Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms

How to know if I'm an addict

Withdrawal in addiction treatment recovery

Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms can be spotted, usually from a mile away, if you are aware enough of what to look for. Addicted folk, in the throes of relapse are characteristically not themselves in some way shape or form. Their behaviour is an obvious one, so we won’t discuss that much here. But there are other aspects of addiction relapse and withdrawal that you can look out for. When an addict has relapsed it is important to make sure you do not enable their behaviours in any way. In other words if you are not part of a solution, you may be part of the problem. Fast! Addiction is a family disease. Sooner or later everyone gets to participate. Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms, aside from behaviours can take many forms. 

BIOLOGICAL-AND-NEUROCHEMICAL-ASPECTS:

On a physical or biological level, there are of course often physical and or psychological withdrawal symptoms, which manifest themselves when the person is deprived of their drugs. These are far more prominent for some drugs (heroin, benzo and or some forms of alcoholism) than others (cannabis, ecstasy), and may even be absent altogether in certain forms of substance dependence (as with the binge type of alcoholic or crack addict). On a biological level the dependent person also builds up a tolerance to the effects of their drugs of choice so that they need more to achieve the same mind-altering effect.

cape town individualized drug rehab centre

There are, however, other more subtle correlates of addiction on the biological and neurochemical level. As a psychologist-metaphysician, I was initially skeptical of the role of these factors. However, sophisticated scientific research increasingly demonstrates the relevance of biological and neurochemical markers for a large proportion of substance dependent people. This is unsurprising as a truly holistic view accepts that the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of life are all interwoven elements of the ‘Great Whole’.

The closer the genetic or family tie to someone with substance dependence, the greater are one’s chances of becoming substance dependent at some time in one’s life. The Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms have been shown to occur even when the child of a chemically-dependent person has grown up in an environment completely protected from substance abuse.

It has been clearly shown that once people have crossed the line of addiction, their neurochemical functioning is subtly different from that of people who have not. Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms will be seen and experienced in different ways. For some, this difference appears to have been present before they started using substances. For others it appears to have evolved with repeated and regular use and abuse of substances. Crucially, once these changes have taken place, it is extremely unlikely that the person will ever be able to use habit-forming substances in a controlled, moderate way.

For the established addict, moderate use of any habit-forming substances is hardly a possibility. Thus, we will usually notice different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms. Even when an established addict remains abstinent for many years, it would seem that the loss of control over the use of such substances progresses, silently waiting for them to ‘try just this once’. On doing so, they usually discover that, far from there being an improvement in their ability to control their intake, they are less able to control their use than ever before and different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms will manifest physically, mentally, emotionally and behaviorally. 

It is very important to point out that regular use of most habit ­forming natural or synthetic chemicals can bring about changes in the functioning of the brain, and even cause damage to specific receptors. Designer drugs, such as ecstasy, have been shown to cause permanent damage to the serotonin receptors of the brain in animals. The likelihood of this also applying to humans is very high. This is a significant problem as serotonin is an important neurochemical which helps regulate body temperature, respiration and mood. As science advances, there should be no doubt that greater clarity will emerge on the role that these and other biological factors play in substance dependence.

Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms on mind and emotions:

Having acknowledged the above, most people in the field would accept that the most stubborn and persistent aspects of addiction lie mainly in the mind, heart and soul. I have already mentioned how denial leads to the deception of self and others. The implication for healing and lasting recovery is that the addict has to be helped to get present to ‘what is’, in all areas of their lives. This is usually a humbling and painful process, which, however, can ultimately lead to liberation. Many addicts have experienced their inner and/or outer worlds as toxic, or at best mundane and boring. Escapism and mistrust of life are therefore common issues which have to be addressed in the healing process. Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms will likely affect emotions and mind most severely. The emotional pain of taking ownership and responsibility can be downright terrifying. 

Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms

Another common mental characteristic of substance-dependent people is extremist thinking and behaviour. This can manifest as an ‘all-or-nothing’ approach to activities such as work, studies, hobbies or sport. It may also be expressed in the form of idealising or totally, negating the value of people and relationships, and/or ‘catastrophising’ normal but unexpected daily problems or disagreements. This is usually a sign of emotional immaturity. In fact, once someone starts to abuse drugs on a very regular basis, their emotional development becomes stunted. Treatment therefore has to help the person to catch up in this area and to handle life on life’s terms, with its inevitable ups and downs. The implication for teenagers is that the teens are at a crucial

time for developing emotional and relationship skills. They need support and mentoring during this time, and should as far as possible not be allowed to avoid these challenges by hiding behind the numbing effects of regular drug abuse.

Another form of this extremism influences self-esteem, where the person may seriously under or over value themselves and their capabilities. For more help with Different aspects of addiction withdrawal symptoms contact Pathways Plett Addiction Treatment and Wellness Centre. We offer highly individualized treatment packages  for depression, burnout, dual diagnosis and of course alcohol withdrawal and substance abuse withdrawal that is a cut above most centres. Our value add’s create a high end contrast that need to be seen to be understood. Call 0824424779 or email info@pathwaysplettrehab.co.za