Symptoms of Detox from Drugs and Alcohol
The symptoms of detox from drugs and alcohol vary widely, but many of them overlap. These symptoms fall into two categories, physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. Although it is impossible to list all the symptoms of withdrawal from all addictive drugs and from alcohol, there are some extremely common symptoms which should be recognized.
Alcohol
According to Mount Sinai Hospital, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- hallucinations
- seizures
- anxiety
- depression
- sweating
- confusion
- tremors or shaking
These withdrawal symptoms are complicated by a condition called delirium tremens which happens if a person has alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is very severe and can cause convulsions, coma, and death if left untreated. If you are in alcohol withdrawal and want to stop using it, call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?). We can help you find a safe place to detox.
Heroin, Opiates, and Opioid Drugs

Depression and anxiety are common drug and alcohol detox symptoms.
This is a highly addictive class of drugs that the withdrawal symptoms are not deadly like alcohol but extremely unpleasant. Some of these symptoms are:
- rapid heart rate
- increased body temperature
- nausea
- vomiting
- cramping
- abdominal pain
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- anxiety
- depression
- loss of pleasure
- agitation
- irritability
- overall flu like symptoms
Although these withdrawal symptoms might not seem severe at first, imagine them all at once and all very severe. Opiate withdrawal is considered to be one of the worst types of withdrawal and this often leads to relapse.
Marijuana Withdrawal
Many people believe that there are no withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana. Unfortunately, it’s been proven that long time users have withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these symptoms are:
- anxiety
- restlessness
- sleep disturbance
- sweating
- rapid heart rate
- tremors
- irritability
- agitation
- anger
- changes in appetite
There are more symptoms associated with marijuana withdrawal but they vary from person to person.
Methamphetamine Withdrawal
Although most methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms are not particularly dangerous, they can be unpleasant. Some of these symptoms are:
- excessive sleepiness
- severe cravings
- depressed mood
- psychosis
- hallucinations
There are many other methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms but they depend highly on how long you have been on meth and how much you use.
Stimulants
Stimulant addiction can be mean anything from ADHD medication to cocaine. They have similar detox symptoms.
- anxiety
- depression
- fatigue
- decrease in metabolism
- increase in appetite
- in rare cases full blown psychosis
Stimulant related psychosis is relatively rare. This condition causes hallucinations and delusions. Normally these are not permanent but they can be very confusing and severe.
Finding a Treatment Center to Detox from Drugs and Alcohol
Regardless of what drug you are on, finding a detox center does not have to be difficult. All you have to do is call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?). We can help you find the detox center that you need.

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