Mental Health During Withdrawal From Addiction
How Does Mental Health and Withdrawal From Addiction Correlate?
Comorbidity between mental health disorders and addiction has long been known and accepted by the medical community. Often, mental illness can be a driving factor in substance abuse, leading to substance use disorders. Those with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD will use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate symptoms. Unfortunately, while they may feel temporary relief after the effects have worn off, mental health symptoms will often feel worse.
Addiction and substance abuse can also lead to the development of mental health disorders, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Continued and frequent substance abuse will cause the brain to become dependent on the substance. It will physically alter the brain’s biochemical regulation, including serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. Some brain areas that are disrupted by substance abuse are the same as in other mental disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia, or impulse control.
Detoxing from drugs and alcohol can also be complicated by or complicate mental illness. Developing physical dependence on addictive substances causes the brain to become dependent on them for the production of certain neurotransmitters, which regulate mood and mental health. When the substance is taken away, our brains struggle to compensate for it, leading to myriad withdrawal symptoms including mental health symptoms.
Many substances increase the production of dopamine and other biochemicals. When the substance is taken away, the brain struggles to produce and regulate these neurotransmitters on its own, which are responsible for a healthy and stable mood. It can take a long time for the brain to function normally again, causing a variety of mental health disorders in the meantime, including anxiety, depression, and even psychosis. How long mental health symptoms persist will vary from person to person.
Generally, longer or more severe addictions will lead to longer psychological withdrawal symptoms. Those with pre-existing mental health disorders will also feel their symptoms worsen during withdrawal. They may have used drugs and alcohol to cover up mental health symptoms and during the beginning stages of recovery, they may feel worse without their substance of choice.
The good news is that with time and through various therapies, treatments, and lifestyle choices, mental health during withdrawal can be improved. Dual diagnosis treatment programs can be part of comprehensive treatment programs in drug and alcohol rehab which treat addiction and co-occurring disorders, like anxiety, PTSD, and depression together. Patients will be able to address underlying mental health disorders while working through their recovery for the best chance at long-term sobriety. Rehab centers will use psychotherapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic treatments as part of dual diagnosis programs.
Can Addiction Withdrawal Cause Depression?
Alcohol and drug addiction withdrawal can lead to symptoms seen with clinician depression and anxiety disorders, even in those without a dual diagnosis. Low production and regulation of dopamine and other biochemicals can lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, and low self-worth. However, for those with pre-existing depression and anxiety, these symptoms are exponentially exacerbated. Depression is quite common during post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) as well, leading to feelings of sadness and low energy for weeks, months, or years later.
Certain substances will cause severe depression, especially stimulants like cocaine and ecstasy. Not only has the body relied on these substances to produce happy and energizing effects, but the body has also produced more sedative effects to balance out the effects of the drug. While the body catches up to the fact that it can no longer rely on the substance, it will continue overproducing sedative effects which can also have depressive feelings.
Depression during drug withdrawal may be so severe that individuals may experience suicidal thoughts or tendencies. This is one reason why it is best to go through withdrawals under supervised detox. Medical personnel can provide anti-depressants and 24/7 monitoring to safely help those with suicidal thoughts during withdrawal.
10 Ways to Improve Mental Health During Addiction Withdrawal
- Attend a Medical Detox Program. The best way to manage all types of drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including psychological ones, is by checking into a supervised medical detox program. Programs are available as inpatient and outpatient treatment and will include medications to ease withdrawals. You will also receive around clock from a team of doctors and nurses, as some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous or life-threatening, including suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Counselors are also available around the clock to help you through all the emotions that come out during detox. Medical detox programs also pave the way to easily transition into drug and alcohol rehab, where dual diagnosis programs can help treat mental health disorders for long-term relief through psychotherapy and medication-assisted treatment.
