Withdrawal, according to SAMHSA, includes the uncomfortable physiological and psychological changes that result from the decrease or cessation of a substance after prolonged and heavy use. Withdrawal is a part of the recovery process involved in detox. It may seem that you experience withdrawal from the very beginning and even further into the recovery process, but that results from dealing with triggers and relearning how to cope without substances.
What Is Detox?
Detoxing from substances is the beginning stage of recovery and begins the process of withdrawal. Developing some coping strategies to deal with the symptoms of withdrawal is essential. The symptoms of withdrawal will vary depending on the substance you used, how much you used, and how often you used it. However, some common symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Agitation/anger
- Sweating
- Hot flashes and chills
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Withdrawal is unpleasant and having skills to deal with symptoms is key to your success in recovery.
Five Ways to Cope With Withdrawal Compassionately
Many people go through withdrawal with the help of a treatment center. Renaissance Ranch offers support and treatment for all stages of recovery and can help you through this process. Five ways to cope with withdrawal include:
#1. Be Aware of What to Expect
The first step to coping with a problem is to know what to expect. Symptoms of withdrawal vary between substances. The list above includes the most common symptoms experienced. Do some research. Ask the staff where you are getting treatment. Do not be afraid to question your symptoms or to report any of them to staff or an emergency department. Do realize that you may need help going through this process, and asking for help or information is key to your success. Having an awareness of what to expect will help you avoid leaving treatment before you are ready.
#2. Think About Your Strengths
You are more than a person addicted to a substance. You are smart, funny, loved, and strong because you have sought out recovery. Not all people who use alcohol or other substances seek treatment, nor do they realize they need help. You are strong and full of courage for this singular step. There is much more to you than your use of substances and, as you go through the withdrawal process, thinking about these strengths will help you.
#3. Ask for Help
Withdrawal is a challenging process, and talking helps. Having someone hear your concerns and being able to voice them is a part of the therapeutic process. Withdrawal is uncomfortable and knowing someone is willing to listen and help you through the process makes withdrawal easier to manage. At Renaissance Ranch, you are not alone in any process of recovery, and we are there every step of the way to ensure your success.
#4. Be Kind to Yourself
The skill of self-compassion may seem obvious, but being kind to yourself is one of the most challenging skills to master. During recovery, especially during withdrawal, anger and anxiety are normal. Having a negative outlook and blaming yourself for your past choices can be easy, but it doesn’t help with the healing process. While anger and anxiety at yourself and others are natural, being kind to yourself and offering yourself the compassion of healing will allow you to complete treatment much more easily than anger and self-loathing.
#5. Do Not Expect Your Withdrawal to Be the Same as Somebody Else’s
Your timetable is not the same as anyone else’s. Everybody recovers on their own timeline. Withdrawal may last days for one person and months for another. Do not expect your withdrawal to follow a specific pattern of events or a pattern of symptoms. Having different experiences in withdrawal is a result of your unique biochemical makeup, with which God created you.
The previous five coping strategies are meant to help you develop a mindset for healing as you undertake the complex process of detoxing from substances and going through withdrawal. The important thing to realize is that you are courageous in taking the first step of detoxing and going through withdrawal to begin the process of recovery. Leaning on the strength of your Higher Power and recognizing that you need help is an excellent first step to recovery. Withdrawal is a part of the recovery process. You cannot be free from substances without detoxing and going through withdrawal.
You are a unique person and will experience a recovery process that is unique to you. At Renaissance Ranch, we treat you as a whole person and understand the process of withdrawal and recovery as it relates to each individual. We utilize a clinically-driven method of treatment, focusing on the unique way in which all are created. We use a Gospel-centered and 12-Step focused treatment process to ensure your success. Renaissance Ranch is committed to providing its residents with professional, private service and compassionate treatment. Do not hesitate to ask for help and to realize your inner strength by reaching out. With help, you can overcome alcohol or substance use. You deserve support, and we can help you reach your full potential. You do not have to keep using substances. Renaissance Ranch can help you through your entire recovery process, beginning with detox and withdrawal. Reach out and call today at (801) 308-8898 to start the process of recovery.