Making the decision to quit drugs can be liberating and challenging. When quitting drugs, the body goes through an adjustment period — this is where withdrawal symptoms arise. Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and mental effects of drug detoxification. Keep reading to learn about the drug withdrawal symptoms to look for while in recovery.
How to Identify Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Every drug is different and has its own withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol, tranquilizers, opioids are among the most commonly abused substances and produce significant physical withdrawal symptoms. Other drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy primarily produce emotional withdrawal symptoms.
Depending on the drug and duration of usage, withdrawal symptoms can last a few days to several months. Also, the severity can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
It’s worth mentioning that every person will experience different withdrawal patterns. The following are a few of the typical withdrawal signs to look for:
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
By now you’re probably aware of the current opioid addiction epidemic. People addicted to opioids abuse prescription drugs codeine, OxyContin, and methadone. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are broken down into two categories: early and late symptoms.
Early Symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Watery eyes
- Muscles aches
- Sweating
Late Symptoms:
- Stomach cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Opiate withdrawal timeline can last up to 72 hours.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can show up as early as eight hours after the last drink and can occur days later. Some may experience fatigue and mood changes for several weeks to months. More severe symptoms include high fevers, confusion, and seizures.
Other symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Clammy skin
- Dilated pupils
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine is an extremely addictive substance. Because of its addictive nature, quitting is very difficult. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, physical cocaine withdrawal symptoms are rare. But here are the possible withdrawal signs:
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Social isolation
- Increased appetite
- Paranoia
- Night terrors
- Seizures
Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms
Also known as “molly”, ecstasy is considered a party drug. It’s known to boost your mood and alter time perception. Ecstacy remains in your system for up to 72 hours and withdrawal symptoms lessen after a week. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Depressed mood
Tranquilizer Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people abuse prescription drugs like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. They produce calming and euphoric effects. Because of this, they can be addictive. The following are the withdrawal symptoms:
- Sweating
- Hand tremors
- Rapid heart rate
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Although marijuana is the least addictive of the substances, some smokers develop an addiction. In fact, in 2016 4 million people were addicted to marijuana. Once smoking is stopped, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Changes in appetite
- Decreased sex drive
- Digestive issues
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood swings
- Nausea
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms are Manageable
Although drug withdrawal symptoms are painful and uncomfortable, they can be managed with proper treatment. There are many resources and treatment options for those suffering from substance abuse. Recovery is possible and there is hope.
If you or someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol visit www.samhsa.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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