One of the biggest challenges we face when recovering from addiction is our experience with withdrawal symptoms. Each of us will experience our recovery differently, just as each of us has a different addiction story. The symptoms of withdrawal we experience may be unique to us and our addiction journey.
There are some very common symptoms, however, that many of us experience. Because these symptoms can be so overwhelming, it can be incredibly important, and even lifesaving, to work with a professional treatment facility where a great deal of care is given during the withdrawal process.
Getting Support for Symptoms of Withdrawal in Inpatient and Outpatient Programs
Many treatment centers offer both inpatient and outpatient programs. This is something many of us have to take into consideration when thinking about the symptoms of withdrawal we might experience. Will we need to be monitored closely around the clock, or are we stable enough to be safe at home?
When working with a treatment center like Athens Area Commencement Center, your care is medically supervised to ensure your safety. In both inpatient and outpatient programs, you may also be provided with detox medications if you need them. These medications can help to manage the severity and discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.
Common Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal
Some of the more common symptoms of withdrawal have to do with changes in appetite, sleep, and energy levels. We might lose our appetite, have trouble sleeping, or feel fatigued. Some of us will experience other physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sweating. Others of us might experience headaches, muscle aches, and agitation.
For others of us, our withdrawal symptoms may be more psychological. We might suddenly feel more depressed or anxious. This can be especially true for those with existing co-occurring disorders such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder. Some of us might experience periods of confusion or paranoia. We might find ourselves having mood swings or feeling more irritable than usual.
One of the more dangerous potential symptoms of withdrawal is seizures. This is another reason why getting professional help from a treatment center like Athens Area Commencement Center is so important and can even be lifesaving.
The Fears Surrounding Symptoms of Withdrawal
Our fears of facing withdrawal symptoms are one of the many reasons so many of us hesitate to get sober. We often anticipate physical pain and discomfort, so we put off calling a treatment program or going to a meeting. This fear is absolutely understandable, and it is one of the many challenges of recovering from addiction.
Receiving support while facing these fears is another reason why getting professional help can bolster your chances for a successful recovery. The experience of recovering from addiction and the symptoms of withdrawal, in particular, can be overwhelming, to say the least. Having the support of a treatment center like Athens Area Commencement Center can empower us to face those fears and create a new life for ourselves based on courage and sobriety.
Important Life Lessons in Recovery From Coping With Symptoms of Withdrawal
We might be inclined to want to power through our recovery on our own. Many of us are afraid to get help or are ashamed that we need help in the first place. We don’t want to admit that we have a problem with addiction, let alone that we don’t know how to fix that problem.
One of our many lessons in recovery is learning to swallow our pride. We can learn to allow ourselves to receive the help we deserve. This is especially true because there is the possibility of severe withdrawal symptoms. We deserve to be supported through the difficult withdrawal process.
Addiction is not something to be ashamed of. It is one of the challenging parts of life that has so much to teach us if we allow it to. Rather than seeing addiction as a source of shame, we can see our recovery from addiction as evidence of our strength. Admitting that we struggle with addiction is hard, and so is getting through the withdrawal process. When we make it to the other side, though, we have our recovery to look forward to and to be proud of ourselves for.
Critical Mindset Shift Around Symptoms of Withdrawal: This Too Shall Pass
One of the most important things we can do when facing our fears of withdrawal is to create within ourselves a critical mindset shift. We tend to associate withdrawal with being this insurmountable, overpowering, painful experience. This overwhelming fear can actually keep us from trying to get sober in the first place. The fear of withdrawal symptoms can also cause us to relapse once we’ve already successfully gotten sober.
Rather than allowing this fear to keep us trapped in cycles of addiction, we can remind ourselves that these symptoms are temporary. As difficult as they are, they will pass. We can, and we will get through them and come out stronger on the other side.
If the anticipatory fear of withdrawal symptoms is holding you back and keeping you from starting your recovery journey, remember that the withdrawal process is short-lived. Compared to the lifetime of sobriety and peace of mind you have to look forward to, withdrawal is just one short moment along the journey.
The work to recover from our addictions is some of the hardest work we’ll ever do in life. Getting through the withdrawal process is one of the many challenges therein. Withdrawal symptoms can be both emotionally and physically overwhelming. But you don’t have to do any of it alone. Reach out to Athens Area Commencement Center for more information on our inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare treatment programs. We provide clinical supervision in order to keep you safe, as well as holistic, long-term support and relapse prevention education to empower you for lifelong sobriety. Call us today at (706) 546-7355 to get started. We’re here to help you face your fears!