Detox, or detoxification, describes the process of abstaining from or eliminating toxic substances from the body. These substances often include alcohol, opiates (common opioids are heroin and prescription pain medications), and tranquilizers/ benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, and Librium) because the body becomes dependent on these substances to function normally after prolonged or excessive use. Often times, severe detox symptoms can occur, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Severe detox symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can appear within hours of the last drink. The symptoms may emerge sooner if drinking higher quantities more frequently and later if drinking lesser quantities and less often.

How do I know if I am suffering from severe detox symptoms from alcohol?

• Am I feeling shaky or experiencing tremors?
• Have I had convulsions and or seizures?
• Do I have chills?
• Am I feeling sweaty and clammy?
• Is my skin pale?
• Am I feeling stressed, very angry and volatile, depressed, anxious, and/ or confused?
• Am I fatigued and lethargic?
• Am I having mood swings or feeling dissociated (depersonalization)?
• Have I been seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (psychosis)?
• Do I have a persistent or reoccurring headache?
• Am I unable to eat because I have no appetite?
• Am I nauseated or vomiting?
• Am I restless?
• Am I having trouble sleeping?
• Have I had an increase in blood pressure or rapid heart-rate?
• Are my pupils dilated?
• Am I sensitive to light?

How do I know if I am suffering from severe detox symptoms from opiate withdrawal?

• Am I agitated?
• Do I feel anxious?
• Am I nauseated, vomiting, and/or diarrhea?
• Am I sweating a lot?
• Am I having extreme abdominal cramps?
• Am I feeling excessive bone and joint pain?
• Are my pupils dilated?

How do I know if I am suffering from severe detox symptoms from tranquilizer/benzodiazepine withdrawal?

• Do I have flu-like symptoms including muscle weakness or muscle pain?
• Do I feel shaky or have tremors?
• Am I sweating excessively?
• Am I having trouble sleeping?
• Do I feel depressed and/or anxious?
• Am I having stomach pain or cramping?
• Is my vision blurred, are my eyes dry or sore, or am I seeing spots?
• Am I having headaches?
• Am I experiencing increased sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds?
• Do I feel unsteady or dizzy?
• Am I feeling dissociated (depersonalization)?

If I am experiencing some or many of the symptoms listed above, what do I do?

Severe detox symptoms should be controlled and monitored by a professional. Severe detox symptoms can be critical and even fatal. It is important to seek help immediately. It is best to go through detox at a drug addiction treatment center, where medical professionals can monitor the detox in a safe and supervised environment.

You don’t have to suffer. If you’re undergoing severe detox symptoms, seek help now. Contact us anytime with questions.