Whenever an individual tries to quit or reduce the consumption of addictive substances, they have developed a dependence on particular substances they will suffer from some severe physical and emotional issues and face long term addiction recovery. 

It is really great that you are thinking about quitting substance abuse and starting a healthier sober life. At the same time, you have to be prepared to handle the withdrawal symptoms. You are not alone in this journey. A lot of people are suffering from substance abuse and taking help from reputed rehabilitation or detox centers for a successful recovery. 

We know you also want a successful recovery from substance abuse. The best way to do that is by opting for addiction treatment services. At the same time, you also need to know about withdrawal. So, we are starting this article with the basics about withdrawal. 

What Drug Withdrawal Is

Drug withdrawal is actually the psychological response to the sudden stopping or slowing of the use of a substance to which your body has developed a dependency. Various types of drug withdrawal involve different combinations of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms to aid addiction recovery. 

Some of these damages can be so dangerous that they lead to severe health issues if not treated at the right time. 

Why Does Drug Withdrawal Occur?

When an individual starts to drink alcohol or start using some specific drugs on a regular basis, their brain might start to adjust to the presence of these substances. Eventually, they might become physiologically dependent on the particular substance they have chosen. They also start to be utterly reliant on substance abuse to function and feel absolutely “normal.”

In individuals, who have developed major levels of dependence, withdrawal symptoms are mostly an inevitable response to the sudden declining blood concentration or absence of the particular substance they have developed an addiction to. 

When the individual quits on a substance that they have already developed a dependence on, withdrawal takes place. The scenario is also the same for those who are reducing the level of substances they used to take. 

During the period of withdrawal, the person’s body tries to reach a totally new homeostasis state as the body rids itself of any lingering chemical influence of this substance. This may cause temporary disruptions in human brain chemistry.

Plus, the individual also can suffer from several major physical and mental health repercussions. 

Withdrawal Can Be Lethal

Withdrawal from some particular substances, for example, benzodiazepines and alcohol, can be really severe if not medically handled, and, yes, in some cases, they also can be lethal as well. 

Severe withdrawal from alcohol is sometimes associated with delirium tremens. In case it is not identified and also treated, delirium tremens could lead to severe seizures and eventually end up to death. 

A little less than 5% of individuals who are suffering from alcohol withdrawal usually suffer from this syndrome. However, it is fatal in around 15% of alcohol withdrawal cases without any treatment. 

On the other hand, opioid withdrawal symptoms are not that life-threatening, but they might be intensely uncomfortable. It might not be intensely lethal, but if individuals with opioid withdrawal are not taken care of properly, the individual might go back to substance abuse. 

After a long duration of addiction recovery, the individual might end up overdosing. During this situation, medical detox is the one and only way to handle all those withdrawal symptoms. It will not only ensure the good health of the patient but also saves their lives in severe cases. 

All You Need To Know About Substance Abuse Withdrawal 

Here are some of the most common withdrawal symptoms individuals suffer from during their recovery time. Let’s have a look at the various withdrawal symptoms from various substances. 

1: Symptoms of Withdrawal for Alcohol

Individuals with a dependency on alcohol might experience some of the following withdrawal symptoms when they are in addiction recovery. 

  • Seizures.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Vomiting or nausea. 
  • Sweating.
  • Headache.
  • Agitation.
  • Anxiety.
  • Tremors.
  • Insomnia.
  • Sweating.
  • Racing pulse.
  • Elevated blood pressure. 

2: Symptoms of Withdrawal for Opioids

When it comes to acute opioid withdrawal syndrome includes the following withdrawal syndrome. 

  • Goosebumps.
  • Cold and hot flashes.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Runny nose.
  • Body aches and muscle cramps.
  • Flu-like symptoms.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea.
  • Frequent yawning.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Anxiety or nervousness. 

3: Symptoms of Withdrawal for Benzodiazepine

Here are some of the symptoms of benzo withdrawal. 

  • Seizures.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Vomiting and nausea. 
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Sweating.
  • Agitation.
  • Anxiety. 

4: Symptoms of Withdrawal for Cocaine

Cocaine withdrawal is not that physically dangerous. However, it might include a number of distressing psychological symptoms with addiction recovery. They are here; 

  • Irritability.
  • Intense drug craving. 
  • Slowed movements and thoughts.
  • Problems with concentration. 
  • Increased appetite.
  • Paranoia.
  • Anxiety.
  • Hypersomnia, or insomnia.
  • Lethargy or ongoing tiredness.
  • Depressed mood. 

FAQs

When it comes to substance abuse and especially successful withdrawal, most of us have a lot of questions. That is why we are answering some of the most common answers here. Let’s have a look at them. 

Q1: What Are The 4 Stages Of Recovery?

Here are the four stages of addiction recovery. 

  • Treatment initiation.
  • Early absence.
  • Maintaining abstinence.
  • Advanced recovery.

Q2: What Are The 5 Steps Of Recovery?

Here are the five stages of addiction recovery;

  • Precontemplation.
  • Contemplation.
  • Preparation.
  • Action. 
  • Maintenance. 

Q3: How Long Do Withdrawals Last?

In most cases, the duration of physical withdrawal is mostly 3 to 5 days, but the emotional withdrawal symptoms can last longer. There are also some particular symptoms, which can even last for months. It depends on the substance you are addicted to, the duration of substance abuse, and also your overall health status. 

Final Talks

We believe after reading this article you get the answer you were looking for. Withdrawal symptom is a common condition you have to go through whenever you will try to quit substance abuse. This entire situation is really painful and also uncomfortable.

That is why the chances of relapse are much higher than at any other stage. Opting for medical treatment is the one and only way to increase the success rate of addiction recovery.