Substance withdrawal symptoms
Feb 28

Substance and Drug Withdrawal Symptoms: Causes, Effects, and Recovery

The use of substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs is a multifaceted phenomenon that touches the lives of millions of individuals globally. While some use substances for fun, others become dependent or addicted to substances after some time. Withdrawal effects noticeable when an individual who has developed a dependency on a substance ceases its use or decreases it significantly. Withdrawing from drugs and other substances can be a nerve-wracking and trying experience, not only for the person going through it but also for the people close to them.

In this blog post, we will explore what substance or drug withdrawal symptoms are, why they happen, and how to treat and overcome them.

What is Substance and Drug Withdrawal?

Substance withdrawal is a set of physical, emotional, and psychological manifestations that appear when an individual suddenly decreases or abandons the use of a substance on which they have become dependent. It may occur with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, nicotine, cocaine, and other substances. The intensity of drug withdrawal symptoms varies with the type of substance, the degree of dependence, the individual’s overall health, and the duration for which the individual has been using the substance.

Dependence is when the body gets used to the availability of a substance and cannot function without it. The body gets used to the chemical action of the substance over time, and drug withdrawal symptoms are experienced when the body is denied it.

Withdrawing from drugs

Types of Drugs and Their Withdrawal Symptoms

Various substances lead to different drug withdrawal symptoms, and each substance has a different effect on the body and brain. The following is a summary of typical substances and the symptoms generally experienced with their withdrawal:

1. Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol is the most widely used substance on earth, and withdrawal from alcohol can be hazardous and even fatal in a few situations. The symptoms can be either mild or severe, depending on the person and how long they have been drinking.

Typical Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Shakes or tremors
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sweat
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Rapid heart rate

In the most extreme instances, alcohol withdrawal can produce delirium tremens (DTs), a potentially deadly state that brings on hallucinations, confusion, and seizures. It’s always important to receive medical help during alcohol withdrawal, particularly for long-term or heavy drinkers.

2. Opioid Withdrawal

Opioids are such medications as heroin, prescription narcotics (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl), and synthetic opioids. Opioids act on receptors in the brain, which changes how pain is perceived and produces euphoria. For these reasons, opioids are very addictive, and withdrawal is physically and psychologically demanding.

Typical Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Muscle cramps and pain
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dilated pupils
  • Insomnia

Opioid withdrawal is not ordinarily life-threatening but can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant. Symptoms may be eased by medical detoxification or gradual tapering.

3. Nicotine Withdrawal

Nicotine, used in tobacco products such as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, is one of the most addictive drugs. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to deal with, but most individuals quit successfully with proper guidance.

Common Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Increased appetite
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Inability to focus
  • Insomnia
  • Nicotine cravings
  • Sore throat or coughing (as the body starts to expel toxins)

Even though withdrawal from nicotine is generally not fatal, the cravings and psychological disturbances are pretty noticeable and tend to cause individuals to revert to substance use.

4. Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium) are prescription drugs frequently used to treat muscle spasms, insomnia, and anxiety. Benzodiazepines act by maximizing the brain’s GABA neurotransmitter activity, producing relaxation and calmness. However, prolonged usage of benzodiazepines can cause dependence.

Common Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Shaking or tremors
  • Stiffness or muscle pain
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures (in extreme cases)

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is especially hazardous and must be accomplished under medical supervision, as it can lead to severe complications, such as seizures.

5. Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that impacts the brain’s dopamine system, causing intense euphoria and energy feelings. Cocaine withdrawal is mainly psychological but may still produce physical symptoms.

Typical Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Fatigue and profound lethargy
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Increased appetite
  • Irritability
  • Vivid or disturbing dreams
  • Slowed thinking and movement

Although withdrawal from cocaine is not typically physically hazardous, the psychological manifestations—particularly depression—are so overwhelming that the potential for relapse is exceptionally high.

6. Marijuana Withdrawal

Although marijuana is less addictive than many other drugs, some users do develop a psychological dependency on the substance. Marijuana withdrawal is generally minor but can still be challenging to overcome for people who have been using it consistently for a prolonged amount of time.

Typical Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Sleeping difficulty
  • Loss of appetite
  • Marijuana craving
  • Restlessness

Though marijuana withdrawal is not fatal, the emotional symptoms alone can make the experience unbearable for individuals who are in the process of quitting.

Causes of Withdrawal Symptoms

The primary cause of withdrawal symptoms is that the body is dependent on the drug. Over time, the brain and body have adjusted to the presence of the drug. Once the drug is taken away, the body goes into crisis, and withdrawal symptoms are created in an effort to balance things back out.

  • Imbalance of Neurotransmitters: Numerous substances disrupt the brain’s manufacturing of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, and GABA), which control mood, reward, and relaxation. The body adapts to being dependent on the substance to manage these processes, and when it is removed, the imbalance creates withdrawal symptoms.
  • Physical Dependence: Certain drugs change the physical functioning of the body, such as heart rate, body temperature, and digestive processes. If the drug is abruptly cut back or eliminated, the body’s systems may not adapt and react with physical withdrawal symptoms.

Managing Withdrawal and Recovery

Although alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms are sometimes intense, it is possible to manage the process and minimize the discomfort involved.

  • Medical Supervision: In most cases, it is safest to withdraw under medical supervision, particularly for drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. Medical detox centers can offer required medication and monitoring to control symptoms and make withdrawal safe.
  • Tapering: In the case of most drugs, tapering off (gradually decreasing the dose) is the optimal strategy. It enables the body to adapt slowly, lessening the severity of drug withdrawal symptoms.
  • Supportive Care: Hydration, a balanced diet, and adequate rest are all crucial in dealing with withdrawal. Behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups can also assist in helping an individual deal with the emotional and psychological aspects of withdrawal.
  • Therapeutic Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and other therapies are effective in treating the root causes of substance use disorder. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can also offer encouragement and support throughout recovery.
  • Medications: Medications can alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms in some instances or decrease cravings. Methadone or buprenorphine, for example, can be used to facilitate withdrawal from opioids, and antidepressants can help stabilize depression during withdrawal.

Substance withdrawal is a complex and occasionally hazardous process but is a means to recovery for many addicted individuals. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatments available can help empower individuals to get help and walk through the recovery process more successfully. With medical supervision, therapy, or community support, recovery is attainable. If you or someone you know is addicted to substances, don’t be afraid to call on a healthcare provider or support group for help with managing withdrawal and beginning the journey toward a healthier, substance-free life.