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3 Ways To Cope With Symptoms Of Drug And Alcohol Withdrawal
Every year communities across India are affected by untreated substance use disorder (SUD). According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, "In India, the National Household Survey reported alcohol (21.4%) as the primary substance used followed by cannabis (3.0%) and opioids (0.7%). The survey estimated that more than one crore people in the country were suffering from alcohol or drug dependence." Detox is one of the first steps in treatment for individuals recovering from SUD. Samarpan Recovery, one of the top rehabilitation centres in Mumbai, uses evidence-based methods to help clients achieve sobriety and cope with symptoms.
Symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal vary significantly depending on multiple factors. Detox involves ridding the body of toxins like alcohol or drugs, often taking two to 10 days. Symptoms often fluctuate considerably during that time. A trained addiction recovery specialist is present to monitor the client's physical health and any side effects. In addition, prescription medication, social support, and therapy help clients maintain emotional stability and reduce symptoms during detox.
Some of the most common symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal include:
Dizziness
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety or panic
Depressive episodes and symptoms
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Body pain or discomfort, including flu-like symptoms
Unusual irritability
Extreme mood swings
Exhaustion
Muscle weakness, pain, and tremors
Irritable bowel, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
In more severe cases, clients may experience hallucinations, seizures, and psychotic episodes. Constant medical monitoring during the detox is essential to reduce the risk of health complications, accidents, or injuries. Clients often use therapeutic techniques combined with medication to minimise symptoms during medical detox.
Prescription medications can reduce or eliminate some symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal. Minimising the pain and discomfort protect clients from more severe side effects or mental health symptoms. Often, medication is used alongside talk therapy and peer support to reduce stress and improve mood stability.
Some of the most common prescription medications used during detox and early recovery include:
Acamprosate
Anticonvulsants
Benzodiazepines
Methadone
Subutex
Medically assisted detox decreases the risk of severe reactions or complications. An addiction recovery specialist and medical team monitor clients to ensure they react appropriately to the prescription medications. Medical supervision also ensures that the clinical team can adjust medications as needed to provide the best symptom relief. Clients collaborate with their care team to determine if they will benefit from using medications to manage detox.
For many people, detox is disorienting and an isolating experience. Group and individual therapy can help clients feel less alone during withdrawal and early rehabilitation. Samarpan Recovery encourages clients to take part in regular group therapy and community activities to ensure they receive adequate social support.
Families may have to briefly step back and give their loved ones time to adjust to their recovery. Often during detox and withdrawal, clients must rely more on their care team and peers to help them manage symptoms. The experience often encourages positive social connections and greater trust between the client and care team.
Integrative care ensures that clients get access to various treatments and services that meet their individual needs. According to Psychiatry Services, "Integrated treatment services are the gold standard for addressing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders."
Clients can cope more effectively with the symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal when they have access to integrative care, which often includes:
Alternative holistic therapies
Counselling
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy
12-Step meetings or other self-help groups
Mindfulness-based techniques and relaxation exercises
Treatment plans are adjusted as needed at Samarpan Recovery to ensure clients continue to make noticeable progress in their mental and physical recovery. The facility is one of the top rehabilitation centres in India and offers clients a wide range of services to ensure they have access to the tools they need to manage symptoms.
The clinical team at Samarpan Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine what treatments will provide the most relief to clients undergoing detox. Addiction recovery specialists monitor the client's physical health and emotional responses. In most cases, therapeutic interventions and prescription medication can manage or eliminate detox symptoms. Samarpan Recovery uses an integrative approach to rehabilitation that allows clients to direct their own recovery. The care team takes a "whole person" approach that addresses active symptoms, underlying causes, and any possible complications.
Clients undergoing treatment for SUD must go through some form of detox to rid their bodies of the addictive substance. Often this involves a period of days or weeks where the client experiences physical and psychological symptoms that affect their health. A medical professional with addiction recovery training supervises detox. In addition, clients have access to a wide variety of care services and treatments to help them cope with the symptoms. Counselling, peer support, prescription medication, and holistic therapies relieve the most severe symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal. Samarpan Recovery uses evidence-based methods to help clients successfully recover from SUD. To learn more about our programs in Mumbai, call +91 81809 19090.
+91 81809 19090admissions@samarpan.in