- Regular Exercise. Healthy amounts of exercise have been shown to profoundly positively impact depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. Exercising helps to release endorphins and feel-good hormones which can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress. Other valuable benefits of exercise on mental health during withdrawal from drugs and alcohol include improved sleep and self-esteem. It is also a valuable tool in relapse prevention as it reduces compulsive drug use and cravings. Any exercise which increases heart rate will have a positive effect. Going for a walk, doing a yoga or exercise class, and dancing are just a few examples of exercises to enhance mental health and stability during detoxification.
- Eat Balanced, Nutritious Meals. Diet plays a huge role in healing the body, mind, and spirit. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies which affect neurotransmitter production and regulation. Balanced meals made up of rich proteins, essential vitamins, and omega-3s are essential for restoring the healthy body and brain function. Eating clean meals free of refined sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats will also aid in faster detoxification. Supplements such as a multivitamin and probiotics can help replace lost nutrients and heal the digestive system for better absorption. Food can also feed the soul. As you begin to heal from the effects of drugs and alcohol, you can begin to enjoy many things in life again, such as the taste of food. Eating fun, nutritious meals with plenty of herbs and spices can help increase endorphins and enhance feelings of happiness.
- Drink Plenty of Water and Stay Hydrated. Dehydration is common during drug and alcohol detox. Not only can dehydration be dangerous, but it can also cause feelings of drug cravings. Water is also essential in helping the body and mind heal from the effects of substance abuse. Keeping well hydrated through water, IV fluids, and electrolyte drinks can help nourish and aid the body in reducing physical and mental psychological withdrawal symptoms. Adding fruits or herbs to your water can not only improve flavor, but it can also add nutritional value such as vitamins. Certain herbs and fruits can also be medicinal, reducing headaches and digestive upset.
- Get Plenty of Sleep. Getting adequate rest and sleep is essential for proper mental health. Sleep deprivation during withdrawals can lead to increased mood swings, irritability, and brain fog. Sticking to a structured sleep schedule will help improve sleep and maintain good sleep hygiene, such as sleeping in a cold, dark room, using a white noise machine, and avoiding screens before bedtime. Sleep medications and sedatives may be necessary for the first week or so of withdrawals to help you get enough sleep. Relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, and herbal supplements or teas can help you wind down and get better sleep naturally as well.
- Talk to a Therapist or Support Group. Getting treated by a counselor or psychologist is the best way to manage mental health disorders. They can provide you with tips and tools for managing symptoms while also having someone talk to you about what you are going through. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can also provide invaluable support, encouragement, and advice. Support groups and therapy can also minimize relapse in the long run. Surrounding yourself with others who are committed to sobriety and who share similar goals can reduce loneliness and motivate you to what recovery has to offer.
- Seek Out Holistic Medicine Treatments. Several types of holistic therapies exist which can help you through the physical and psychological aspects of drug and alcohol withdrawal. Acupuncture, massage, reiki, and herbal remedies have been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These types of therapies can also reduce physical pain while improving mental health wellness through relaxation and increased circulation. The NADA protocol in acupuncture has especially been beneficial in treating addiction and detox. However, it is important to use these treatments in conjunction with conventional medical methods and not as a replacement.
- Daily Meditation, Stretching, and Yoga. Yoga and stretching can help increase blood flow and circulation while relieving tension and muscle pain. Mindful meditation and breathing techniques, which can be used alone or as part of yoga, can reduce stress while aiding in introspection and self-reflection. These are great techniques for connecting the body, mind, and spirit. More people are using meditative techniques to manage mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and compulsivity. These practices can also be an important tool in relapse prevention for managing cravings, stress, and triggers.
- Participate in Relaxation Techniques. Each person has unique ways in which they can relax. This can be either reading a book, getting spa treatments, sitting out in nature, or running. You should explore different ways to relax and find what speaks best to you. Stress can be a major driver in mental health disorders and physical health issues as well. Relaxation techniques will lower blood pressure, improve physical symptoms like headaches, and clear your mind.
