Withdrawal for drug addicts - how to survive it? Drug withdrawal - symptoms and signs of drug withdrawal.

A person uses drugs to experience a feeling of euphoria. Initially he feels good. There is a feeling that all problems have disappeared. But after each such ecstasy, drug addicts experience withdrawal.

The addict completely loses control over himself. He has only one obsessive thought - to get the next dose and again experience the state of “high”. But money to buy drugs is not always available; real torment awaits the addict. And then short-term joy changes into long-term torment.

Causes

Withdrawal or withdrawal syndrome is a condition in which a drug addict experiences a desire to immediately receive another dose of a drug. Caused by drug withdrawal or dosage reduction.

The degree of dependence determines the severity of the drug - the stronger it is, the longer the withdrawal period lasts. This is influenced by the drug’s ability to integrate into human metabolism.

Withdrawal syndrome appears due to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. Drugs replace neurotransmitters, which are responsible for the timely delivery of nerve impulses. As a result, the body stops their production.

Without neurotransmitters, the connection between the brain and the nervous system, musculoskeletal system and internal organs is lost. Without regular drug use, this relationship breaks down and the human body becomes a collection of cells rather than a complete mechanism. This is what causes drug withdrawal.

Appearance time

The time it takes for severe withdrawal symptoms to occur depends on the drug used. The lack of the drug can be felt after 3-5 hours. General health worsens within a day. This causes a feeling of withdrawal.

Withdrawal is felt by all organs that are involved in metabolism. But not everyone knows how long withdrawal actually lasts for a drug addict. This feeling can last from several days to several weeks, with an average of 10 days.

In the process, the body feels a lack of:

minerals;
vitamins;
microelements;
nutrients, etc.

If this lack of vital substances is not provided in time, the process of depletion will begin. The result is that it is difficult for the body to get out of this state, recover and begin to function normally. If he fails to cope with this task, the addict may die.

Main features

Although different drugs produce different effects, most symptoms are similar. It all starts with disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system and continues with problems with internal organs.

Psychopathological symptoms

Symptoms of drug withdrawal initially manifest themselves as disturbances on the emotional level. The addict feels anxious and afraid. This causes insomnia. From lack of sleep, a person becomes irritated, he is dissatisfied with everything. Bouts of aggression may occur.

Then the drug addict becomes restless. Can't eat or sleep normally. Communication with others is reduced to a minimum or completely stopped. He is unable to concentrate his attention on anything other than the desire to get the dose. The result is poor health, mental disorders and social isolation. Such withdrawal symptoms are also called psychopathological.

Somatovegetative symptoms

According to research by narcologists, withdrawal symptoms initially resemble a common cold. The temperature rises, a runny nose and slight chills appear. The patient's pupils dilate, sneezing and yawning occur. Subsequent withdrawal symptoms:

increased sweating;
low or excessively high blood pressure;
rapid heartbeat;
difficulty breathing;
vomiting and nausea;
problems with musculoskeletal system etc.

The patient stays in bed for a long time and does not want to do anything. Because of the chills, he is constantly trying to warm up, which only makes it worse. Body temperature changes quickly, and it is difficult for the body to tolerate sudden changes from heat to chills. Some drug addicts constantly want to sleep, others cannot sleep.

Severe problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract begin. The result is manifestations of diarrhea, which further weakens the body. It takes away the ability to resist pain in muscles and joints. The drug addict experiences terrible sensations due to seizures.

Increased salivation may begin. And also the stool is disturbed. Arrhythmia and tachycardia develop. The first signs appear mental disorders which can develop into phobias.

Exposure to various drugs

The composition of the drugs is different, so the manifestations are different. The symptoms are similar, but upon closer examination it is easy to find the differences.

Signs of drug withdrawal when exposed to various drugs:

marijuana – depressive state, perception of the world as something disgusting and terrible, unwillingness to do anything;
antidepressants – the highest degree of depression, physical torment, indifference to life;
cigarettes - irritation, intrusive thoughts about cigarettes Bad mood etc.

The worst consequences occur when using synthetic drugs. Today there are more than 30 species. They are psychotropic, and therefore cause long-term and severe torment, which is accompanied by clouding of the mind.

Drug treatment

Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome disappear as soon as the patient takes the next dose. But such a solution is not an option. Therefore, it is almost impossible to cope with drug addiction on your own, because the addict no longer has the willpower. Due to severe pain throughout his body, he cannot withstand the torment and prefers to use drugs to make it stop.

The hardest stage is serving time. The addict’s task is to wait out the withdrawal. During the process, the drugs must “leave” the body so that it can be cleansed. But not everyone can survive this stage. Then a breakdown occurs, everything repeats from the beginning.

An effective method of combating is detoxification. It includes a set of procedures during which medications are administered to the patient. Effective drugs, helping to relieve withdrawal symptoms:

General strengthening. They help partially restore immunity and improve the general condition of the drug addict. Such medicines contain vitamins of all groups, magnesium sulfate, unitol, etc.
Supporting cardiac activity. Natural remedies – caffeinated coffee, cordiamine. For tachyarrhythmia, drugs containing β-blockers and glycosides are prescribed.
Antidotes. They help with poisoning from cocaine, LSD, amphetamine, and opioids. Naloxone will help against heroin and morphine. In the fight against benzodiazepim effective influence"Flumazenil" will provide. If antidepressants were used as a narcotic substance, you should take Galantamine.

