There are several steps involved in the drug addiction recovery process. One of the major ones is the formal detox. The NIDA or National Institute on Drug Abuse states that detox is the process of getting rid of foreign matter and substances and being able to manage withdrawal symptoms on an as needed basis. As you may know, there are several types of drug rehab programs. However, you should also know there are many types of detoxification, as well. Not all drug detox programs are the same. Each one is created to handle the needs of certain types of addiction and particular types of individuals. The following information gives you a sneak peek on some of the options a person has available to them when they are ready to break free from the addiction cycle.

Learn about Drug Detoxification

If a person uses a substance over and over, they are more vulnerable to developing a physical dependence with time. When you are physically dependent on a substance, your body gets used to its presence. Over time the body becomes dependent on the substance and craves it to function normally. In many cases, this results in the person becoming addicted to the substance. In some cases, a person needs drug detoxification through a professional center to help them through the process of quitting a substance.

When a person becomes dependent on a substance and abruptly stops using it or even decreases the amounts they use it, they will more than likely face withdrawal symptoms. Some people have mild, moderate, or even severe withdrawals symptoms when they quit taking their substance of choice. Some symptoms last longer than others. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance and the individual. Many people can not deal with their withdrawal symptoms by themselves. That is why they seek help from a professional who is experienced in the various types of drug detoxification.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are wondering what types of symptoms you might experience during the withdrawal or detoxification process, they include the following:

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Vomiting

• Rapid pulse

• Major sweating

• Hand tremors

• Hallucinations

• Illusions

• Confusion

• Purposeless, repetitive movements

• Seizures

• DTs or delirium tremens

Many people only have to deal with a few of these symptoms when they quit drinking. However, some people have several symptoms when they are trying to detox from alcohol.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

There are some withdrawal symptoms that are more specific to opioid detox. These symptoms include the following:

• Goosebumps

• Aches in muscles

• Moderate to severe sweating

• Fever

• Diarrhea

• Watery eyes

• Runny nose

• Anxiety

• Needing to yawn a lot

• Irritability

• Depressed mood

• Insomnia

You may experience all of these symptoms or only certain ones. If you feel your symptoms are getting severe, it would be best to seek help from a professional in a medical or addiction rehab facility.

Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have been taking sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytic drugs, some of the withdrawal symptoms you might experience include the following:

• Insomnia

• Increased pulse

• Anxiety

• Heavy sweating

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pacing or other movements

• Hallucinations or illusions

• Tremors and seizures

There are times when a person can feel all of these symptoms. However, in many cases, a person will only get some of these withdrawal symptoms. Remember, if your withdrawal symptoms are unbearable, it is best to seek help from someone who is qualified in addiction rehab or detoxifications.

Stimulants, Cocaine, Meth, Ritalin Withdrawal Symptoms

When detoxing from stimulants, cocaine, meth, or Ritalin, some of the withdrawal symptoms you might experience include the following:

• Tiredness

• Nightmares

• Trouble sleeping

• Hypersomnia

• Huge appetite

• Slow thinking

• Slow movements

• Trouble in feeling pleasure or happy

• Depression

• Suicidal tendencies

Again, a person may experience all or some of these symptoms. If you feel overwhelmed by them, it would be best to consult a physician, medical professional, rehab center clinician, or someone who specializes in various types of detoxification.

Withdrawal Symptom Timeline

The timeline for withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person and from drug to drug. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms stem from a few things including the half-life of the drug or substance, the way it is taken or ingested, and the dosage the person has been using. Sometimes a person might feel symptoms right away. However, it might take you much longer to notice the withdrawal symptoms. Some information regarding the timeline for withdrawal symptoms includes the following:

• Some stimulant drugs – Symptoms commonly will produce themselves within a couple of hours to a few days after the person takes their last dose.

• Sedatives – Symptoms might come as fast as a few hours or within several days from the last use. For example, if you have been addicted to Xanax, you might notice withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 8 hours of taking your last dose. Your symptoms might last for a few days. They will slowly improve by the 4th or 5th day.

• Opioid drugs – This includes heroin and painkillers. Your symptoms will almost always appear within 6 to 12 hours from the time you took your last dose. These symptoms will generally subside within 5 to 7 days.

• Long-acting opioid drugs – This includes methadone and your symptoms might take longer to appear. In most cases, it takes 2 to 4 days after the last dose before you will start having withdrawal symptoms.

• Alcohol – Your symptoms may appear within only a few hours after your last drink and last several days from the time you last consumed alcohol.

Many people experience different withdrawal symptoms. This depends on the substance they have been using. If you have decided to quit any type of substance, you might feel very uncomfortable when the symptoms start to take over your mind and body. However, it is best to try and remain as positive as you can. Stay as calm as you can and remember your withdrawal symptoms will stop at some point. If you want help to handle them, there is no shame in asking for it. Take a minute to speak with a professional about the types of detoxification, your withdrawal symptoms, and seeking help.