Drug withdrawal occurs when someone is physically dependent on a substance and suddenly cuts off or reduces the supply of that substance to their body.
Because the body had previously become used to having that drug as a near-constant part of its system, the body will essentially be unable to function normally without the drug. Negative physical and mental side-effects will be the result. These are called withdrawal symptoms.
Sometimes, the cutting off or reduction of the drug intake is done intentionally. This is the case with a professional, medically monitored detox. Other times, the drug supply is simply not available to the user, or in many cases, someone struggling with drug abuse doesn’t think that they are actually physically dependent, so they simply stop using for whatever reason and then experience withdrawal.
Are You Going Through Drug Withdrawal?
If you’ve been using drugs or drinking heavily for a substantial chunk of time, it will be fairly obvious if you are going through withdrawal. Your consistent use of these substances will be your first sign. The more you use, the more dependent your body will become on them. There are some surefire signs that something is very wrong. Symptoms will vary depending on the drug.
Common Symptoms of Withdrawal
The worst symptoms associated with drug withdrawal happen after the cessation of alcohol or the cessation of opiates like painkillers or heroin.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include profuse sweating, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Irritability, anxiety, and disorientation may accompany the physical symptoms. Symptoms of opiate withdrawal include muscle spasms, chills, fever, deep bone aches and pains, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, depression and cramps.
There are other symptoms associated with other substances of abuse, but most of them are similar to these. Also keep in mind that factors like how long the person had been abusing drugs, how much they used on average, and what combination of drugs they used will influence withdrawal.
Getting Help for Drug Withdrawal
Naturally, symptoms of withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. They can even be life-threatening. Furthermore, serious health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure can be triggered or exacerbated by withdrawal.
For this reason, professional help is absolutely necessary. At Steps to Recovery, we offer unique services to help you deal with withdrawal and find lasting help for addiction. These services include:
- Individualized care
- 12-step program education
- Intensive outpatient treatment plans
- Connections to leading medically monitored detox programs
- Sober living options
Contact Steps to Recovery Today
If you or your loved one are going through withdrawal because of a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s essential to get professional help. You can find the help you need by reaching out to our Levittown, PA addiction treatment center at 866-488-8684. Remember–it’s never too late to get sober.