If a drug addict's withdrawal continues for a long time, prescribe ultra-fast detoxification. This is necessary if you are using opioids or methadone. The essence is that the patient is put into a state artificial sleep. This way he doesn't feel much pain. The process involves clearing the drug and its metabolites.

Self-medication is strictly prohibited! Treatment is prescribed by doctors. Withdrawal symptoms are treated in a drug treatment clinic. But the healing process does not end there.

Instrumental therapy techniques

Detoxification cannot be called a full-fledged treatment. This is just one stage in the fight against drug addiction. After it, the patient feels better, the physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal are eliminated.

The subsequent stage of treatment consists of instrumental therapy techniques. The most effective are xenon therapy, electrosleep, and physiotherapy.

Xenon therapy

Consists of xenon inhalation sessions. They are not harmful to the body, helping to restore and establish normal brain activity. Inhalation sessions:

improve the drug addict’s sleep;
eliminate depressive moods;
relieve acute attacks of anxiety and panic, etc.

The effect after each session comes quickly and lasts 3-4 days. On average, a course of xenotherapy treatment consists of 4–5 sessions. There are no contraindications to this procedure.

Electrosonotherapy

This is a treatment method that affects the brain of the drug addict. Using constant impulses electric current he falls into electrosleep. This is a state in which a person completely relaxes and does not experience pain. In the process, the body is restored, and the functioning of all organs is normalized.

Under the influence of electrosleep, metabolism improves and the elimination of toxins is accelerated. The functional state of the nervous system is normalized.

Physiotherapy

It takes place under the supervision of a doctor and is painless. The main advantages are the absence of unforeseen consequences and negative influence on the patient's body.

Components of physiotherapy:

Acupuncture. The goal is to remove the physiological component of drug addiction. When pricked with needles, the work of the autonomic nervous system is activated. The body's adaptive capabilities improve. The result will be the development of drug motivation.
Lymphatic drainage. It involves removing excess fluid containing drugs from the body. After lymphatic drainage, the muscles relax, the blood vessels dilate, and lymph circulates normally throughout the body.
Massage. Helps relieve withdrawal symptoms. The flow of impulses generated during the massage process stimulates and increases the tone of the central nervous system.

Laser therapy has a positive effect on a cleansed body after detoxification. The process involves irradiation of the blood. The goal is to protect the patient from exposure to aggressive oxidizing agents. Can be carried out in conjunction with drug treatment.

Psychotherapy

After drug treatment It is important to eliminate addiction on a psychological level. A psychotherapist will help with this.

The first thing to do is to isolate the drug addict from an unfavorable social environment. It is necessary to hospitalize him, treat him in a hospital and keep him under control. He should not have contact with people who supply him with drugs. If the patient goes home after detoxification, he may return to his previous lifestyle and start using drugs again.

Group therapy

It is important that the drug addict agrees to this method of treatment. Without his interest, the desired result will be very difficult to achieve.

Groups can be formed according to 2 characteristics. The first is that drug addicts with varying degrees of addiction gather. Second, patients are divided into categories based on the following factors:

degree of dependence;
duration of drug addiction;
the drug the patient is taking;
number of attempts to overcome withdrawal symptoms, etc.

The second distribution factor is more effective and recognized the right approach, because it takes into account the features of dependence.

The goal of group therapy is to change your attitude towards life. As a result, indifference and dissatisfaction must be replaced with joy, happiness and interest in your future.

First, there is an introduction to the group members. Everyone talks about their problem: how and when it arose, why it is difficult to get rid of, etc. In the process, internal tensions and conflicts are relieved. Drug addicts see that they are not the only ones who have this problem; they can fight it. This charges you with internal motivation.

In group therapy sessions, the psychologist tries to reproduce a certain model of society. This helps drug addicts speed up the process of social adaptation. It is important that each participant is active and not silent.

The group meets regularly. The topic of discussion is set by the psychotherapist or one of the participants. It is important that it is socially oriented and shows possible consequences different types behavior.

The benefit for participants is that they can apply different models of behavior towards themselves or others. This reminds role-playing game, which makes the treatment painless and easy. They gain experience that is necessary to adapt to real social conditions.

Group therapy takes on average 8–10 sessions. The amount depends on the mental state of the patient.

Neurolinguistic programming

The technique is based on hypnosis. Aimed at improving and improving the individual.

A person is taught on a subconscious level that drug addiction is bad; the temporary effect of a high will not cover up further torment during withdrawal. Explain that healthy body and a clear mind is the key to a joyful and happy life.

During treatment, the patient is told about success stories getting rid of drug addiction. The “correct” thoughts, movements, and skills are imposed on him. According to NLP, behavior patterns can also be changed without bad consequences for the drug addict.

There are different techniques NLP-based treatments. They are aimed at:

achieving goals, making the right decisions;
developing a feeling of disgust for any narcotic substances;
increasing motivation, etc.

