Anyone who thinks detoxing from drugs and alcohol ends with withdrawal should think again. Contrary to what most addicts, their loved ones, and even some behavioral and medical professionals believe, life does not get back to normal once the offending substances are out of the body. In reality, some symptoms can persist for months after one has stopped using. The withdrawal process has two phases:
• Acute Withdrawal
• Post-Acute Withdrawal
The first stage usually lasts for the first couple of weeks. During this stage, an addict experiences flu like symptoms as well as other physical symptoms. The second stage, on the other hand, can last for weeks or even months, depending on the intensity and length of active use. This stage tends to be less severe than the first stage and mostly involves more emotional and psychological symptom, but fewer physical symptoms. These symptoms persist even after all physical traces of drugs and/or alcohol has left the body and brain.
Post-acute withdrawal happens because the brain chemistry is slowly returning to normal. As the brain gradually improves, the brain chemicals levels fluctuate as they move towards the new equilibrium. Most people experience the same post-acute withdrawal symptoms. In contract, acute withdrawal symptoms may differ from person to person.
Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Low enthusiasm
• Anxiety
• Tiredness
• Variable energy
• Disturbed sleep
• Variable concentration
• Brain fog
• Problems with memory
• Problems with coordination
• Feelings of depression
• Cravings
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
These symptoms vary in duration and intensity from one person to another, usually in correlation with the duration and intensity of one's substance abuse. In addition, the symptoms can come and go in wave--like recurrences and fluctuate in severity. The post-acute withdrawal phase is a necessary process that all addicts in early recovery must go through as the body and brain begin to recover and adjust to life without drugs and/or alcohol.
Sometimes, even when an addict has a genuine desire to stay sober, the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal can be a driving factor in his/her relapse. Recovery can be a minefield; however, with the conscious understanding of what the obstacles are, addicts can find their way through them successfully.
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