brain, oftentimes in more potent ways than the brain would do normally.

As a person continues to chronically abuse drugs or alcohol, the brain adjusts the way it functions to accommodate the presence of the drug in the body. Once this adjustment occurs, a person has developed a chemical dependence on the drug due to substance abuse. Because the brain needs the drug to function, taking the drug away will cause the brain to react negatively as it is unable to perform necessary actions without the drug’s assistance. These negative reactions are withdrawals.

Why Medical Detox is Imperative (216) 666-2727

Medical detox is a necessity to overcome alcohol and drug withdrawals for numerous reasons. First and foremost, a person needs a support system to overcome their addiction and to avoid turning back to substance abuse to make the pain and discomfort go away. Medical detox can provide that emotional support system that a person needs to know that withdrawals will pass and they can get through it.

Additionally, medical detox can help to reduce the severity and duration of drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals can administer prescription medications throughout the detox process. Some of these medications can treat symptoms of withdrawal while others are designed to help the brain recover more quickly and effectively.

Finally, withdrawal symptoms are always uncomfortable, but can also sometimes be dangerous and potentially deadly. When a person is in a medical detox program they will have swift access to the medical interventions they need to prevent these severe withdrawal symptoms from causing permanent damage or taking their life.

The Different Withdrawal Symptoms for Abused Substances

Withdrawal symptoms vary quite a bit from person to person. Just because a withdrawal symptom is typical of a certain substance does not mean that a person will experience that symptom. And, of course, different substances cause different withdrawal symptoms based on the effects they have on the brain. Some of the common addictive substances and their withdrawal symptoms include:

Alcohol Withdrawal

  • Paranoia
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Opiate Withdrawal

  • Severe body aches
  • Tremors and shaking
  • Cold sweats and night sweats
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Anxiety
  • Abdominal cramping

Sedative Withdrawal

  • High fevers
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Shaking and night sweats
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • High blood pressure

Stimulant Withdrawal

  • Paranoia
  • Agitation and extreme aggression
  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Psychosis

When you are ready to get the help you need, Cleveland Drug Rehab Centers is here. Medical detox is just the beginning of what they offer to help you overcome your addiction to drugs or alcohol. Comprehensive treatment programs will help you to break your physical dependence as well as your mental and emotional addiction. Just give us a call at (216) 666-2727 to discuss your options.