7 Most Common Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Drug withdrawal can be a scary process. It often involves both physical and mental symptoms. The discomfort felt by those attempting to do it on their own often leads them back to drug use. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Drug withdrawal symptoms can be properly managed at a quality drug and alcohol rehab in Tampa.

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Drug Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the type of drug used. However, many of the symptoms remain the same for the majority of drugs that can cause physical dependence that leads to withdrawal. Some symptoms seem to have no direct cause. The cluster of symptoms that are often experienced with drug withdrawal is called PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). Withdrawal symptoms can be divided into the following categories:

1. Pain
2. Whole-body
3. Psychological
4. Cognitive/mood
5. Gastrointestinal
6. Sleep
7. Nose/eyes

1. Pain

Pain is a common withdrawal symptom, particularly when withdrawing from opiates. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine can cause pain during withdrawal as well. The pain may be felt in the muscles, joints, or bones.

2. Whole Body

Whole-body symptoms include fatigue, changes in appetite, shaking, feeling hot or cold, night sweats, and malaise. These symptoms, particularly malaise and fatigue, are common with most drug withdrawals.

3. Psychological

Psychological symptoms may linger long after the physical signs of drug withdrawal have passed. They include severe anxiety, paranoia, irritability, and depression.

4. Cognitive/Mood

Cognitive symptoms are usually present in one of two ways. Either the patients’ thoughts are racing, even overwhelming, or they feel their thought process has slowed. Either can cause disorientation and difficulty concentrating. They may lose interest in pleasurable activities and become withdrawn, or become restless or aggressive.

5. Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal drug withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms are the most common and pronounced during opiate withdrawal.

6. Sleep

Excessive sleep or insomnia are also signs of drug withdrawal. Generally, withdrawal from stimulants will cause you to sleep more than usual or struggle to stay alert. Opiates and benzodiazepines withdrawal will cause sleeplessness. This is because the effects of the drug are often reversed in withdrawal because the body became accustomed to compensating for the drug.

7. Nose/Eyes

Nasal drug withdrawal symptoms are a runny nose or sinus congestion. The eyes may be watery. In the case of acute opiate withdrawal, the pupils will be dilated.

What Causes Withdrawal?

It may seem surprising that vastly different drugs can have some of the same withdrawal symptoms. In general, it’s believed withdrawal is caused by a few processes. First, there is the rubber band effect. Your brain and body undergo changes during addiction. Your body attempts to normalize itself and counter the effects of the drug. When you stop the drug, it’s like shooting a rubber band, and your body is suddenly overcompensating. Withdrawal also lowers your ability to handle stress, both physically and mentally, and lowers your immune system.

When Drug Withdrawal Symptoms Become Dangerous

Signs of drug withdrawal can be dangerous. Withdrawing from benzodiazepines or alcohol can cause seizures that lead to death in some cases. Alcohol withdrawal can also cause hallucinations, tremors, and heart palpitations. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause severe depression, depersonalization, and severe anxiety. These symptoms increase the risk of a patient becoming suicidal. You don’t have to go through withdrawal alone, Tampa’s medical detox program has experienced medical staff available 24/7. Detox during the program is a safer and more comfortable solution.

For otherwise healthy individuals, opiate withdrawal is a painful process. However, the long term health risks of withdrawal are lower than that of alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Safe and Comfortable Withdrawal

No matter what drug you are dependent on, you don’t have to face drug withdrawal symptoms alone. Our staff is trained to aid and support you through the withdrawal process. Services include Medical Assisted Therapy and a wide range of psychological, cognitive, and behavioral programs. We treat the person during the whole withdrawal period and continue support after. Contact BoardPrep Recovery Center^® with any questions about our detox centers. Detox is the first step on the road to a successful recovery at our substance abuse treatment programs in Tampa, Florida.

If you have tried to quit on your own and failed due to withdrawal symptoms, know that this time can be different. You can call Boardprep Recovery Center at 866.796.4720.