Social rehabilitation directly depends on personal growth. It is necessary to develop sober fortitude, the ability to stand up for oneself and make decisions. NLP helps not only to acquire new skills, but also to improve existing ones.

Conclusion

Withdrawal syndrome in drug addicts occurs when a person gives up drugs or decides to reduce the dose. Another reason is the lack of the required amount of the narcotic substance. Signs of withdrawal in a drug addict are fatigue, mental confusion, vomiting, and nausea. The patient becomes irritated, aggressive and dissatisfied.

The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the drug. The stronger it is, the more pronounced the withdrawal syndrome will be. Drug addiction is treated by taking medications. Psychotherapy and instrumental therapy techniques are considered effective.

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Today, drug addiction has turned into a real epidemic, it has touched all cities and towns of our country, entered many families and destroyed thousands of lives.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction is one of the most terrible diseases that completely enslaves a person and takes control of his life. Formed addiction to drugs leads to the fact that the addict constantly wants to use them. This desire is not controlled by him; he follows it against common sense, despite the destruction of his health.

Drug addiction has a number of features that distinguish it from other human diseases. Let us note these differences between drug addiction diseases and other diseases:

Drug addiction is complex. It includes two addictions: psychological and physical.
Drug addiction diseases destroy all areas of a person’s life. Drug addiction destroys physical sphere life, that is, health; the emotional sphere, relationships with others, the inner life of a person; social sphere, his family and career; as well as the spiritual sphere, completely depriving the drug addict of moral and moral principles, high goals.
Drug use does not endanger just one organ, but disrupts the functioning of all systems and organs of the body, leading to their irreversible pathologies. This is due to the constant intoxication to which the drug addict exposes himself.

Psychological addiction to drugs

Drug use is a disease that can develop in almost anyone. The reason for this is that most people have internal psychological prerequisites for developing addiction. Usually a person seeks in drugs for consolation from life’s failures or an opportunity to solve them in this way. For example, an indecisive or very shy teenager may begin to use drugs that promote communication and emancipation.

As a result, when a psychoactive drug is used by a person who is potentially predisposed to acquiring addiction, his psyche begins to find many advantages in a state of intoxication, a solution to his problems. So people, not wanting to change, to acquire healthy communication skills, take the “easier” path, as it seems to them, - they go into the world of drug dreams. When psychological dependence on drugs is formed, a person begins to use them more and more often. Without psychoactive substances, life no longer seems satisfactory to a drug addict; he is missing something.

Dosages are gradually increased because tolerance to the drugs increases. To achieve the same level of euphoria that was observed during the first doses, the previous doses are no longer enough. Drug use becomes regular.

Physical dependence on drugs

Regular use of a narcotic drug makes fundamental changes in the biochemical processes of the body. The drug is included in the metabolism, it replaces any of its components, which are normally produced by the body itself. As a result, it turns out that the organs stop producing these substances, because they already do so, without effort, in huge quantities. When this happens, we can say that the person has acquired physical dependence on drugs.

Drug withdrawal

Most likely, every adult and many children and teenagers have heard about withdrawal from drug addicts. Withdrawal for drug addicts becomes an insurmountable obstacle to stopping use. It’s not called withdrawal syndrome for nothing. As soon as the drug stops entering the human body after long-term and regular use, the drug addict experiences psychological and physical painful symptoms and withdrawal symptoms occur. In case drug addiction withdrawal is called drug withdrawal.

Withdrawal begins some time after the last dose of the drug. Its duration, symptoms, intensity depend on the type of drug, length of addiction, volume of the last dose, general condition human health. Let's give a few examples.

Spice withdrawal

When a person has developed a persistent physical dependence from spice, he experiences painful withdrawal without being able to smoke it. At this point, the addict begins to experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

Behavior changes, he becomes irritable, subject to sudden mood swings and depression.
The state of a drug addict can vary from frightening aggression to no less terrible lethargy; a person in this state is characterized by paranoia.
The patient's sleep is disturbed, the overall tone of the body decreases, performance decreases, drowsiness and muscle weakness are observed.
There may be trembling throughout the body, pain in the joints and muscles.

Drug withdrawal from spice begins 10-12 hours after the last dose. The described symptoms of withdrawal are observed in the patient for several days. It is difficult to say exactly how long withdrawal from spice lasts; this is due to the fact that the unstable composition of the drug acts differently each time. In addition, it matters whether detoxification was carried out and how it is carried out: at home or in a clinic.

Phenibut withdrawal syndrome

Phenibut can rightfully be called a pharmaceutical drug, because it causes mental and physical addiction in the patient. When the drug is withdrawn, a person develops physical signs similar to the withdrawal symptoms of a drug addict: chills, weakness, impaired thermoregulation of the body. The habit of relieving psychological discomfort with the help of a drug leads to mental dependence on it. During withdrawal from phenibut, the following psychological symptoms are observed: depression, thoughts of suicide, and a strong desire to take the drug again. With long-term therapy with phenibut, there is a high probability of withdrawal symptoms when it is discontinued. Exactly how long the withdrawal syndrome from phenibut will last will depend on the dosage, duration of use, and the patient’s condition.

