Withdrawal

Withdrawal refers to the physical problems and emotions experienced when the use of substances are suddenly stopped or drastically reduced in a short period of time. Symptoms of withdrawal are caused by decreased amounts of alcohol or drugs in the blood or tissues of a person who has grown accustomed (tolerance) to prolonged or heavy use. Tolerance refers to the bodies amazing ability to reach equilibrium or balance in the face of repeated exposure to a substance that alters the central nervous system. Simply put, tolerance can be described as, “what one pill does today, two pills will do tomorrow”.

Whenever tolerance has developed, withdrawal will occur when you stop or reduce use. Mild withdrawal symptoms include feeling tense or edgy, body aches and pains, anxiety, intense worry, or feeling shaky or sweaty. More severe symptoms can include confusion, trembling, and disorientation, ultimately culminating in potentially dangerous symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, hypertension, rapid heart rate, cardiac issues, and delirium tremens (DT’s). At Global Medical Detox, we are experts in managing withdrawal symptoms, keeping you safe and comfortable, and concurrently working on transition plans that will help support long term recovery.