Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal

There are many symptoms of drug withdrawal.  While some chemical dependencies result in similar symptoms, other addictions drastically differ.  Some drug withdrawals are accompanied by mild, albeit unpleasant symptoms, while others can be quite painful and life threatening.  The time it takes for the drug to completely leave the system also varies depending upon the substance, it's half life, and rather or not it is water or fat soluble. 

Some drug withdrawals are rapid acting, producing symptoms within hours of last use.  Other drug withdrawals may take days or weeks before the individual is affected.  Drug withdrawals can be short, lasting under a week.  Others can last for a week or more,  with adverse effects apparent for months or even years after leaving the system.

Alcohol, heroin, and benzodiazepines are some of the most addicting substances with withdrawal symptoms that are both painfully debilitating and potentially dangerous.  Alcohol withdrawal can begin as rapid as four to twelve hours after consumption is reduced or stopped, or may take as long as a few days.  Short term symptoms last about three days, but adverse effects may last longer depending upon individual and level of abuse.  Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include confusion and tremors, with the more severe symptoms being convulsions, delusions, hallucinations, violent cramps, vomiting, and possible death.

Heroin is also extremely debilitating, with withdrawal symptoms that are similar to an alcohol withdrawal, but are typically not nearly as severe.  Heroin withdrawal usually occurs a few hours after last use.  It is because of this fact, that heroin is one of the most addictive substances,  with a high rate of compulsive drug seeking behavior, and of relapse.  Withdrawal symptoms typically peak between two to four days, and begin to subside around six or seven days, although some symptoms may last months or even years.  Symptoms include relentless craving, restlessness, yawning, low blood pressure, elevated heart rate, muscle spasms, cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe depression.

Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs, also called "minor tranquilizers", prescribed by doctors to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.  They are extremely addictive, despite common belief that they are not, and should only be reduced or abstained from with the knowledge and supervision of a doctor.  Drug withdrawal symptoms of Benzodiazepines vary with case and scenario, affecting some, and not affecting others.  Symptoms include headaches, twitching muscles, bizarre dreams, fatigue, and altered perception.  Less common symptoms include paranoia, hallucinations, and delirium. 

Stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine, while extremely addictive, typically have mild withdrawal symptoms.  Like other substances of abuse, withdrawal depends upon the time and amount factors of use.  Symptoms that accompany amphetamine withdrawal are decreased energy and depression.  Symptoms of crack/cocaine drug withdrawal are uncontrolled shaking, teeth clenching, angry outbursts, irritability, violent mood swings, and intense craving.  Despite the lack of severity during withdrawal of these substances, they are still a matter for concern, because of the uncontrolled craving that is rapidly produced after last use.  Compulsion and desire to obtain more of the drug can assert itself within minutes of last use, assuring addiction, and making it extremely difficult to want, or to be able to quit without intervention.

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Drug Withdrawal