Withdrawal from methadone

Symptoms of withdrawal in methadone drug addicts are painful: severe pain in joints and muscles, cramps, headache, gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea), apathy and fear, depression and panic attacks. Methadone withdrawal lasts 3-4 weeks. The use of methadone is dangerous not only due to an overdose due to the cumulative effect, but also methadone addiction has the following features: the drug suppresses cough and gag reflexes, so phlegm is not removed from the body, and vomiting does not occur in case of severe intoxication. This may lead to an accumulation pathogenic bacteria in the respiratory tract, toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, a drug addict can be killed by pneumonia or poisoning.

Signs of withdrawal in drug addicts: causes, treatment

As you can see, each drug causes withdrawal with its own specific symptoms, but among them there are some that are common to all types of drugs.

Physiological symptoms of withdrawal, characteristic of most narcotic drugs:

Pain, sensations of twisting, aching in bones, joints, muscles.
Lower back pain.
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract, most often painful diarrhea, which leads to dehydration and exhaustion of the body, as well as nausea and vomiting.
Convulsions, up to convulsive attacks, tremors of the limbs.
Symptoms similar to colds and flu: runny nose, increased lacrimation, chills.
Disturbances in sleep and wakefulness, insomnia.

Psychological symptoms of withdrawal, characteristic of most addictions:

Irritation, aggressive behavior, manifestations of causeless anger.
General weakness, lack of physical and mental strength.
Feeling of loneliness, meaninglessness of life.
Manifestations of fear from mild anxiety to horror and panic attacks. At the same time, fear does not leave the patient in his sleep in the form of nightmare visions.
The addict loses interest in the world around him, becomes withdrawn, and stops communicating even with loved ones.
Relationships with other people are destroyed, they are perceived as enemies, which causes inappropriate behavior in the drug addict.

Why is withdrawal relief necessary?

Withdrawal syndrome or drug withdrawal requires mandatory treatment, that is, the removal of this condition with the help of medical means.

It is withdrawal that leads the addict to take the next dose, leads him along vicious circle dependencies. Therefore, by helping a person relieve withdrawal symptoms, you thereby give him a chance for recovery.
The danger of withdrawal, which is not relieved by detoxification measures, is that the addict’s desire to take the drug is so strong that there is a huge risk of relapse after a period of abstinence. Over these few days, the human body has already been partially cleansed naturally, his tolerance to the drug has decreased. Therefore, in the event of a relapse, a regular dose of a drug can cause an overdose, which is how many drug addicts died.

Withdrawal relief in the clinic and at home

Relieving drug withdrawal is a process of detoxification of the body. After all, it is the presence of toxic waste in the tissues and biofluids of the body that leads the drug addict to a state of withdrawal. Drugs and their derivatives prevent the body from adjusting to a normal mode of operation without participation narcotic substances.

Relief from withdrawal in drug addicts can take place in a specialized clinic, which is more preferable, as well as at home

Medical detoxification in a hospital. This treatment is considered more effective and safer for the patient. Drug addiction is a serious disease characterized by a strong craving for drugs. In a specialized clinic, it is possible to exclude the patient’s access to drugs. Here the addict is under constant supervision of specialists, which makes it possible to adjust prescriptions during the treatment process. Accommodation in a clinic provides greater opportunities for hardware detoxification. When acute conditions occur, doctors can always use resuscitation measures and intensive care.
Relieving withdrawal symptoms at home, calling a narcologist. This method of treatment is also acceptable. In this case, the specialist will not be able to use hardware therapy methods, but it is possible to carry out high-quality detoxification treatment at home. Droppers based on saline solution allow you to quickly relieve intoxication and dehydration of the body. They also add general strengthening agents and means to alleviate drug withdrawal. If the patient’s condition is of concern, the narcologist recommends placement in a hospital.
Detoxification with home remedies. This method is appropriate in cases of first use, when the body is not yet heavily polluted and there is no stable addiction. Home remedies can only carry out light detoxification, as well as supplement the main course conducted by a narcologist. Home remedies include everything that helps remove toxins from the body naturally: increasing the volume of drinking water, active sports, visiting a bathhouse, and a light diet.

Drug addiction treatment course

Drug addiction is a complex disease that requires step-by-step treatment, and withdrawal relief is only the first step towards recovery. Full course drug addiction treatment includes detoxification, rehabilitation and socialization of the drug addict. All these stages are important and necessary in order to get rid of addiction completely.

In our First Step center, we provide comprehensive treatment for any type of drug addiction, from withdrawal withdrawal to socialization and the return of a former drug addict to normal life. When selecting a treatment course, we always take into account the type of addiction, medical history and psychological characteristics patient. This makes it possible to select the most suitable treatment and rehabilitation option for the clinical case. In order to get advice from a specialist on withdrawal symptoms and drug addiction treatment, you need to dial our call center, it works around the clock. The phone number is listed on the website page, using it you can get a free consultation right now. Take your first step towards recovery.

Any person who has any kind of chemical dependence is most afraid that when he gives up the drug or alcohol, he will experience withdrawal. Drugs and alcohol are a kind of sedative for the brain, suppressing the production of specific neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. When a person stops using drugs or alcohol, the brain receives an overdose of adrenaline, which causes withdrawal symptoms. Getting addicted is easy, but overcoming withdrawal is usually a very difficult and unpleasant task.

