What is Drug Withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal occurs after stopping the use of a drug suddenly when physical dependence is present. There are many legal prescription and illegal drugs that have associated warnings about stopping them suddenly. Most of these warnings are due to the appearance of withdrawal symptoms. When asking what is drug withdrawal you have to take into account, the symptoms, the duration, the difference between withdrawal and detox, as well as whether or not you need treatment for it.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are some common withdrawal symptoms that people experience no matter what drug they are on. Some of these symptoms are:
- restlessness
- agitation
- mood swings
- depression
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset
- sleep disturbance
- muscle, joint, or bone pain
- changes in heart or respiratory rate
Each type of drug withdrawal is a bit different in the symptoms and the severity of symptoms that you might experience. Fortunately, most symptoms of drug withdrawal are mild unless the drug use is also severe.
How Long Does it Last?
The length of drug withdrawal varies depending on the drug involved and the severity of use. Some drug withdrawals last only a few days while others last for weeks or months. Although the withdrawal might be over, some of the symptoms can reoccur up to years later.
In the more severe drug withdrawals relapse is extremely likely during it. When you relapse back into certain drugs, the withdrawal can last longer and is more severe than the initial withdrawal.
The Difference Between Detoxification and Drug Withdrawal
There is a difference between drug detoxification and drug withdrawal. By definition, drug withdrawal is the symptoms that you experience when you stop using a drug or alcohol. Detoxification is when the body rids itself of the drug and you use medical treatment to manage the symptoms of withdrawal.
Symptom management can be:
- counseling
- supportive medications
- medical evaluations
- medication for the specific type of withdrawal such as Suboxone for opiate withdrawal
Withdrawal is actually coming off the medication where as detoxification is the treatment of that withdrawal.
What Drugs do you Withdrawal From?
According to CVS Pharmacy, there are certain drugs that are known to cause withdrawal severe enough to seek treatment for. Some of these drugs are:
- opiates and prescription drugs
- alcohol
- benzodiazepines
- cocaine
- amphetamines
- other stimulants
- nicotine
- barbiturates
The withdrawal symptoms from each of these drugs vary depending on the severity of the addiction and the type of drug.
Many people taking a prescription drug do not realize that stopping it suddenly might cause very serious health issues. Most of the time when you fill a prescription, it warns about the possibility of addiction, but not the side effects or experiences that occur when you stop taking the drug.
Do you Need Treatment for Drug Withdrawal
If you are asking what is drug withdrawal because you suspect you might be in withdrawal, you probably need treatment. If you have difficulty with the symptoms or have symptoms that are potentially dangerous then you definitely need treatment for your drug withdrawal. To find treatment all you need to do is call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?).
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