UNDERSTANDING WITHDRAWAL
+ Withdrawal (detox) from alcohol or drugs
The effects of withdrawing are different for each person. Someone might have headaches, feel sick, irritated or tired. Using drugs and/or alcohol regularly can result in dependence which makes it harder to feel ok without having something. If you are dependent you could experience more serious withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.
The most intense part of detoxing lasts about 5 – 7 days. During this time you may have symptoms which can be different depending on the drug and how long you have been using.
People who are dependent on opiates (such as heroin), benzodiazepines or alcohol can have intense withdrawals that include nausea, body pain, shaking, sweating, vomiting and cramps. If you have been using opiates, alcohol or benzodiazepines for a while and want to cut down or stop it is a good idea to get help. This is because occasionally more severe problems which need medical intervention can happen when you are withdrawing from these substances.
Stimulant (such as methamphetamine) or depressant (such as cannabis) dependent people can have anxiety, insomnia, depression and restlessness as well as strong emotional symptoms.
If you are at a withdrawal unit there will be youth workers and primary health workers to help you physically and emotionally through these challenges.
Strong cravings for the substance are a very normal part of withdrawal. Your body wants the short term ‘feel good’ experience of using again. Cravings can last longer than the physical withdrawal and can be a reason for relapse (using after you have stopped).
Learning some skills and using some tools to deal with cravings and practice relapse prevention can happen with workers in the withdrawal unit or in community services.
If you are trying to cut down your drug or alcohol use and need some help Contact Us
+ What is the best place to go through withdrawal (detox)?
The effects of withdrawal, including the physical symptoms can be really hard for some people. It is a good idea to talk to a doctor or drug and alcohol worker about ways to withdraw and what is best for you.
YSAS can give you advice and also has withdrawal programs where youth workers and health professionals can help you to achieve your goals. Having a withdrawal plan and an ongoing treatment plan will make the process much easier.
A safe, quiet and supportive environment is the best place to undergo withdrawal. If you feel most comfortable at home, there are home-based withdrawal services that can monitor your detox period.
If home is not an option – or not the best one for you – residential withdrawal programs are secure, friendly and professionally supported spaces where you can withdraw safely. YSAS has Short-Term Residential Respite as well as Home-Based Withdrawal services.
If you decide to use any of the YSAS withdrawal services you will:
- Talk to your drug and alcohol worker or call the unit to organise a time to complete a referral.
- The referral with have information about you and your substance use so that you can be looked after when you are in the unit.
- Once the referral is in you may be given a date that you will start your stay or you may be put on a waiting list.
- Workers will keep in touch with you when you are on the waiting list to make sure you are still interested in going to detox and to give you support while you wait.
Something that you can do while you are waiting to start your withdrawal is make a list of reasons why you want to do it. This can be a really useful thing to bring with you to detox. It can help remind you why you are there and can help you through when things are getting hard.
Another helpful list is one of things you want to do once you have finished withdrawing. Writing down your goals and having them easy to access (wallet/ phone) means that you can be a way to help future you if you find yourself in a tough situation.
If you are trying to cut down your drug or alcohol use and need some help Contact Us
+ What happens after withdrawal?
The time after withdrawal can be really challenging. Your brain and body probably feel completely exhausted from all the work you have done.
These feelings might be uncomfortable or overwhelming. You may find yourself thinking that using would be a way to make them go away.
There are a few things you can do to deal with the thoughts, feeling and issues that come up post-withdrawal. Here are some that can help:
- Take it a day at a time.
- Be patient and keep focused on your goals - have a look over the list of reasons why you went through withdrawal.
- There is no right way or right time to do things – your journey won’t be the same as your friends, and it may take more or less time and that’s ok.
- Be proud of your achievements – for example, tell yourself ‘well done’ when you get through a tough (or easy) day or say ‘no’ to using.
- Remember that withdrawal symptoms can last for quite a while and some days may be harder than others.
- If you relapse remember that you can get back on track. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
- Talk to a YSAS worker, they are always available to offer guidance, support and advice.
If you are not sure what to do and want to talk to someone Contact Us
+ Drug and alcohol rehabilitation (rehab)
Rehab programs have been made to help you adjust to life without drugs and/or alcohol and get back in control of your life.
YSAS residential rehab is a community-based program where you live for up to six months with other young people who are going through similar challenges and are also making changes. You get to be part of therapeutic group sessions, learn living skills, connect with the community, and be supported by youth workers to build strong relationships, understand yourself and what you need now and in the future.
If you are trying to stop using drugs or alcohol and want to talk to someone Contact Us