It is a known fact that addiction whether that of alcohol or drugs is harmful. However, despite being aware of the negative effects of smoking, drinking or consuming drugs, the addicts are unable to get them selves off these harmful products. Moreover, at times the withdrawal symptoms that come into effect once the person stops drinking or smoking make it difficult for a person to quit permanently and he relapses.
Once a person starts consuming alcohol or drugs, the body adapts itself to the chemicals that are induced into it. Slowly it becomes used to these substances. However, when there is reduced or no intake of these addictive substances the body retracts and shows signs of withdrawal.
The initial signs of withdrawal can range from being mild to severe depending upon the quantity of alcohol or drugs consumed and the duration of the habit. For those who have been drinking or taking drugs in small quantities and for a short time, the withdrawal symptoms are fairly mild as compared to those who have been consuming large quantities and had been addicted for a long time.
During the first week of sobriety, that is, the period when the person is completely off the drugs or alcohol, there are symptoms like anxiety, irritability, fatigue, insomnia and the craving for the substance. There is the feeling of vomiting and nausea with the body becoming weak, shaky and the hands going cold and clammy. Irregular heart beats is yet another physical symptom which the body faces during the first week of sobriety. These symptoms are apparent after nearly 12 hours of having the last drink or drug consumption and peak in the next two or three days. Therefore, the first week of sobriety is usually the most difficult to pass since this is the time when the body reacts strongly urging for the addictive systems it is so used to.
Besides the physical symptoms mentioned above, the body shows some psychological symptoms as well. These include lack of concentration, hallucinations and mental disturbance making it difficult for the person to think clearly or concentrate on any particular activity. The brain keeps sending messages via the body looking for the addictive substances.
Here it is important to mention that alcohol or drug addicts should not be deterred by these withdrawal symptoms. To maintain the sobriety, the addict should withdraw gradually and under medical supervision, so that any extreme withdrawal symptoms can be duly taken care of. Since the first week and subsequently the first months are very crucial for giving up addiction, it is recommended that the person goes for voluntary hospitalization at centers especially made for the purpose. One should not be intimidated of the initial symptoms of withdrawing but opt for medical supervision.
The risk to health with continued drinking or consuming drugs is more than the risk with the withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, a person wishing to give up his addiction should look for ways that can help him kick off the habit without fearing the withdrawal symptoms.
