The most severe withdrawal symptoms appear in the first days of withdrawal. Typically, symptoms taper off and clients transition from detox centers to a rehab program, like the ones offered at Gateway locations. Even during rehab and beyond, withdrawal symptoms can linger. That makes drug and alcohol Withdrawal Management an ongoing concern.
Often, the physical withdrawal symptoms are the first to disappear. However, emotional and psychological symptoms can stick around for far longer. When patients stop using drugs or alcohol, it impacts the balance of chemicals in the brain. This can lead to uncomfortable feelings such as racing thoughts, anxiety, sleep and appetite disturbance and more.
These feelings generally don’t last long, but they can be overwhelming. Drug and alcohol Withdrawal Management, therefore, includes detox centers teaching clients about what to expect. If clients know that their feelings are part of withdrawal, they can be easier to deal with. This gives patients greater strength as they face the challenges of lingering withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Management involves both psychological symptoms and physical symptoms, which need ongoing attention. That may be especially true for alcohol and opioid withdrawal management. Some clients might be prone to seizures during withdrawal, for example. Others might struggle to regain their appetite, and they might lose too much weight.
Often, these physical symptoms aren’t severe. Over time, they might even resolve on their own. However, comfort and health can be significantly improved with medical supervision from the right treatment center. Having access to medical support and treatment during recovery can make it easier to stay healthy and on track toward lifelong sobriety.
Many tools and resources help with Withdrawal Management. One of the best options for individual patients is Medication-Assisted Treatment. This involves treatment centers using prescription medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
This is especially beneficial for opioid Withdrawal Management. Certain opioid medications, such as suboxone or methadone, stop the brain from recognizing withdrawal. While patients won’t experience a rush as they would with other opioid drugs, they can expect milder withdrawal symptoms.
This can be used as a long-term treatment method, or it can be used to taper down the amount of opioids in the system. Either way, it needs to be done with medical supervision. These medications typically still contain addictive properties. Medical professionals can recommend the proper usage of these medications and accurately administer the proper amount for a safe withdrawal.
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Drug and alcohol Withdrawal Management may also include appropriate therapies. Both Individual and Group Therapy can help clients identify their withdrawal symptoms and move past them.
One therapeutic approach to Withdrawal Management is mindfulness. Learning to separate physical pain from the emotional response to pain can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. This allows clients to focus less on discomfort and more on the recovery process.
If emotional pain is the biggest problem, then therapy is the answer. Giving clients coping mechanisms allows them to avoid feelings of anxiety or depression. These emotions are typical during the recovery process, but conquering them provides patients a higher level of stability.
In addition to Withdrawal Management, clients can look forward to various recovery programs and addiction therapy services. Some of the most effective treatment methods available to clients are:
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