Characteristic

The causes of this condition are well known. Any chemical dependence (whether it be drugs, alcohol or other drugs) ultimately results in withdrawal symptoms for the addicted person, or as doctors call it, withdrawal syndrome. The torment that a person experiences in this condition can be simply unbearable, especially if it is drug withdrawal.

Each substance has its own symptoms. Some substances have significant physical effects (for example, opiates or alcohol). Other drugs have little physical effect on the person but have a strong emotional effect (for example, drug withdrawal caused by marijuana, cocaine, or ecstasy). The picture of withdrawal symptoms can also vary greatly from person to person. The patient may experience mild physical symptoms, but may experience severe emotional withdrawal symptoms.

Mechanism of occurrence

If a person regularly takes a drug, alcohol or other chemical substance, then his body gradually gets used to it, and all its processes are rebuilt. The worst thing is that such a patient’s metabolism changes forever, as a result of which the drug that caused addiction becomes vital.

What will happen to a drug addict if one day he does not receive his usual dose? The body begins to feel an urgent need for this substance, and its lack becomes incredibly stressful. The body tries to replace the chemical with something, but does not find an adequate replacement. It is at this moment that drug withdrawal occurs.

Signs of withdrawal occur in a person when he was unable to take the required dose or completely abandoned the substance that caused addiction. Also, withdrawal symptoms can be caused by reducing the dose or taking a weaker substance.

Drug withdrawal occurs almost immediately, especially when using opioids such as methadone, opium, heroin and morphine. Thus, if you are addicted to methadone, withdrawal symptoms are accompanied by terrible pain for several months.

Withdrawal occurs a little more slowly when taking psychotropic or hypnotic substances. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can take a long time to develop. This condition occurs most recently when consuming hashish. There are also drugs (for example, LSD) that do not cause withdrawal symptoms at all, but they lead to other serious problems.

The more severe the withdrawal syndrome, the more difficult it is to overcome withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms

There are two types of symptoms of this condition.
The first type includes emotional symptoms. A person experiences them regardless of whether they have physical withdrawal symptoms. The second type includes physical withdrawal symptoms. They usually occur with dependence on alcohol, tranquilizers, and opiates.

Emotional symptoms include:

anxiety;
irritability;
attacks of aggression;
headaches;
anxiety;
poor sleep;
poor concentration;
depressive states;
social isolation.

Physical symptoms include:

heavy sweating;
muscle tension;
tremor;
rapid heartbeat;
difficulty breathing;
diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

The very first symptom of incipient withdrawal is considered to be the occurrence of fixation of all thoughts on the administration of the substance that caused the addiction.

Stages

Narcologists distinguish 2 stages of withdrawal syndrome. The first stage is the so-called acute stage, usually lasting a couple of weeks. During this stage, the patient most often experiences physical symptoms. But each drug has its own characteristics, just like each individual patient. After acute withdrawal symptoms, the patient feels like he is on a roller coaster. At first, the condition changes literally every hour. Later, symptoms may not appear for several weeks or even months and then return again. Gradually there are more and more good segments. But bad periods can also be very intense or last a little longer.

The second stage occurs after the acute stage. The patient at this stage has less physical symptoms, but the psychological and emotional withdrawal symptoms are much more pronounced.

This uneven relief from withdrawal occurs because during treatment, the chemical balance in the addict's brain gradually returns to normal. As brain health improves, the balance of chemicals constantly changes, causing secondary withdrawal symptoms.

People experience the same symptoms of secondary withdrawal. In the acute stage, each patient is individual, but secondary withdrawal is characterized by the same symptoms in most people.

Secondary symptoms

The most common symptoms of secondary withdrawal are:

mood swings;
increased anxiety;
fatigue;
irritability;
energy changes;
low enthusiasm;
concentration changes;
insomnia.

Symptoms of secondary withdrawal usually appear within 2 years. And a drug addict should always remember this so as not to be caught off guard by addiction and relapse.

Consequences

Withdrawal from opiates can be very painful, but is not too dangerous as long as the person does not take other substances. Heroin withdrawal does not cause heart attacks, seizures, strokes, or delirium tremens.

Relieving withdrawal symptoms caused by tranquilizers or alcohol often causes dangerous physical conditions. Abrupt withdrawal of alcohol or tranquilizers from the body can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and convulsions in patients with high risk these diseases. In addition, self-relief from such withdrawal can cause epilepsy, hallucinations and even delirium tremens. Relieving withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision minimizes all symptoms, alleviates suffering and reduces the risk of dangerous complications.

Methods of therapy

The main difficulty in treating any chemical dependency consists in the fact that a person has to endure withdrawal symptoms. The patient must, as it were, “sit out” the withdrawal, as a result of which the body is cleansed of the drug or other substance.

This “servitude” is the most difficult stage in addiction therapy. If the removal of withdrawal was successful, then further treatment will be effective. But if the patient breaks down, then everything will start all over again. If “serving time” is impossible for some reason, then inpatient detoxification or ultra-fast detoxification under anesthesia is used (in extreme cases).

