Navigating the Symptoms of Body Detoxifying in Early Recovery

“Detoxing” is a word that gets used a lot in substance use disorder recovery. You may have heard that detoxing from certain substances is painful, or even dangerous. 

However, many people who have been using substances heavily or for a long period of time require detox as the first step to sobriety. If you or a loved one needs to detox from drugs or alcohol, it is important to seek medical help to make the process as safe and easy as possible. 

So what does detoxing mean, and what are the symptoms of detoxing your body from drugs or alcohol? Read on to learn more about symptoms of detox, how it is the first step to recovery from substance use disorder, and how seeking help from recovery centers like Clear Steps Recovery can make the process of detoxing easier and safer. 

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Table of Contents

• What Does It Mean To Detox the Body from Drugs or Alcohol?
• 3 Common Physical Symptoms of Detoxing the Body 
• 3 Common Emotional and Psychological Symptoms of Detoxing the Body
• Substance-Specific Withdrawal Symptoms To Watch For
• When Are Detox Symptoms Dangerous?
• How Clear Steps Recovery Supports the Detox Process

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Detox Is the First Step in Recovery

Detoxing is the earliest stage of recovery from substance use disorder. It refers to the process by which any remaining substance is eliminated from the bloodstream through the liver and other vital organs without being replenished by consuming more.

Detox is the start to recovery from any substance use disorder, such as alcohol or opiates. Sometimes the body adapts to substance abuse, creating a chemical dependence. 

For some, detoxing without medical intervention can have dangerous effects. That is why it is important to seek professional help for this critical initial stage of recovery. Detox is not substance abuse treatment, but the first step on the way to sobriety. 

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Why Symptoms Occur During Detox

Use of any mood-altering substance, such as alcohol, stimulants, or opiates, changes brain chemistry. When used over a long period of time, the body can create a physical dependence on the substance. Sudden withdrawal requires readjustment, which causes many of the symptoms of detox. 

We will discuss the specifics of different substance withdrawal symptoms, but it is important to note that most detox symptoms fall into two categories: acute symptoms and post-acute withdrawal. 

Acute symptoms refer to bodily symptoms that accompany withdrawal. Post-acute withdrawal refers to the emotional and psychological symptoms of substance withdrawal. Both are difficult to deal with and can benefit from the assistance of a qualified recovery center like Clear Steps Recovery.

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#1: Flu-like Discomfort

Many people describe the early stages of withdrawal as being similar to having a bad cold or the flu, especially withdrawal from opioids. Symptoms can include:

• Sweating 
• Muscle aches 
• Exhaustion 
• Low-grade fever (especially common in alcohol withdrawal) 

The severity of these symptoms depends on the substance and length of use. For some, they are mild, more like a common cold. For others these symptoms can present so severely as to require hospitalization. 

#2: Gastrointestinal Upset

Gastrointestinal upset is another common symptom associated with withdrawal. This can include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss 

#3: Sleep Disturbances and Restlessness

Physical illness and discomfort are common symptoms of detox, but sleep disturbances are also a large factor in overall detox discomfort. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), sleep disturbances are such a problem for people in detox and recovery that they can lead to relapse. 

Insomnia, vivid dreaming, and general discomfort and agitation are all common sleep disturbances associated with withdrawal and detox. It is a normal part of the process of detox, but one that many struggle with. 

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#1: Anxiety and Irritability

Of the post-acute withdrawal symptoms, anxiety and irritability are among the most common. 

One reason for this is that people suffering from substance abuse disorder often self-medicate for underlying mental health issues, like anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. When they go through detox, they experience all of these symptoms tenfold. 

Even for patients without underlying mental health disorders, detox can cause stress and anxiety when old patterns of coping with life must be replaced with new, healthier options. 

#2: Depression or Mood Swings

Detox causes a change in brain chemistry. Dopamine uptake and overall chemical composition of the brain change during detox to adapt to life without substance use. This can cause depression, mood swings, and emotional dysregulation.

At Clear Steps Recovery, we monitor all of our detox patients, providing therapeutic support through the highs and lows of detox. 

#3: Cravings and Triggers

A large part of detox is dealing with cravings and triggers. 

If your brain has a chemical dependence on a substance like stimulants or alcohol, it is going to want to keep the status quo by ingesting more. Similarly, you will get triggers to use again — these can include a certain time of day, getting paid, or social interactions, such as getting a text from a buddy you use with. 

That is one of the reasons it is so important to detox in a supportive, controlled, and healthy environment like Clear Steps Recovery. Our medical experts, advisors, and counselors can help you manage detox and take the first steps to sobriety. 

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Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol detox is a crucial step to recovery, and one that should be monitored by a medical professional. Over a third of people admitted to the ICU for alcohol use are suffering from severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. 

Minor symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:

• Motor function problems like tremors 
• Elevated blood pressure
• Elevated heart rate
• Dilated pupils 
• Low-grade fever 
• Gastrointestinal problems 

Moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Seizures, which can sometimes be fatal
• Alcohol-withdrawal induced psychosis, formerly called delirium tremens (DTs) 

Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal is known to be very uncomfortable, especially for long-term users. Symptoms include:

• Hot and cold flashes 
• Agitation
• Goosebumps 
• Severe aches and pains 
• Opioid cravings 
• Insomnia 
• Runny eyes, nose, and sneezing 

These symptoms are uncomfortable, but not life-threatening. Opioids are a pain suppressant, so long-term use lowers the overall threshold for pain. 

Some people are so afraid of the pain of withdrawal that they avoid treatment. At Clear Steps Recovery, we provide medically assisted detoxes that curb the worst of the detox symptoms to set you up on your path to sobriety. 

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Benzodiazepine refers to a collection of prescription drugs, including Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is especially complex because benzos are a nervous system depressant, and long-term use has intense effects on the mind and body. 

Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

• Difficulty sleeping and insomnia
• “Rebound” panic attacks and anxiety
• Irritability
• Tremors
• Nausea and wretching
• Seizures 
• Perception changes and psychosis 
• Restless leg syndrome
• Suicidal ideation 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can be severe and dangerous. If you or a loved one is ready to seek recovery from benzo addiction, the first step is a medically supervised detox at a qualified clinic like Clear Steps Recovery. 

Stimulant Withdrawal

Stimulants include cocaine, crack, meth, adderall, and other drugs often called “uppers.” Withdrawal from stimulants includes symptoms like:

• Fatigue
• Depression and listlessness 
• Irritability
• Temporary loss of mental acuity
• Intense cravings for stimulants

During stimulant detox, it is important to be in a safe and supportive place. Drug cravings kick in quickly, and being in a rehab center can help prevent relapse. 

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If you are ready to take the important first step to recovery that is detox, it's important to seek help from a substance use disorder rehab with a detox center like Clear Steps Recovery.  For recovery from certain substances, like benzos and alcohol, detox symptoms can be dangerous. Dangerous detox symptoms include:

• Fever
• Decreased muscle control
• Difficulty breathing 
• Hallucinations 
• Increased blood pressure 
• Seizures 

At Clear Steps Recovery, we can help you manage the discomfort and danger of detox while also setting you up for sobriety success. 

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Do you have concerns about the symptoms of detoxing? Are you worried about the pain and potential danger of detoxing? Clear Steps Recovery can help. 

Offering services across Massachusetts, Clear Steps Recovery can help you at any stage of substance abuse. Our combination of medically-assisted detox and treatment, as well as supportive counselors and environment, makes detox a process you will hopefully only have to experience once on your way to a healthier life. 

Start your journey to recovery today and reach out to Clear Steps Recovery to learn more about a brighter, sober tomorrow. 

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