How to Quit Addiction Cold Turkey
When faced with the decision to quit a drug addiction or an alcohol addiction, many people choose between quitting cold turkey or by degrees. Although it would, in theory, be best to quit cold turkey and never look back, the truth of the matter is that quitting cold turkey can often be very dangerous for your health. Withdrawals can become so severe that a person can have major complications in the midst of recovery.
The symptoms of withdrawal differ between the two major types of addiction and are also dependent upon how often someone consumes the substance. Following is some information regarding what occurs when someone chooses to detox.
Drug Detox
When ending a drug addiction on the spot, you are more than likely to face one or many withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms include severe anxiety, body aches, difficulty sleeping, profuse sweating, severe nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and chills and shivers. These symptoms may be mild or severe depending upon how often and how much you used. Psychological problems can often occur as well. Many drugs affect the way your brain works so withdrawals affecting your brain can be dangerous.
Alcohol Detox
An alcohol addiction detox has its own types of withdrawals symptoms. These include irritability, trouble sleeping, lack of concentration, trembling hands, sweating, headache, nausea, lack of appetite and vomiting. More severe symptoms include convulsions, fever and hallucinations. If you have experienced any of these symptoms while you are trying to quit, speak with a health professional. A professional can help get you what you need to deal with the withdrawals in an easier and less harmful way.
The best way to quit any addiction cold turkey is with a doctor or addiction counselor. Many times withdrawals can be so severe that medical help is needed. A doctor or counselor will be able to monitor your progress and can even prescribe medication that can combat the withdrawals in a healthy manner.
It is often a good idea to visit with a therapist to help you learn why your addiction started and what triggers your addiction. Therapy can be a great support in withstanding potential relapses. Most people who are trying to quit an addiction end up relapsing because withdrawals are so severe. To avoid this, health professionals can keep you on a path to recovery. Addiction is hard to overcome but there are many resources to help you along the way. Any person can beat an addiction, and even do so cold turkey, but it is best to have help when you do.
Jeff Morley is a health writer for for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Next Level Recovery.