Taking drugs poses a risk of addiction. But there is one more condition that any drug addict can experience more than once. This is drug withdrawal. What is it, what sensations does a person experience, why is this condition dangerous? Such knowledge is useful: perhaps it will deter at least some of those who are ready to try drugs from taking a risky step.

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Drug withdrawal: what is it?

Imagine: a person has been taking drugs for some time. They bring him a lot of sensations:

joy;
pleasure;
peace;
absence of physical and mental pain;
omnipotence and omnipotence.

A person can experience all these sensations naturally. They occur periodically throughout life and are caused by the production by our body of special chemical compounds– hormones.

Taking psychoactive substances means that everything positive emotions are caused artificially. Once the drug enters the bloodstream, it is gradually processed by the body. But the memories of the experienced sensations remain, and often the person wants to feel the drug intoxication again. It’s so simple: I smoked (swallowed a pill, injected the drug) and found myself in a real abyss of happiness without any problems.

And this is where the difficulties begin. As with drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco, taking drugs creates an addiction. However, in the first two cases, addiction takes months or even years to develop, and psychoactive drugs can become addictive even the first time. It all depends on the type of drug and individual characteristics body.

Like most addicted people, almost every addict is confident that he has control over his addiction. Such a person explains the negative feelings after the end of the drug’s effect not by the intoxication of his body, but by the general problems of his life. But the negativity becomes deeper, the need for the drug arises more often, and the usual dose ceases to help.

And the main thing is that one day the drug may not be at hand. There won't be enough money, there won't be an opportunity to visit the dealer on time, the supply will suddenly run out. And this is where addiction manifests itself in full. The body, depleted of “drugs,” will react with withdrawal syndrome. That is, many signs of what is colloquially known as withdrawal.

Symptoms of drug withdrawal

IN medical literature enough descriptions of all characteristic features withdrawal syndrome. But if you describe the symptoms of withdrawal in a simple way human language, the picture turns out to be more vivid and terrifying.

Signs of withdrawal may vary slightly depending on different people. A lot depends on the type of drug usually used, the duration of addiction, gender, age, and the state of health of the drug addict himself. Now - the actual description of the state:

Usually the first “bell” appears after eight to ten hours of abstinence. At first, just a little bit of irritability and some nervousness makes itself felt. Gradually this discomfort increases, negative emotions appear more and more, self-control disappears.
It seems as if a person has caught a cold or caught a virus: chills begin, the nose is stuffy, the eyes are watery, sweating and saliva production noticeably increase.
The pupils are pathologically dilated. Light has no effect on them (normally, the pupil should contract in bright light).
Even if a drug addict has not eaten anything for a long time, food causes a feeling of great disgust. Persistent nausea may occur, vomiting and diarrhea are possible. This is how the body tries to get rid of the remaining drug toxins.
Blood pressure rises and pulse “jumps.”
Then comes the pain. During withdrawal in drug addicts, it is most felt in the muscles and bones. The joints are especially affected - the person feels as if they are being twisted, it looks like real torture. The muscles cramp, the bones seem to break. Hence the name - withdrawal.
A drug addict cannot really breathe, eat, sleep, or calm down. He has a desire to hide, to run away from everyone. If a person is at home, he often wraps himself in a blanket, as if in a cocoon. But even there he does not find peace. Many people find themselves unable to go to the toilet when they start vomiting or having diarrhea.

All this can continue for long hours and days. Of course, if doctors don’t help the person.

In order not to experience withdrawal, it is necessary to begin comprehensive treatment for drug addiction. Call now! We use an effective 12 step program. Over 10 years, more than 5,000 lives were saved. Free consultation with a narcologist tel. 8-800-200-99-32

Medical assistance

Such a phenomenon as drug withdrawal is known very well to modern doctors. Methods to combat this condition have long been well established. Relief from drug withdrawal occurs mainly in a hospital. This is the most correct option, since in a medical institution the addicted person will be protected from drugs. In addition, a patient with drug withdrawal syndrome is not just given pills, but given intravenous infusions. This makes the medicine work faster.

There are several stages in eliminating drug withdrawal:

Detoxification of the body, that is, the removal of all narcotic and related poisons. Almost all organs and systems of a drug addict operate in constant metabolic failure mode. For example, almost all drug addicts suffer from weekly constipation, which means severe poisoning. To cleanse the body, agents are used that enhance and/or regulate metabolism. Typically, such medications are combined with painkillers and sedatives.
Then it’s time to restore the vitamin-mineral balance. The patient receives appropriate medications, which should consolidate the previous cleansing effect. Physiotherapy and therapy for concomitant diseases, which a drug addict usually has in abundance, may also be prescribed.

The actions of doctors, which you can read about so quickly, in practice last about a week. If the addict understands the severity of his addiction and agrees to treatment, he will continue to receive medical care. In this case, a psychotherapist will be added to doctors of various profiles. The task of this specialist is to clarify the situation due to which his patient became a drug addict, destroy imaginary values and help the person form new ones. The kind that don't need drugs to survive.

Is it possible to relieve withdrawal symptoms on your own at home?

