Detoxification Effects of Addiction and Withdrawal

February 19,2013

Detoxification is an important step for any person hoping to put away the habit of drug abuse. But the effects detoxification can be serious and may vary depending on the drug of choice...

Detoxification Effects of Addiction and Withdrawal

Detoxification is an important step for any person hoping to put away the habit of drug abuse. But the effects detoxification can be serious and may vary depending on the drug of choice and the severity of the addiction. Many things change once a person's body is exposed to drugs for a long period of time. œNeuroadaptation is a term referring to chemical changes in the brain. The most notable that occurs with drug abuse over a long period of time is known as tolerance. This is what drives addiction deeper and stronger as more drugs and higher quantities are needed to achieve the same high.

During detoxification the first things challenged are the œneuroadaptations. This includes the tolerance levels but also the physical dependence for drugs. Depending on which substance was abused, sudden removal of the drug can be fatal. Otherwise two things can occur. The first is called abstinence. This is when the effects of the drug are reversed after directly stopping use. For example, heroin use causes euphoria, a decrease in anxiety, insensitivity to pain and a decrease in activity of the large intestine. When abstinence occurs for recovering heroin addicts people become foul tempered, depressed, anxious, stressed out and over activity of the large intestine leads to much more frequent bowel movements. The symptoms change depending on the drug that was abused.

The second avenue of detoxification can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These too also depend on the type of drug abused. Withdrawal symptoms can be physical, including tremors, bone and muscle pain, vomiting, nausea and other symptoms. Also common with many drugs are mental withdrawal symptoms which can include depression, intense cravings, paranoia, anxiety and helplessness. Both routes through detoxification can be intensely uncomfortable, and how long it lasts depends on the severity of the addiction. This is why detoxification is strongly recommended to be carried out in a supervised setting with professional medical personnel. This allows for safe detoxification and also provides the most physical and mental comfort possible.

As mentioned before, the length of detoxification varies depending on each case of addiction. 1) The type of drug used, 2) the length of time of the addiction, and the 3) amount the drug was used in, all have an impact on the duration of detoxification. For many, the basic length starts at a week and the most severe cases can take a month or even two before mental withdrawal symptoms fully pass.

The role that detoxification plays in rehabilitation is an important one. Although it comes off as painful and difficult, it must happen and a person must pass through it in order to get to the next step. After detoxification the body and mind make considerable changes to get back onto the path of sobriety and healthy living. It is at this time that therapists and other supportive figures can help a recovering person make even greater mental changes. It is the drive and determination which will make the difference in the end. As detoxification is only one of the beginning steps to recovery, it can take many trials before a person gets rehabilitation right, and stays clean for good. Upon entering detox it is important to remember the drive to change even when it becomes difficult. By doing so, you can be sure that rehabilitation will stick and things can change for the better.

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Reach out to us. At A Center for Addiction Recovery, our licensed therapists and certified counselors are dedicated to help you or your loved one recover from drug or alcohol addiction. Our premier substance abuse treatment center provides unique programs to help patients recognize the origin of the problem that caused them to self-medicate. Learning how to deal with these problems results in facing situations, instead of avoiding them; this also reduces the chances of relapsing. For more information on receiving drug or alcohol addiction treatment, you may contact us for free consultation at:

Center for Addiction Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-570-4562

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A Center for Addiction Recovery

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MARK KILLAR

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