Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal in New Bedford, MA

When a person is suffering from an addiction, one of the factors they sometimes overlook when they plan to recover is just how intense alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms can be. Alcohol and drug withdrawal can be excruciating and if a person attempts to detox from a substance without treatment and support, those same alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms will likely send them back to abusing drugs or alcohol before the detox process is even complete. Seeking out treatment through a medical detox program can help to prevent alcohol and drug withdrawal from causing you to abandon your addiction recovery. New Bedford Drug Treatment Centers can connect you with a program that is right for you.

How Withdrawal Works

Withdrawals are a reaction that occurs in the body due to the fact that the person has developed a chemical dependence on a drug or alcohol. A person develops a chemical dependence because of the effects that drugs and alcohol have on the brain when they enter the bloodstream. The substance will send signals to the brain every time it is in the bloodstream. These signals are basically instructions that tell the brain to suppress or enhance activities.

The more that substance is present in the body, the more the brain begins to adjust in two ways. First, it begins to build up a tolerance to the substance, which means more and more of that substance is required to obtain the same effects. This has to do with changes in the structure of the brain. Second, the brain begins to change the way it functions and waits for the drug to signal it into action. This creates an internal environment in which your brain believes the “normal” state of your body is to have the drug in the bloodstream. This is a chemical or physical dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Withdrawal is what occurs when the drug is no longer in the bloodstream or is at levels lower than the brain relies on to function. The brain struggles to perform necessary actions and tasks without signals telling it to do so and as it tries to restore balance and get its job done, withdrawal symptoms occur throughout the body.

The Importance of Medical Detox

Medical detox can help a person get through the detoxification process more easily and effectively. First, medical detox offers an addicted person a support system as the drug works its way out of their system. Just a bit of emotional support and encouragement can go a long way during detox.

Additionally, medical detox can help to reduce the intensity of the pain and discomfort that withdrawal symptoms cause through the administration of prescription medications. And finally, the exact withdrawal symptoms that occur during detox vary from person to person and some of those symptoms can be severe and dangerous (i.e. seizures). In medical detox, those dangerous withdrawal symptoms will be addressed immediately as they happen to prevent serious injury or permanent damage.

When you are ready to get your drug or alcohol addiction treatment and recovery process started, the experts at New Bedford Drug Treatment Centers will be ready and willing to help. Just give us a call today at (508) 645-6878.