Understanding the Stages of Drug Addiction Withdrawal

Drug addiction can be difficult to manage, not only because of the physical and mental strain that it puts on a person but also due to the withdrawal symptoms that come with it. Withdrawal occurs when a person stops using a drug after a long period of addiction and their body now has to adapt to be without it. The longer a person uses a drug, the more intense their withdrawal symptoms will likely be. The withdrawal process can be challenging and uncomfortable, which is why many those recovering from drug addiction revert to their old habits. While withdrawal is undoubtedly a tough experience, learning about its several phases and knowing what to expect can ease the recovery process. 

First Phase

The first phase of withdrawal tends to occur within the first 12 hours. The initial phase of withdrawal generally lasts up to 10 days and is described as the most difficult stage to deal with. However, the duration of this phase is dependent on the drug that the person in recovery has previously taken. Symptoms like depression, diarrhea, and vomiting will arise and peak after around three days. After the fifth day, the symptoms should subside and become easier to handle. Getting past the first phase of withdrawal is a good sign and signals that long-term recovery is achievable. 

Second Phase

While the second phase of withdrawal may not match the intensity of the first, the symptoms that arise during this stage will last longer. Some of the symptoms that those in recovery will experience during this phase include leg cramps, chills, and goosebumps. It is important to remember this phase, as this is when your brain will try to normalize endorphin levels and return them to their initial state. 

Third Phase

The third phase is the most tedious and will typically last between a week to two months. During this phase, you will go through symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Because of the prolonged length of this phase, many patients seek out long-term addiction treatment to help them overcome their addiction. While there tends to be a sense of relief after completing this phase, drug addiction treatment is needed to help sustain healthy practices and behavior. 

How Addiction Treatment Centers Can Help

Withdrawal can be a difficult and drawn-out process for a person to experience alone. Being in a welcoming environment like a drug rehab treatment center can help the person in recovery easily work past their withdrawal symptoms, while also facilitating their healing and development. At a drug rehab treatment center, a patient will get the attention and support that they need, whether it’s addiction detox services or a drug addiction treatment program relating to their specific substance. 

At Twin Town Treatment Centers, we support those seeking addiction treatment and going through withdrawal. We know that withdrawal symptoms can be difficult, which is why our six drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County area, including one in Laguna Hills, work to help those recovering from their addiction by providing many effective outpatient programs and drug addiction treatments that have been individualized to best fit our patients and their unique needs and circumstances. Get in touch today by calling us at (866) 594-8844 or filling out our online form to get started. Our team of drug and alcohol treatment professionals will provide you with a no-cost interview and assessment for alcohol and drug issues.