Complications During Drug Treatment and Recovery
How to manage drug cravings during treatment, and why proper medical support makes recovery safer and more effective
Today, we still see people caught in the cycle of addiction, and relapse remains partly the result of not having a strong enough mindset, not being fully ready to quit, experiencing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, unemployment, family problems, and poor stress management — all of which can lead someone to turn to drugs as a way of coping. Drug cravings, or the discomfort that comes with stopping use, affect everyone who has used drugs and then stops — whether they have no intention of quitting, are determined to quit, are currently in treatment, or have stopped and then relapsed even after months of abstinence. These symptoms are triggered by internal feelings and by the surrounding environment, and heavily affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions. They persist for varying lengths of time depending on the individual, since the body needs time to readjust to normal function once drug use stops.
The Path to Quitting Drugs Unfolds in 3 Stages
1. The Early Stage of Quitting, Divided Into 2 Phases
1.1 The Withdrawal Phase
In the early period after stopping drug use, a person may experience discomfort that makes adjusting to life after quitting difficult. How severe these symptoms are depends on the dose, duration of use, and type of substance used.
For people who used stimulant-type substances, cravings may bring symptoms such as depression, lack of energy, frequent hunger, and difficulty concentrating.
For people who drank large amounts of alcohol, stopping can bring symptoms such as nausea, lack of energy, anxiety, hand tremors, body shaking, irritability, and memory problems (forgetfulness and confusion). These symptoms usually occur within 3–5 days, though some people may experience them for a week or longer, and some cases require hospital care to ensure safety.
For people who used opium or sedative-type substances, withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, and depression.
1.2 The Honeymoon Phase, Occurring During the First 4–5 Weeks
During this phase, someone who has managed to stop using will feel good and energized, with enthusiasm and determination to quit — which is a very encouraging sign for successfully quitting drugs. During this period, the body begins readjusting to its normal state, and uncomfortable symptoms begin to ease or disappear entirely, which is a sign of real progress in the recovery process.
2. The Middle Stage of Quitting — A prolonged period, or the stage of pushing through obstacles
This stage requires real determination, working to push through the remaining discomfort until the body returns to a normal state. If a person cannot hold themselves back, this stage carries a very high risk of relapse. The person in treatment needs to stay mindful, engage in activities that don’t bring drugs to mind, and take careful care of themselves to get through this difficult period of the quitting process. Successfully getting through this stage without relapsing is a key step toward successfully quitting for good.
3. The Final Stage of Quitting — The adjustment or resolution phase
About 3 months after stopping drug use, the body and brain largely return to normal function. The person in treatment will continue developing themselves in various ways, focused on building a successful life going forward — all of which helps support continuous and lasting abstinence from drugs.
How to Manage Drug Cravings
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Control your own thoughts, emotions, and outward behavior. Identify the risk factors and triggers that cause you to think about drugs.
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Stop the thought as soon as it arises — as soon as you start thinking about drugs, or as soon as a craving begins. Try picturing happy memories from your life instead of thinking about drugs. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, or remind yourself and say “no.”
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Redirect your attention to something else — recreational activities and relaxation, such as exercising, listening to music, watching television, meditating, talking with friends, or finding a hobby to pursue.
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In some cases, entering treatment at a treatment center is the right approach, where you’ll receive medication suited to your symptoms, which reduces the suffering from withdrawal and discomfort, and provides full rehabilitative care.
Some people with addiction decide to quit abruptly on their own. If they have a strong enough mindset and can tolerate the suffering that comes with it, they may succeed in quitting. But for safety, entering treatment at a drug treatment center is the better path to quitting safely, with proper care from facility staff who have the skill and expertise to treat addiction directly — helping the person in treatment quit permanently, without the dangers and complications that can otherwise follow. If you want to quit drugs, you can contact Day One Rehabilitation Center, a treatment facility offering a wide range of proven, highly successful treatment approaches, so people in treatment don’t have to suffer through quitting alone.
For more information, please contact:
99/1 Moo 6, Si Chula, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand +66 64-645-5091 Mon – Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ICT)