Often an addicted person has a family, and withdrawal symptoms find him at home. The withdrawal of a drug addict is a very painful sight. It is quite natural that relatives want to help. In some cases, relatives of a drug addict are even ready to give him another dose with their own hands - just so as not to suffer.

Such “help” is the most unfavorable thing that relatives can do for a drug addict. Such measures are often dictated by false modesty, the desire to hide the problem within the walls of one’s home. If only the neighbors wouldn’t find out, if only the gossip wouldn’t spread! Calling an ambulance seems like something like standing in a pillory. Often relatives reason like this: a person has suffered, now he will take a dose, realize everything and then go for treatment. This opinion can be heard especially often from those who suggest giving a suffering drug addict a reduced dose.

Why can't you do this? It's simple: the drug will relieve all unfavorable sensations. When withdrawal passes, the addict will remember his suffering, but may draw the wrong conclusions. It is possible that the decision of an addicted person will be this: next time, even if I steal or kill, I will get the dose. Indeed, drug addicts commit a huge number of crimes, including against their closest relatives.

Note:

Even if relatives do not give the addict another dose, they will not be able to help on their own. Correctly and with minimal risk to health, withdrawal syndrome can only be eliminated good doctor, preferably a narcologist.

Is it possible to avoid drug withdrawal?

There are two answers to this question. One is quite provocative. The second is inherently the only true one.

The first answer is to provide the drug addict with “dope” so that the addicted person can get a dose at any time needed. In this case, the addict will live “safely” for several years or even months. He will die from an overdose, low quality drug, infectious or viral disease, sudden cardiac arrest. But he will never know what withdrawal is.

The second answer: do not take drugs; in this case, withdrawal will never occur. Neither for the sake of curiosity, nor in an attempt to survive some kind of grief, you should not turn to psychoactive substances. A drug is definitely equal to addiction and subsequent suffering until death.

Withdrawal syndrome can also be experienced in other situations: when trying to quit smoking, to some extent even when breaking up with a loved one. But only from drug withdrawal does such a passionate desire arise to die rather than endure such suffering. Suicide during drug withdrawal syndrome is quite common.

It is important to remember that the first drug withdrawal may be the last feeling of an addicted person. This means that you need to live in such a way that it is dangerous and serious condition in principle could never arise.

Attention!

The information in the article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute instructions for use. Consult your healthcare provider.

Drug addiction is a serious disease that leads to defeat internal organs, the development of neurological and mental disorders, and leading to personality degradation. A drug addict is a person who is physically and mentally dependent on psychoactive substances and needs to gradually increase their dose.

Drug addiction develops very quickly, and the person himself does not notice how he falls into its network. Drugs act on the brain in such a way that the person using them for a long time believes that he is in control of himself, and if desired, he can easily give up psychoactive drugs.

Depending on the severity of drug addiction, abstinence from drug use often leads to withdrawal syndrome, or as it is also called, drug withdrawal.

Drug withdrawal is a pathological condition that manifests itself in different people after different periods of drug use. Basically, withdrawal syndrome develops against the background of taking hard drugs, heroin.

Typically, withdrawal symptoms occur after using drugs for several weeks. During this period, a person usually develops drug addiction, and there is a need to increase the dose. The higher the “experience” of a drug addict, the more intense the drug withdrawal syndrome.

But in people who have certain characteristics of the nervous system or its painful changes, withdrawal may occur even after two or three times of drug use.

A person begins to realize that he has fallen into the insidious web of drug addiction only when withdrawal symptoms appear. If it is impossible to take the drug, the patient feels withdrawal symptoms. It is different for every drug addict, but in all its symptoms it is always painful and unpleasant.

Symptoms of drug withdrawal

The first signs of withdrawal syndrome in a drug addict appear after 8-10 hours from the last dose. The first signs of drug withdrawal are nervousness and irritability, inability to control one’s behavior and emotions. The body shudders from severe chills, profuse salivation and lacrimation are observed, the nose is stuffy from a runny nose, and sweating increases.

After some time, the dilated pupils of the drug addict stop responding to light. Severe vomiting begins. A drug addict cannot eat anything. There is no appetite at all, and even trying to eat anything results in swelling. If the patient does not use the drug, all withdrawal symptoms will intensify and reach their peak intensity after three days.

Then the addict's blood pressure, pulse quickens, diarrhea develops. But the most basic and most painful symptom of drug withdrawal is severe pain in the bones and joints. It seems to break a person. His muscles are spasming. Exhausted by pain, the addict does not even have time to rest or switch off. Men may experience spontaneous ejaculation during withdrawal.

But more severe than physical pain, a drug addict suffers psychological suffering during withdrawal symptoms. It turns out that pain during withdrawal is imaginary, phantom. When a person starts using drugs, he expects a feeling of pleasure from them. But when withdrawal comes instead of pleasure, the patient understands that the drug will not give him the desired pleasures. Once withdrawal symptoms begin to develop, the “high” from the drug disappears altogether, and the addict is forced to take drugs to get rid of suffering.

