The common misconception amongst many non-drug abusers is that if a person wanted to stop using, they could just quit similar to stopping smoking, or eating chocolate; that it should just be a breeze. For some, there may not be many if any withdrawal side effects, but that number is small in comparison to the real and even some life threatening side effects for the majority.
Going cold turkey, as many may due with smoking cessation, is not always the safest route. It is important to know and understand what and how the drug of choice affects the body’s system, and the real side effects that one incurs when that drug is ceased in entering the body. For many, supervised withdrawal is a safer and more effective option.
Treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction involves undergoing therapy to help you mentally and physically recover from the addiction, starting with cleansing your body from the substance.
Withdrawal can be extremely dangerous for some if done solo. Withdrawal can bring on side effects such as agitation, sweating, an inability to sleep, and high blood pressure. Those with addictions to Opiate and narcotic (heroin, codeine, Demerol, and Oxycontin) are amongst the hardest and experience even more severe and life threatening withdrawal symptoms. Other substances that tend to cause more severe withdrawal symptoms, and potentially life-threatening symptoms, are barbiturates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines and should be handled under medical supervision.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
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I quit cold turkey when I was taking 3 drugs for depression. After the first day I noticed some feelings that were new. By the second day I had a bad headache and the shakes. I spent the third day in bed. After that I started feeling a little better every day. I can't imagine trying the cold turkey method after abusing drugs to the point of addiction. I can see why that could be a big problem if not impossible.
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to believe that quitting drugs is like stopping smoking is a common misconception. Anyone who knows anything about drugs knows there are serious withdrawal symptoms that are suffered by the user. If they do believe it's easy, they've never been around a user.
ReplyDeleteThe body is a fine tuned and complex machine that works and reacts in predictable ways. Withdrawal is serious business and should not be attempted by well meaning family or friends. It should be handled by professionals who can respond to any need the person may have.
ReplyDeleteSupervised withdrawal is the only way to go. It's hard to predict what will happen when you deny your body the drugs that it has been getting for a long period of time. You need a professional there who knows what to do if there is a problem. You only have one life and you need to do whatever it takes to protect it.
ReplyDeleteGoing 'cold turkey' is rarely the safest option. The body can be damaged from the shock of it. I've never heard of a professional who thought that was the best way to approach withdrawal.
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