Drug withdrawal can happen when an individual who has taken drugs or alcohol quits using the substance and faces symptoms because of the removal of the drug from their system. Withdrawal is more likely if the individual has developed a tolerance to the drug.
The intensity of withdrawal symptoms will be dependent on factors like tolerance, type of drug, and how someone’s body responds to the substance and the withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can become intolerable, and a person may start retaking the substance to stay away from the effects.
This blog aims to explore the physical and psychological symptoms of drug withdrawal and the different factors that can affect their severity. Pacific Interventions is here to provide you with the most practical and safe methods to get rid of drug withdrawal symptoms and manage them.
What Are the Common Physical Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal symptoms may be different based on the type of drug that was taken. Withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild physical signs to intense fatal symptoms like seizures or cardiovascular collapse. In general, some of the common physical withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating or chills
- Headaches
- Stomach and digestion issues
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping disorders, such as insomnia or fatigue
- Fast heart rate and palpitations
- More intense physical withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, which can occur in benzodiazepine, stimulant, and alcohol withdrawal
What Are the Common Psychological Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal has both physical and psychological symptoms. Some substances, such as alcohol, may also have severe psychological withdrawal symptoms. Some common emotional symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Mood changes or mood swings.
- Unstable feelings
- Severe fear disproportionate to societal norms.
- Severe feelings of sadness.
- Inability to feel happy.
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly.
- Poor concentration.
Irritability is a sign of many various substance’ withdrawal syndromes. During drug withdrawal, individuals also have difficulty thinking clearly, concentration, and short-term memory functions may be impaired.
People may be at a higher risk for depression, resulting in suicidal thoughts or actions during drug withdrawal, making medical detox and medical help all the more obligatory.
Neurotransmitters that help to manage moods, stimulate feelings of pleasure, and are essential for learning habits are affected by drug abuse and dependence. During drug withdrawal, the body may be depleted of these neurotransmitters, which contributes to people feeling some of these psychological symptoms.
What Factors Affect the Substance Withdrawal Severity?
Drug withdrawal symptoms are different from person to person, and their intensity largely depends on the level of reliance on the drug. The longer a person has taken the drug, the more intense the potential dependency. Drug withdrawal symptoms can also be intense if the user uses higher doses.
The route of administration, the amount consumed at a time, and polydrug (consuming more than one drug at a time) abuse can all affect drug dependency and may make withdrawal and treatment complicated. Biological factors like metabolism, age, gender, and any medical or mental health conditions also play a key role in the severity of drug withdrawal.
Genetics or family history of addiction are also influential. Environmental factors, such as home life, exposure to trauma, and stress can also affect the level of drug dependence. Therefore, these factors can definitely impact the intensity and duration of withdrawal syndrome.
Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline
Drug withdrawal may start as immediately as the substance becomes inactive in a person’s body and varies based on the drug involved. Usually, opioid withdrawal begins about 12 hours after the last use. Stimulant drugs such as cocaine are typically fast-acting and lose intensity quickly, so withdrawal symptoms may start sooner.
For most drugs, withdrawal symptoms usually reach the highest point within the first few days of stopping consumption and then start to gradually decrease over time. However, withdrawal timelines can differ because of the factors stated above.
After a week or two acute withdrawal symptoms mostly fade, although sometimes people may grapple with post-acute withdrawal. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Continued drug cravings
- Sleep problems
- Irritability
- Physical pain
- Reduced energy levels
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Troubles with memory
- Concentration problems
Post-acute withdrawal may last for several weeks or even months. The presence of co-occurring mental health issues along with drug dependence and addiction can also worsen post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
What Causes Opioid Withdrawal?
When you use opioids for a long time, your body becomes less sensitive to the effects. Gradually, your body needs more and more of the substance to reach the same effect.
Prolonged consumption of these drugs alters the way nerve receptors function in brain, and these receptors develop a dependency on the drug.
If you become physically sick after you quit using an opioid medication, it may be a sign that you’re physically dependent on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms are the body’s physical reaction to the absence of the substance.
Many people become dependent on these substances to prevent pain or withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, people don’t even know that they’ve become dependent. They may even mistake withdrawal symptoms for the flu or some other problem.
Conclusion
Drug withdrawal symptoms refer to physical and psychological effects that happen when an individual suddenly quits or reduces their use of a substance on which they are dependent. Common drug withdrawal symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, and cravings for the drug. It is crucial for individuals experiencing drug withdrawal symptoms to seek medical help and support to safely manage the withdrawal process and prevent possible complications.
FAQs
1. Are drug withdrawal symptoms dangerous?
Drug withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous in some cases, particularly for certain substances, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines. Intense withdrawal symptoms can result in complications like seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens.
2. How can drug withdrawal symptoms be managed?
Drug withdrawal symptoms can be managed through medical detoxification programs, which may involve medications to alleviate symptoms and provide a safe and supervised environment for withdrawal. Behavioral therapy and support groups can play a key role in managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.
3. Can drug withdrawal symptoms be prevented?
Drug withdrawal symptoms can be reduced by gradually stopping the drug under medical supervision rather than suddenly stopping its use.
