Addiction is a devastating condition where the effects of your drug of choice produce highs that keep you returning for more. When there is chronic use of drugs or alcohol, your body adapts and functions under the influence to the point where taking it away creates a withdrawal reaction because of its sudden absence.
Drugs impact the chemistry of your brain and body, and removing the substance makes the internal system unbalanced, producing various withdrawal symptoms because it needs the drugs to feel “normal.” Understanding what someone is going through during a detox can be difficult, but understanding is key to helping.
These are some of the addiction withdrawal symptoms people face.
What is addiction withdrawal?
Drugs change our body chemistry, and many factors play into the withdrawal symptoms a person can experience. Factors include:
- The overall health of a person
- Any pre-existing physical or mental health challenges
- The type of drugs used
- The amount of drugs used
- The length of time the drugs have been used
- The method of ingesting drugs (orally, injecting, snorting, smoking)
- Your family history and genetic makeup
- Any mixing of drugs
People may experience withdrawal symptoms differently, including behavioural, physical, psychological, and other categories. These symptoms should be addressed promptly at addiction treatment centers.
Behavioural Withdrawal Symptoms
Drugs not only alter your chemistry, they affect the way you interact with people. When going through withdrawal, a person will experience frustration and irritability and can be quick to anger as they get agitated easily.
Sleep is often affected with bouts of insomnia, interrupted sleep and even nightmares.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
How your body relates through the senses as opposed to your mind is the realm of the physical. When withdrawing from drugs, a person can experience fatigue, lethargy, muscle pain and spasms. Other common symptoms include sweating, coldness, and shaking or tingling skin.
Gastrointestinal issues may arise as the body reacts to the lack of substances, manifesting as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
Your psychology is the mental and emotional state of your mind. Withdrawals negatively affect your mood, well-being, and overall mental health and can manifest as delirium and paranoia. Hallucinations are often experienced, as well as anxiety and nervousness. Cognitive functions can also be impaired, making it difficult to think and concentrate, along with being confused and disoriented.
Other common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Tremors
- Dehydration
- Increase heart rate
- Tearing eyes
- Hot and cold flashes
- Increased blood pressure
- Depression
- Seizures
- Panic attacks
- Intense cravings for the drug of choice
- Headaches
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
These are some withdrawal symptoms usually associated with more commonly addictive drugs, like alcohol.
This includes all types of alcohol, from wine to beer to spirits. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Brain fog
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Nervousness
- Tremors
- Clammy skin
- Confusion
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
While cannabis is a medicinal plant that can be used to treat ailments, its effects can be very addictive. Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana include:
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Tension
- Sweating
- Disturbed sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Depression
- Aggression
- Anger
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine is a drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant. Withdrawal symptoms from cocaine include:
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy
- Agitation
- Hypersomnia
- Poor concentration
- Anxiety
- Slowed thoughts
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin comes from the resin of the poppy plant. Withdrawal symptoms from heroin include:
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hot and cold flashes
- Sleeplessness
- Goosebumps
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Chills
Opiates Withdrawal Symptoms
Opiates are either derived from poppy seeds or made synthetically to produce drugs like morphine, oxycodone, methadone and Vicodin. Withdrawal symptoms from opiates include:
- Insomnia
- Hot and cold flashes
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
- Watery discharge from nose and eyes
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Goosebumps
- Dilated pupils
Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant, man-made from chemicals that create a potent drug. Withdrawal symptoms from meth include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Malnourishment
- Disturbed sleep
- Paranoid
- Unmotivation
- Muscle spasms
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Low energy
- Anxiousness
Withdrawals from drugs are temporary but extremely uncomfortable while you experience them and can also include intense drug cravings. The withdrawal process can take up to 10 days as your body adapts to the absence of the substance, with symptoms at their worst within the first 48 hours. They can sometimes be mild but produce life-threatening reactions depending on heavier use and prolonged exposure.
These are the addiction withdrawal symptoms a person may experience when coming off different drug substances. Going through withdrawal alone can be tough or even dangerous, so seek the help of medical experts to get you or a loved one through this challenging transformation.