- Try Journaling, Painting, Music, or Other Creative Techniques. There are several creative outlets to explore which can replace substance abuse. Active addiction will take up much of a person’s time, either getting the drugs, using them, or recovering from them. Finding ways to fill up your time can reduce cravings and feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Creative outlets can also help you process negative feelings. Painting, drawing, sculpting, crafting, photography, playing or listening to music, writing, and dancing are just a few ways to be creative. You can explore different mediums on your own or through classes to find what you like best. Creating something can also help improve self-esteem and increase feel-good hormones.
What Are the Signs of Withdrawal Affecting Mental Health?
Many substances increase dopamine production naturally and while the brain relearns to produce dopamine naturally, an individual may experience psychological withdrawal. For many, overcoming psychological withdrawal can be the most challenging part of recovery and it can take time for the brain to regulate neurotransmitters responsible for mental health on its own again.
Unlike physical withdrawals, which will subside within three days to a week, psychological withdrawals can linger for weeks, months, or even years, which is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms will vary depending on the substance or substances that were being abused. They will range from mild to severe depending on several factors including the severity of addiction, longevity of substance abuse, and the presence of co-occurring disorders.
Some of the most common psychological withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social withdrawal
- Mood swings
- Emotional instability
- Irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
- Anhedonia, or the inability to find pleasure in activities
- Memory problems
- Cognitive issues
- Inability to concentrate
- Intense cravings or thoughts about alcohol or drugs
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Negative belief patterns which prevent one from achieving their goals
- Sleep problems
- Sensitivity to stress
- Emotional overreaction or numbness
Psychological withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable; however, they can be improved through management techniques. Eating well, exercising, meditating, and getting professional help are just ways to improve mental health during withdrawal. Often, psychological withdrawals may indicate an underlying problem. Individuals who sought out substance abuse as a way to deal with mental health disorders may find that now that they no longer have drugs to cover up their emotional problems, they are more prominent than ever. Psychological treatment through psychotherapy and medication-assisted treatment can help manage these symptoms and find long-term solutions to their symptoms.
Does Withdrawal Always Affect Mental Health?
While the detox process from alcohol and drugs may cause mental health issues, it does not always happen. Drug withdrawal symptoms will differ based on the substance or substance abuse. Other factors determining how severe psychological withdrawals will be include the length of substance abuse, abuse severity, age, sex, and pre-existing mental health disorders.
Individuals who use drugs and alcohol to deal with mental health disorders, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, are more likely to experience mental health issues during withdrawal. They are also more likely to experience mental health symptoms in PAWS for a longer period of time. Usually, drug and alcohol abusers will experience some mental health effects from withdrawals as most substances act on neurotransmitters in the brain. However, those without pre-existing mental health disorders may find their mental health symptoms go away once the brain begins to naturally regulate neurotransmitters on its own again.
Certain substances can also cause mental health disorders to develop. For example, benzodiazepine abuse without having a pre-existing anxiety disorder can result in rebound anxiety. Also, methamphetamines are known to cause severe psychological effects including meth-induced psychosis or schizophrenia. Both of these disorders are the most common prolonged psychological withdrawal effects. Symptoms of drug-induced psychosis include hallucinations, irrational beliefs, and loss of contact with reality.
Find out what to expect during drug detox in our blog below:
Get Help with Addiction Withdrawals and Mental Health at Novo Detox
Novo Detox’s addiction treatment program will help you or your loved one through all the difficult aspects of drug and alcohol withdrawals. A supervised medical detox program will include 24/7 monitoring from our team of doctors, nurses, and counselors to ensure your safety while detoxing and support you emotionally. Our top-rated Los Angeles, California facility is equipped to handle all types of substance abuse withdrawals, including psychiatric medications. Nutritious chef-prepared meals, nutritional supplements, meditation classes, holistic therapies, and exercise classes are all part of our detox program at Novo to help patients detox more quickly and naturally.
Patients can also easily transition into drug and alcohol rehab programs after medical detox. As we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, patients will graduate from their treatment program with a handle on their addiction and their mental health disorder, which may have been the underlying cause of substance abuse.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about recovery at Novo Detox, please do not hesitate to call us at (844) 834-1777 today.
