Drug and alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone stops taking a substance. Generally, withdrawal symptoms and the severity of these symptoms depend on factors such as time used, amount used, and the type of drug being taken. While some drugs have unique symptoms, there are common psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms that can be expected.
Some withdrawal symptoms are severe and even deadly, requiring proper medical supervision. Drug or alcohol addiction can become so severe that a person requires the substance to live. Underlying medical symptoms can also contribute to the severity of the withdrawal process.
Common Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
Sweating or Chills
Headaches
Digestive Issues
Loss of Appetite
Insomnia
Rapid Heart Rate
Common Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
Intense Fear
Depression
Unsettled & Confused
Poor Concentration
Irritability
Mood Swings
Alcohol Severe or Deadly Withdrawal Symptoms
Someone who is addicted to alcohol becomes physically and psychologically dependent. When alcohol dependence has formed, withdrawal symptoms become severe. These symptoms can include extreme nausea, fever, diarrhea, seizures, and delirium tremens. Death is possible when seizures and delirium tremens occur.
Alcohol Specific Drug Withdrawal Phenomena
Alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens, DTs, or alcohol withdrawal syndrome, is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and can be fatal if not appropriately managed.
Delirium tremens occur when someone’s alcohol consumption is reduced quickly or suddenly stops. Heavy drinking over the span of several months or years can lead to DTs if someone decides to stop using alcohol. This is why medical detox is necessary when stopping heavy alcohol use.
Delirium tremens is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization as it can lead to dangerous cardiovascular issues. Individuals can experience delirium, confusion, and dangerous hallucinations.
Benzo Severe or Deadly Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzos create severe physical and psychological dependence. Generally, these drugs are prescribed for short-term use. Long-term use creates severe physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. The biggest risk that could end in death is the risk of grand mal seizures and suicidal thoughts.
Benzo Specific Drug Withdrawal Phenomena
Benzodiazepine seizures are a result of dependence on benzodiazepines and occur during the withdrawal stage. Benzo withdrawal occurs when a person suddenly stops taking the drug without medical intervention or medical detox.
There is no definitive guide to the symptoms, timeline, or severity of withdrawal. Every individual experiences something different depending on the following:
- Duration of use
- Dosage taken
- Benzo abuse and misuse
- Underlying mental health condition
- Other drugs
An individual will go through a protracted withdrawal phase. This means that an individual can experience symptoms long after they stop using and appear to through their initial withdrawal. Seizures can still occur during this time, and individuals who have been taking these medications for long periods of time at high dosages are the most at risk. Due to this, medical oversight is always recommended when coming off benzos.
Marijuana Specific Withdrawal Symptoms
Unlike other substances, Marijuana withdrawal does not usually lead to any life-threatening medical complications. Still, it can create severe discomfort, which can make it hard for an individual to stop using. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms are directly correlated to the potency and frequency of marijuana use.
Difficulty Sleeping and Eating
Two notable issues that arise when stopping marijuana are ones ability to sleep and eat. Marijuana is known for its abilities to increase appetite and help individuals relax which makes falling asleep easier. So it makes sense that individuals who stop using may run into difficulties when then try to stop. While acute insomnia and lack of appetite may not be cause for concern, if these symptoms compound they can lead to complications and may cause an individual to revert back to using.
There is a common misconception that marijuana use is not serious enough to warrant drug rehabilitation services but if you have to tried to stop using and can not do so, then it may be neccessary to become drugfree.
Meth Psychosis
Methamphetamine psychosis is a result of chronic meth use. Individuals who use the drug experience changes in their brains. The symptoms of meth-induced psychosis resemble those of paranoid delusions and psychotic tendencies.
The hallucinations or delusions develop during or soon after someone uses the drugs or during withdrawal. The signs and symptoms of psychosis include:
- Agitation and hyper-alertness
- Violent behavior
- Confusion and delusions
- Intense paranoia
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
Some of the factors that contribute to meth psychosis include the following:
- Duration and frequency of use
- Dosage
- Presence of co-occurring disorders
Opioid Severe or Deadly Withdrawal Symptoms
These include drugs like heroin, pain medication, morphine, and fentanyl.
- Heroin and pain medication withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, depression, low impulse control, and anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms can become severe enough to lead to death because of severe dehydration leading to heart failure. Dehydration occurs because of excessive vomiting and diarrhea.
- Morphine includes many of the same symptoms as heroin. However, stopping morphine without medical help can result in seizures, extreme agitation, tremors, and possibly death.
- Fentanyl and synthetic opioid withdrawal symptoms are also similar, including physical and emotional symptoms. Severe symptoms include seizures and dehydration, which could lead to death.