Drugs have properties that inhibit neurons, so they block pain sensations. After regular drug use nervous system gets used to such work, and its cells stop producing their own painkillers - endorphins, which are also responsible for feelings of pleasure and joy. The cells of all tissues and organs begin to require narcotic substances, refusing to function without them. Instead of adequate signals, the brain receives signals that the body is suffering. This is drug withdrawal.

Relieving drug withdrawal

Removing drug withdrawal is the first victorious result in the fight against drug addiction. The very name “drug withdrawal” sounds scary, but it’s even scarier to see this condition with your own eyes, not to mention experience it yourself. If a drug addict were able to painlessly overcome withdrawal symptoms, he would easily be able to give up drugs. It is the pain during withdrawal that forces the addict to use the drug again and again. After experiencing withdrawal, an addict can no longer exist without drugs.

The longer drug use lasts, the more difficult it is to overcome drug withdrawal. With a long history of drug addiction, withdrawal symptoms should be removed in a hospital so that the patient is constantly under the supervision of doctors. Withdrawal symptoms cause the drug addict to experience severe discomfort, from which only qualified narcologists can relieve him.

The process of relieving drug withdrawal syndrome involves completely stopping drug use. When relieving withdrawal symptoms in a drug addict, pain is eliminated and nervousness is reduced. The only exceptions to the general rules are serious cases of drug addiction, in which sudden withdrawal from drugs can lead to the death of the patient. When relieving withdrawal symptoms, toxins and unabsorbed poisons are first removed from the addict’s body. This procedure is called detoxification. This phase of treatment is mandatory when eliminating drug withdrawal syndrome.

How to overcome drug withdrawal? In modern drug treatment practice there is a fairly wide arsenal of drugs for relieving withdrawal symptoms, but in order to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to determine the composition and quantity in each specific case. medicines or prescribe other detoxification methods. Only a qualified specialist can do this.

Some drug addicts try to relieve withdrawal symptoms on their own, at home. But such cases have never brought the desired result. The patient takes alcohol in the hope that it will relieve him of the pain, but this only worsens the situation. Trying to sleep to get rid of aching pain, a drug addict takes painkillers and sleeping pills. But without all these remedies, withdrawal is even less dangerous. Particularly dangerous is the use of various psychostimulants during withdrawal symptoms, which in this situation pose a huge risk to the health and life of the drug addict.

When treating withdrawal symptoms at home, there is always a risk of complications, and in such conditions there is no strict control over the patient’s compliance with the necessary sobriety regime. Therefore, relief from withdrawal symptoms and treatment of drug addiction should be done in a hospital setting, where there is a necessary conditions, equipment and drugs.

The patient should know that withdrawal symptoms will last 5-7 days, during which his body will be cleansed of toxins and drug residues and withdrawal symptoms will be mitigated and then removed. In most cases, procedures begin with intravenous administration the patient is given a polyionic saline solution, which restores the electrolytic balance in his body. Sedatives, hypnotics, vasodilators, diuretics and other drugs are added to this solution.

After detoxification of the body, the patient is given vitamins and minerals that help the body mobilize internal forces for faster recovery.

Withdrawal relief is the first stage in drug addiction treatment. A drug addict must understand that after eliminating withdrawal symptoms, treatment for a destructive addiction to drugs must necessarily follow, otherwise his life will go downhill.

Treatment of drug addiction begins with withdrawal symptoms, followed by drug therapy. After this, much attention is paid to the psychological rehabilitation and social adaptation of the person. Together with the patient, specialists from drug treatment clinics go through all stages of this process. difficult path and support him at every level of recovery from drug addiction. If the patient strictly follows all the doctors’ recommendations and takes his treatment seriously, he will be able to return to normal life and find family, friends, work again...

How long does withdrawal last?

How long does withdrawal last? Sooner or later, this question arises in the head of every drug addict who decides to try to get off the needle. The reasons for such a decision may be different: maybe he realized the destructive power of substances, maybe he saw how his life was melting away, or maybe he simply no longer had enough money for a dose. At first it seems to everyone that own strength the will is enough to survive the withdrawal. It’s simple, addicts think, just endure it, feel a little pain and that’s it. But the situation is much worse.

What does a drug addict feel when trying to quit? What are withdrawal symptoms? Withdrawal syndrome, otherwise known as withdrawal, is a strong, breaking pain throughout the body. The patient feels so bad that he is often ready to do anything to alleviate his condition. It is precisely the withdrawal that prompts a person who has taken the right path to take up the old again and again, turning it in a vicious circle. And there is no way out. The addict passionately wants to break free, stop using drugs, but withdrawal symptoms deprive him of his will and common sense. After a while, the pleasure from drugs even stops, and the withdrawal symptoms do not subside.

So how long does withdrawal last?? The very first withdrawal symptoms appear within 8-12 hours, counting from the last drug intake. But this stage is quite easy and can be tolerated relatively easily. Scary withdrawal symptoms appear a day after the dose. The addict cannot do anything, the question is frozen in his head: how long does withdrawal last?? But it gets worse on the third day, when the condition becomes so terrible that most often the addict, forgetting about all the settings, runs for a new dose.

In such situations, one should not wonder how long does withdrawal last?, and immediately run to medical specialists for help. They know ways to reduce pain and overcome withdrawal symptoms, getting rid of drug addiction forever.