Drug Use

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

When you’re used to taking a drug every day and suddenly stop, there are certain physical and psychological consequences. Even if the drug is harmful, it still applies. This is what drug withdrawal is all about, and if not properly monitored by a healthcare professional, it can be dangerous. Learn the facts below.

Defining Drug Withdrawal

Also known as substance withdrawal syndrome, drug withdrawal is a process in your body that happens when you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body has grown accustomed to.

Even if it’s a harmful drug, like methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, or even alcohol, the body has grown used to the effects of the drug and may revolt in protest when you suddenly stop. After your last dose, the body goes into a withdrawal process that lasts for hours, days, and sometimes months.

Different physical and psychological symptoms arise at different points of the withdrawal, so it’s important to be supervised by a medical professional or in the care of an addiction rehab facility.

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Most drug addiction treatment programs begin with detox, or the process of eliminating chemical dependency by ridding the body of addictive drugs. For most patients (especially long-term users or those with cases of severe addiction), detox is accompanied by drug withdrawal symptoms, or the physical side effects that occur when a person suddenly reduces or discontinues drug use. Drug withdrawal symptoms can last a few days to a few weeks and range in severity from mildly uncomfortable to life threatening, depending on the duration and severity of addiction.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Beginning at 6-24 hours after your last drink, alcohol withdrawal symptoms commence. Symptoms may include:

Shakiness
Insomnia
Sweating
Nausea
Vomiting
Seizures
Hallucinations

Symptoms peak at 24-72 hours, and psychological symptoms can last for weeks (such as anxiety, depression, and sleep issues).

Opioid Withdrawal

Opioids are a class of drugs that relax or sedate the body, affecting the central nervous system (examples: prescription pain medication, heroin, and fentanyl). Within 12-24 hours after your last dose, opioid withdrawal symptoms could include:

Restlessness
Insomnia
Bone and muscle aches
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Anxiety
Depression
Cravings
Uneasiness

The detox peaks during the first 1-3 days and physical symptoms could last up to 10 days, with cravings and emotional symptoms lasting longer.

Cannabis Withdrawal

Although some people think cannabis (also known as weed, pot, or ganja) isn’t addictive, think again. For those reliant on cannabis who suddenly quit, symptoms could range:

Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Irritability
Sweating
Restlessness
Stomach cramps
Loss of appetite
Headaches

The onset begins at 1-3 days, peaks at one week, and could last up to four weeks. Generally, cannabis withdrawal has milder symptoms than other drugs.

Stimulant Withdrawal (Cocaine, Methamphetamines/Amphetamines)

Stimulants that give you more energy have negative come-down symptoms. They include:

Fatigue
Depression
Insomnia (often followed by prolonged sleep)
Increased appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Cravings

The onset begins within hours of taking the last drug, peaks at 1-3 days, and lasts up to 1-2 weeks.

Nicotine Withdrawal

Another highly addictive substance, nicotine can have negative come-down side effects. They include:

Anxiety
Irritability
Trouble concentrating
Headaches
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Increased appetite
Cravings

The symptoms begin within hours of your last cigarette or nicotine source, peaks at 1-3 days, and last 1-4 weeks. Take note: cravings for nicotine typically last longer than this.

A Timeline of the Stages of Drug Withdrawal

Although unpleasant, drug withdrawal is a sign that your body is healing from substance abuse and dependence. There are three main stages of drug withdrawal: acute, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), and protracted withdrawal.

Stage 1: The Acute Stage of Drug Withdrawal

The first stage, the acute stage (the crash), begins hours after your last dose and typically lasts for about two weeks. This is often the most intense stage, with heightened physical and psychological effects. Although every person and case is different depending on health history and severity of the drug addiction, here’s a comprehensive list of what to expect:

Physical Symptoms

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Heart palpitations
Headaches
Insomnia
Muscle and bone pain
Tightness in the chest
Sweating
Tremors
Weight loss due to loss of appetite
Difficulty breathing or racing heart
Cold flashes

Psychological Symptoms

Anxiety
Restlessness
Irritability
Depression (occasionally combined with suicidal thoughts or hopelessness)
Paranoia
Social isolation
Poor concentration
Insomnia
Cravings (preoccupation with obtaining drugs)

Stage 2: The Post-Acute Phase and Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

For many, the more difficult stage of drug withdrawal is the second, post-acute phase, that typically occurs 2-4 weeks after drug use. Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is likely to occur during this stage. The symptoms of PAWS can severely impact the recovery process. They include:

Inability to process and organize thoughts
Emotional instability or inability to feel emotions
Memory problems
Sleep disorders
Lack of physical coordination
Inability to cope with stress

Stage 3: Protracted Withdrawal

In this final stage of detox, symptoms are generally milder than they were in the first two stages. Sometimes, it takes months or even years to fully heal from drug abuse. This step is also called extinction. Symptoms are more subtle but could include:

Lingering cravings (typically triggered by stress)
Fatigue and headaches (occasional)
Trouble sleeping
Low-level anxiety or depression

Symptoms Associated With Detox From Tranquilizers

More severe drug withdrawal symptoms can occur after quitting abruptly without medical assistance, especially when the patient is detoxing from tranquilizers. They include:

Seizures
Strokes
Hallucinations
Delirium tremens
Heart attacks

Ways to Cope with Drug Withdrawal

Going through drug withdrawal is a difficult process that needs a lot of support (both physically and emotionally). Keep in mind these coping mechanisms to help you navigate the road to sobriety.

Seeking medical support is especially important for severe addictions. With medical professionals, you can create a detox plan and go through the detox process with medical supervision. This could involve tapering off the drug slowly (instead of going cold turkey) that will result in milder withdrawal symptoms.
Stay hydrated while detoxing to offset any electrolytes lost during vomiting or sweating.
Keep a healthy diet as your body is healing. Nourish it back to health with whole foods and proteins to supplement nutrients you’ve lost.
Get rest and practice mindfulness techniques. This could include meditation, journaling, or going for gentle walks to calm your mind and reduce cravings.
Gather a support network, whether it’s family, friends, a therapist or support group. It is imperative to have emotional support during this time.
Consider a drug rehab facility to get the specific help you need for drug dependence. At Caron, we welcome those overcoming substance addiction in our treatment facility.

Remember, take one day at a time and remember you’re doing an amazing thing for yourself, even during the toughest days of detox. Be gentle with yourself and take all the time you need to get healthy.

Can Drug Withdrawal Be Fatal?

In most cases, drug withdrawal is not fatal. However, for certain drugs, such as alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, detox can be life-threatening if not managed properly. Those with a severe dependence or underlying physical health conditions are also at a higher risk of death should complications arise. That’s why it’s vitally important to get support through a medical detox, or better yet, admit yourself or your loved one into a drug rehabilitation facility where medical experts are at your side for drug detox.

How Caron Can Help with Drug Withdrawal

Addiction is a serious matter that takes a lot of support to get through. At Caron Treatment Centers, our experienced and compassionate staff provides comprehensive treatment options for individuals struggling with various types of addiction and substance use disorder. We offer a continuum of care that includes detoxification, medical stabilization, intensive residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare services. Contact us online or call 1-855-826-2502 (for our Pennsylvania facility) or 1-855-513-0679 (for our Florida facility) to discuss treatment options with our staff today.