Out of more than 23 million adults in the United States that have an addiction, about only 15% of them receive treatment.
Alcohol and drugs can negatively impact one’s life, and it can be hard to determine when it becomes too serious.
If you, or someone you love, is showing these signs, you may want to seek professional help.
Continue reading to discover some of the most common signs of drug withdrawal, so that you can be prepared!
1. Anxiety
Anxiety and irritability are common signs of developing addiction.
Many people experiencing withdrawal have anxiety because their mind and body are so dependant on taking a substance. When the substance is no longer being used, it takes time for the body and mind to adjust, however. Leaving people feeling more anxious than normal.
Anxiety can be identified as excessive worry. People typically have high heart rates and a difficult time controlling their breathing.
2. Mood Swings
Mood swings are another common symptom of drug withdrawal to look out for.
Certain drugs and alcohol can alter the mind and chemicals in the brain, increasing the frequency of mood swings. A person going through withdrawal will likely deal with mood swings while their chemicals adjust back to normal levels.
Pay attention to random changes in mood. Many people say that fear, anger, and joy are heightened at this time of recovery.
3. Fatigue
Most people recovering from addiction are tired of the process.
Fatigue is a common sign of drug withdrawal that is completely normal. Many people that deal with addictions have poor self-care and don’t address the problem until after they stop. As the body recovers from drug use, more energy will be required, making the user feel fatigued.
4. Dilated Pupils
If you or someone you know has a history of using heroin or opioids, you will want to watch for dilated pupils.
As these drugs wear off in someone, they cause the pupils to dilate, making them look like pinpoints. If this is happening, pupils won’t get smaller or respond to light. Most drugs like marijuana and alcohol don’t cause this symptom during withdrawal.
5. Seizures
One of the more serious signs of drug withdrawal that shouldn’t be overlooked is having seizures.
Seizures can happen on small scales, making people not even realize how serious they are. If you or someone you know has bouts of being confused or staring off into space, they may be suffering from seizures.
More serious addictions can cause full seizures to occur. These seizures include jerking movements and losing awareness. Seek immediate help if anyone reacts this way.
Do You Know the Signs of Drug Withdrawal?
There are many signs of drug withdrawal that can be difficult to notice if you aren’t paying attention.
If you or someone that you love is experiencing these symptoms, they may need professional help. Seeking out help can save their life and give them a better future to work towards.
You must understand the signs of withdrawal so that you can be prepared to deal with them and properly treat addiction. Don’t be afraid to talk to others and receive care.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles with helpful drug and alcohol addiction information!
