Treatment
One of the most common questions people ask themselves before deciding to stop using drugs is: “What will happen to my body after I quit?”
Drug withdrawal can be uncomfortable, confusing and, in some cases, even dangerous. The symptoms can be both physical and psychological and vary significantly from person to person. Learning about drug withdrawal can help people and their loved ones identify what to expect and understand the importance of consulting professionals rather than trying to tackle the situation on their own.
Withdrawing from drugs is not as simple as simply deciding to stop. This happens because one’s body and mind have become accustomed to regular substance use, and quitting cold turkey can lead to disruption. In this article we discuss what drug withdrawal is, explore some of its common symptoms, examine the various factors that withdrawal can depend on, and explain why professional assessment and treatment are essential.
Drug withdrawal is a set of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that emerge when a person who has become dependent on a substance significantly reduces its consumption or stops using it altogether.
These withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually last for several days, although in some cases, they can persist for weeks or even months.
the type of substance they were using
how often and how long they used it
the amount of substance used
whether they used more than one substance
their physical health condition
mental health
past withdrawal experiences and whether the withdrawal process is managed by professionals. Since withdrawal from different substances can have different ranges of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous effects, there is no single standard withdrawal timeline or treatment approach for everyone.
Drug withdrawal can cause various physical, psychological and emotional symptoms. In many cases, people experience more than one symptom at a time.
sweating
shaking
headaches
body aches
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
abdominal pain
changes in appetite
runny nose
watery eyes
rapid heartbeat
insomnia
tiredness and weakness
Depending on the substance, withdrawal symptoms may also include other physical discomforts. For example, opioid withdrawal often manifests with nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle and body aches, sweating, goosebumps and runny nose.
While many people primarily associate withdrawal with physical discomfort, psychological and emotional withdrawal symptoms are also common. A person going through withdrawal may experience.
anxiety
irritability
restlessness
difficulties with concentrating
insomnia
lack of motivation
strong cravings for the substance
depression
agitation and emotional distress
While some people may only experience mild psychological withdrawal symptoms, others, particularly those withdrawing from stimulants, may have more severe discomfort and require professional psychological support.
A trained counselor can become an essential part of one’s recovery, providing the guidance and support needed to get through the difficult withdrawal period and maintain healing.
There is no such thing as a single withdrawal experience – depending on the substance, the range of uncomfortable symptoms can differ significantly. Several substances are known to cause particularly severe withdrawal symptoms:
Opioid Withdrawal
People withdrawing from opioids often experience muscle and bone aches, sweating, restlessness, runny nose, tearing, yawning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and insomnia.
Although opioid withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, it can be exceptionally uncomfortable and may increase the risks of relapse. Moreover, appropriate medical supervision can significantly reduce the chances of complications and discomfort.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous and requires professional supervision.
When withdrawing from alcohol, people often experience tremors, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as seizures and hallucination.
In severe cases, drinking alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, and the World Health Organization recommends that all patients with potentially dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms should be under the care of a medical professional.
Stimulant Withdrawal
Withdrawal from stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines often results in fatigue, excessive sleeping, depressed mood, irritability, increased appetite, restlessness and difficulties with concentrating.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), during stimulant withdrawal, appropriate environments, close supervision and medical management may be necessary, especially in cases involving severe psychological symptoms.
Cannabis Withdrawal
When people stop using cannabis regularly, they often experience irritability, problems with sleeping, changes in appetite, restlessness, nausea, difficulties with concentrating and mood swings.
The symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another and may last for weeks.
Unfortunately, there is no standard timeline that reflects the withdrawal process for everyone, since everyone’s withdrawal symptoms will depend on the substance, the individual’s metabolism and other factors.
However, in general, withdrawal symptoms usually begin within a day or two after the last dose of a substance and subside over several days or weeks. For example, a rough guideline provided by clinical practice is that opioid withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 1 day after the last dose and last from several days to a week.
On the other hand, alcohol withdrawal can also start within a day, but the severity of the symptoms can increase within the first few days. For this reason, when considering such options as alcohol withdrawal, it is critical to consult a professional medical resource or a healthcare professional to understand one’s personal risks and needs. A healthcare professional will be able to examine a person’s history, determine what substance they were using and in what capacity and recommend an appropriate withdrawal management option.
One of the biggest mistakes people new to the idea of quitting substances make is to confuse detox with detoxification and full rehabilitation.
While the initial withdrawal from a substance is an essential part of healing, detox alone cannot be considered a complete treatment for substance abuse. Depending on the substance, professional detox may consist of a conversation with a counselor to evaluate the situation, withdrawal monitoring and management, as well as psychological support or participation in group counseling and outpatient detox programs.
