Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsIdentifying WithdrawalCausesTypesTreatmentCopingSupporting a Loved One

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Identifying Withdrawal

Causes

Types

Treatment

Coping

Supporting a Loved One

Withdrawal is the combination of physical and mental symptoms a person experiences after they stop using or reduce their intake of a substance such as alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs.

If you have been using a substance with a high potential for dependency and you stop suddenly or abruptly or you cut down your use drastically, you can experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. The intensity and duration of these withdrawal symptoms can vary widely, depending on the type of drug and your biological makeup.

Withdrawalcan be unpleasant and potentially dangerous in some cases. For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before stopping or reducing your substance use.

What Does Withdrawal Feel Like?

What are the symptoms associated with withdrawal? They’ll vary depending on the type of drug you were taking. Some symptoms commonly associated with withdrawal include:

In some instances, more severe symptoms such as hallucinations, seizures, and delirium may also occur. The type of drug you were taking, the amount of time you were taking it, and the dosage you were taking can all affect the type and severity of the symptoms you experience.

While the physical symptoms of withdrawal might last only a few days or a week, the psychological withdrawal, such as depression ordysphoria, can last much longer.

People may recognize symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking or cut back on a substance. Missing your usual morning cup of coffee, for example, might result insymptoms of caffeine withdrawalsuch as fatigue, headache, and irritability.

Symptoms of withdrawal are an indication of dependence on a substance.You should talk to your doctor before you reduce or stop taking a medication or drug for advice on how to do so safely and minimize potential withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may be able to help if you are having trouble managing your symptoms and provide medical supervision to ensure your safety as you detox from a substance.

“Some people struggle to get off antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications they may have taken for years. Stopping abruptly may cause debilitating withdrawal that can seem like a recurrence of their original anxiety and depression symptoms; tapering the dose gradually over a year or more often helps,” says John Umhau, MD, MPH.

Your doctor will also be able to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are due to withdrawal or if they are the result of another condition.

The body and brain work to maintain a state of balance known ashomeostasis. Taking a substance changes that balance, so your body has to take steps to adjust including changing the levels of certainneurotransmitters. These substances act on your brain’s reward system, triggering the release of chemicals.

When you regularly take a substance for a period of time, your body may build a tolerance and dependence on that substance.Tolerancemeans that it takes larger doses of the substance to achieve the same effects that you initially experienced, whiledependencemeans that your body requires the substance in order to avoid experiencing withdrawal effects.

If you abruptly stop or decrease your intake of the substance, your body is once again thrown off balance and symptoms of withdrawal may result. Such symptoms are often both physical and mental, and can potentially be dangerous depending on the type of drug.

Withdrawal symptoms are often the opposite of the effects of the substance. For example, alcohol is a depressant, so if you suddenly stop consuming alcohol, you might experience symptoms of overstimulation such as anxiety or restlessness.

Types of Withdrawal

The specific withdrawal symptoms you experience depends on the type of drug you were taking. There are a number of different drug types that can result in withdrawal, including the following:

The following are some examples of specific substances that may lead to withdrawal and the expected duration of those symptoms:

How to Deal With Withdrawal Symptoms

Treatment for withdrawal includes support, care, and medications that can ease symptoms and prevent possible complications.

With some substances, people are able to stop their use abruptly and manage their withdrawal symptoms on their own. For example, a person may be able to quit caffeine without assistance and cope with the unpleasant symptoms on their own until they pass.

But abruptly quitting substances such as benzodiazepines or alcohol can be potentially dangerous, so always consult your doctor to come up with a detox plan. Medically-assisted withdrawal can ensure that you are safe and help to minimize unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Medications to Help With Withdrawal

The medications your doctor may prescribe to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal will vary depending on the type of substance you were taking. Some medications that are used to treat various types of withdrawal include:

Other medications may also be used to manage specific withdrawal symptoms. These may include anti-anxiety medications, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, or other drugs designed to treat nausea or sleep problems.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in most cases, the symptoms associated with drug withdrawal are easily treated with medications that reduce or eliminate the discomfort.But, treating withdrawal is not the same as treating the dependence or addiction itself.

How to Cope

In addition to seeking medical support, there are also things that you can do that may help you feel better as you go through the withdrawal process:

Stress management activities such as yoga and meditation may also help you cope with your withdrawal experience. Be sure to reach out to your doctor, however, if you are struggling to cope or if you experience any worrisome symptoms.

Supporting a Loved One During Withdrawal

It can be difficult for both of you when your loved one is going through withdrawal. Withdrawal can be physically and emotionally taxing, and your loved one will need all the support they can get.

Explore Treatment Options

One of the best things you can do is explore treatment options together. This way, you can better understand what withdrawal entails and the best course of action. Withdrawal can be different for everyone, so finding a treatment plan that will work for your loved one is crucial. Your loved one may need assistance during withdrawal, which may involve outpatient, residential, or inpatient options.

Care for Yourself

When caring for someone else, it is essential to ensure that you also care for yourself. This can be difficult and draining, so make sure to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. This can involve taking time for yourself, ensuring you are attending to your needs, and checking in with yourself often. This way, you will be in the best possible position to support your loved one.

Be There for Them

Offer Practical Help

Withdrawal can often accompany physical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your loved one might need help with practical tasks like preparing meals, going to the bathroom, and getting around. If possible, offer to help with these tasks so your loved one can focus on healing.

When to Seek Medical Help

Severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms can sometimes accompany withdrawal. If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help immediately:

If you are ever unsure whether your loved one needs medical attention, err on the side of caution and seek help.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How to Feel Better During Withdrawal

5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.World Health Organization.Withdrawal state.Hosztafi S. [Heroin addiction]. Acta Pharm Hung. 2011;81(4):173-83.Smokefree.gov.Understanding Withdrawal. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Cancer Institute.Ackermann K.Understanding OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline.American Addiction Center.

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.World Health Organization.Withdrawal state.Hosztafi S. [Heroin addiction]. Acta Pharm Hung. 2011;81(4):173-83.Smokefree.gov.Understanding Withdrawal. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Cancer Institute.Ackermann K.Understanding OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline.American Addiction Center.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.World Health Organization.Withdrawal state.Hosztafi S. [Heroin addiction]. Acta Pharm Hung. 2011;81(4):173-83.Smokefree.gov.Understanding Withdrawal. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Cancer Institute.Ackermann K.Understanding OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline.American Addiction Center.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.

World Health Organization.Withdrawal state.

Hosztafi S. [Heroin addiction]. Acta Pharm Hung. 2011;81(4):173-83.

Smokefree.gov.Understanding Withdrawal. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Cancer Institute.

Ackermann K.Understanding OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline.American Addiction Center.

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