Being addicted to a particular substance is no accident. It’s a carefully identified choice based on several attempts to find a remedy to an uncomfortable feeling. Some drugs just don’t fit the nature of the problem. Other’s fit like a glove and take away all the pain like it never happened.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the easiest, most socially acceptable emotional and physical painkiller. People drink when they are broken-hearted, lonely, isolated and resentful. It gives us courage when we felt scared, honesty when we fear the truth and intimacy when we felt alone.
Traditionally, alcohol was used before going to war, as an ice-breaker in social occasions, a disinfectant for disease and as a numbing agent for amputation. For these reasons, alcohol addiction takes away your ability to feel courageous and confident, to feel close and comfortable with another person and to endure pain and suffering. Without it you resort to feeling alone, agitated and afraid of adversity.
Detoxing from alcohol makes you feel anxious primarily. You may get the shakes, nausea and insomnia. Your body gets used to alcohol helping you deal with things, leaving you feeling weak and vulnerable. It takes time for your mind to feel like it can handle stress again if you haven’t practiced for a while. Taking Valium in the first week makes your brain feel like it is still drinking, allowing you to rest and recover during your withdrawal period.
Cocaine
Cocaine was originally used by South American farmers for centuries to work harder, faster and longer. Similarly, Westerners are now using Cocaine for the same reasons. But the South American farmers never got addicted. So why is it that it is now the most desirable drug in Australia? Cocaine is now worth more than gold per gram.
The answer is this. It makes you feel confident. So confident, you don’t have any hesitation or doubt. You feel like a winner, you feel like you can’t fail and you lose your reasoning capacity that keeps you vigilant. You’re Superman. This is why Cocaine addicts go from 0-10 in their addiction real fast. Their habit escalates so fast, they don’t know what’s happening. It can often go with a sex, porn, shopping or gambling habit.
Detoxing from Cocaine makes you feel like you are losing your confidence, which can lead to overexercising and making big plans that never eventuate. When you wake up after your long 5 days sleep and you’re feeling refreshed, it’s tempting to think you are all fixed. You feel rested and physically strong again. But your mind isn’t fine, mental recovery takes a lot longer. The cravings start to become insatiable after 5 days and can last up to 9 months.
Meth (Ice)
Like Cocaine, Meth is in the stimulant family and it shares some qualities such as making you feel over-exited and focussed. It usually makes people feel motivated, focussed, and energised. If you feel more normal than ever on Meth, then you may have ADHD. Meth can be an attempt to self-medicate for ADHD and other behavioural issues.
If you start taking Meth, you may have been feeling tired, scattered, unmotivated and lacking direction. If you need to be sharp and get into action, you will find temporary relief with Meth. Then over time you will get used to the effect and need it more and more to stay energised. It is similar to strong caffeine, and addiction to energy drinks are often a sign that the person will move on to stronger stimulants.
During detox Gold Coast treatment, people recovering from meth use may feel very tired and want to sleep and eat all the time. You may be underweight in the beginning and eat through the night to make up for the energy deficit. If you can’t get to sleep asap, you run the risk of drug-induced psychosis, so you may require sleepers to begin your detox. But if you can get to sleep, the rest is just bedrest and hydration. Like Cocaine, the cravings for Meth start at 5 days, so make sure your program is at least 10 days.
Cannabis
Cannabis is in the family of drugs that appeal to low dopamine people, ie. those that can’t concentrate and have poor motivation. It’s common for people using Cannabis to have underlying ADHD or anger issues. It is a drug that is used for frustration and boredom. Longer term Cannabis use can lead to lack of interest in doing things, which can then lead to using stimulants like Meth or Cocaine. It is definitely addictive and often results in mental health issues such as paranoia and psychosis.
Because Cannabis is slow to detox, it takes many weeks to withdraw. It may take 3-4 weeks for most of the withdrawal to be complete, with symptoms of night sweats, depression, anxiety and insomnia being common. Melatonin is helpful for this time.
Note that medically prescribed Cannabis is equally as addictive, with the same risks of psychosis.