However, detox and withdrawal management usually only address the acute side of the substance cessation – meaning the uncomfortable physical and psychological effects of stopping substance use. To support long-term healing, it is essential to address individual behavioral, emotional, social and psychological needs.
Depending on the substance and a person’s unique needs, professional detox may also include:
individual counseling,
family counseling,
developing a personalized recovery plan, as well as
aftercare support and services.
In cases involving potentially dangerous withdrawal, the World Health Organization recommends supported withdrawal, with inpatient withdrawal management preferred in situations involving serious risk factors, lack of appropriate support or involvement of other mental health conditions.
It is vital never to try to quit substances on one’s own if one’s substance use involves benzodiazepines or alcohol, as these two substances, in particular, can have extremely dangerous withdrawal symptoms that may require specialist medical care.
World Health Organization notes that withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be complicated and may require additional services, such as specialist care. When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution and consult a medical professional to understand one’s options.
While most withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable but not life-threatening, some of them require emergency medical attention.
Medical attention is needed if one experiences these symptoms:
Seizures
Severe confusion
Hallucinations
Loss of consciousness
Severe agitation
Difficulties with breathing
Chest pain
Severe vomiting or dehydration
Dangerous changes in one’s behaviour or thoughts about hurting oneself.
Alcohol withdrawal, in particular, can be extremely dangerous and may require emergency medical care. If one has any concerns about whether one’s withdrawal symptoms are severe enough to require professional medical attention, it is better to err on the side of caution.
The health and safety of the person going through withdrawal are paramount, and in case of severe concerns, getting in touch with a medical professional is the best option.
While managing withdrawal is an important step towards healing, it is not a complete cure.
Once a person goes through withdrawal, it is time to focus on the psychological and behavioural aspects of one’s addiction. This is when individual counseling, family therapy, developing healthier lifestyle patterns, determining personal triggers for substance use and learning relapse-prevention techniques become essential.
At this stage, a person may find themselves struggling with cravings, emotional discomfort or challenges related to everyday life – which is why ongoing support and the presence of a personal recovery plan are vital.
If one wants to learn more about the next steps in one’s personal recovery, it may be helpful to consult our guide on detoxification and drug addiction treatment, which describes in more detail the differences between detox, withdrawal and rehabilitation, as well as the role of each in the healing process.
Drug withdrawal symptoms are an uncomfortable but temporary part of the healing process and as long as one gets the right support, there is no reason to be concerned.
Withdrawal affects bodies and minds in various ways, depending on the substance and an individual’s personal history.
While the symptoms of withdrawal are different for everyone, in many cases they can be effectively managed with appropriate withdrawal support and professional detox services.
Since everyone’s substance-use history is different, getting one’s personal risks assessed by a medical professional is always a good idea – and when it comes to the treatment of substance abuse, evidence-based standards of care should always be followed rather than assumptions.
At Jeevan Dhara Rehabilitation Centre we believe in providing comprehensive, empathetic care to anyone seeking help with substance abuse, addressing not only the immediate effects of addiction but also the underlying psychological, behavioural and social factors contributing to it. Treatment should always be individualized, based on one’s needs and involving the presence and support of one’s family, if appropriate.
The most common withdrawal symptoms include sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, body aches, sleep difficulties, irritability, anxiety, restlessness and strong cravings, but the range of uncomfortable side effects can vary depending on the substance one is withdrawing from.
There is no single standard withdrawal timeline, as everyone’s withdrawal symptoms will depend on the substance, individual characteristics and other factors. Generally speaking, withdrawal from most substances usually lasts from several days to several weeks.
It can be, depending on the substance and an individual’s health history. Some types of withdrawal, such as alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, are particularly dangerous and may require emergency medical services.
Whether or not a person can safely withdraw from substances at home will depend on the substance, as well as an individual’s health and personal circumstances. In some cases, home withdrawal can be inappropriate due to the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, history of difficult withdrawal, significant health concerns or lack of personal or family support.
Detox and withdrawal management are only a part of the healing process long-term recovery requires comprehensive treatment that often includes individual and family counseling, developing healthier lifestyle patterns and relapse-prevention planning.
Withdrawing from substances can be physically and emotionally taxing, and some people may experience depression, anxiety, irritability or other emotional discomforts. In some cases, especially for stimulant withdrawal, such psychological side effects may be severe, which is why professional medical support is often recommended.
If an individual’s substance use is negatively impacting their life, or if attempts to limit or stop substance use have been unsuccessful, it may be time to consider professional detox services. In cases of severe withdrawal symptoms, such as fits or loss of consciousness, emergency medical help may be required.
