Do You Fear Withdrawal?

While it is true that the addiction recovery journey is a difficult and life-long commitment, the rewards of sobriety are worth it.

What is keeping you from entering into a substance abuse treatment center?

For many people, it is the ominous storm cloud of withdrawal that they know haunts the detoxification process of every recovery program.

Whether you know from personal experience or have been influenced by the media, it is often the “unbearable” withdrawal symptoms that lead people, again and again, to the substance they have become addicted to.

When your body becomes addicted to a substance and is suddenly deprived of that substance, withdrawal symptoms are your body’s way of protesting this change. Withdrawal symptoms can manifest themselves both physically and mentally.

Signs of Withdrawal

Just like every aspect of addiction and recovery, your body’s response to detoxification will be unique to your experience and your medical history. The following are some of the ways your body may react to detoxification:

Physical symptoms can include:

• Aches and pains
• Nausea
• Temperature swings (hot to cold)
• Goosebumps
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Cravings
• Runny nose

Emotional/mental symptoms can include:

• Insomnia
• Rapid mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations and disorientation
• Paranoia

When all of the possible withdrawal symptoms are listed, it is much easier to understand why, for some people, the prospect of detoxification is enough to turn them away from the life-changing freedom of recovery.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The detox process can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks but it will always come to an end. And this resolution is a positive one: a light at the end of the tunnel where you can see your life clearly illuminated without the distortions and shadows of addiction and substances.

A crucial component to a successful detoxification is that it takes place within a substance abuse treatment center like the Aviary. These difficult withdrawal symptoms can be conquered in a healthy and less painful way if there are medical and psychological professionals present to guide you through each step of the process.

The reality is that while the prospect of detoxification is not a pleasant one, when compared to the long-term physical and mental effects of addiction, it is the lesser of the two evils. It can be bearable to push through a difficult process if you know there is a positive end in sight— especially when compared to pushing through the dreadful consequences of addiction.

Don’t Let Fear Keep You from Making a Change

As is the case with many things in life, the reward is enjoyed more deeply and the fulfillment lasts longer when we have to work for it. All of the effort, energy, and time you poured into conquering the difficult detoxification process can be a reminder and proof of your hard-earned sobriety whenever you feel tempted in the future.

If the fear of experiencing withdrawal is keeping you from seeking treatment, consider the discomfort and bodily deterioration you are already enduring daily because of your addiction. Ask yourself if it is worth it to continually bear this burden alone and without hope.

If you are ready to begin your detoxification process and take that first step towards the freedom of sobriety, the Aviary can make your journey as effective and healthy as possible.