Physical withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and can even be life-threatening. That’s why it’s crucial to receive professional support during the process of detoxing from drugs.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the drug and the length of time it was used. However, there are ways to ease these symptoms and get through the withdrawal timeline.
Nausea
Nausea is a very common physical withdrawal symptom from drug detox. It may be triggered by strong smells, fatty or spicy foods, and even dehydration. Taking a small amount of fluids and resting can help ease the nauseous feeling.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water or clear, ice-cold drinks. These can also help prevent dehydration.
In some cases, nausea and vomiting can be a sign of serious health problems. It’s best to see your doctor as soon as possible so they can identify the underlying cause of the problem and treat it accordingly.
Withdrawal symptoms from drug use can vary depending on the substance, but generally, they can last a few days to a week. For some drugs, like opiates and benzodiazepines, the symptoms can be quite severe.
During drug withdrawal, it’s important to have a support person who can help you through the process. They can provide reassurance when things get difficult, and challenge any illogical thoughts you might have.
Psychological symptoms from drug withdrawal can include agitation, tremors, and mood changes. They can also include hallucinations, which can be very confusing.
It’s important to take your time during withdrawal and avoid substances that may exacerbate your symptoms. In some cases, it’s best to stay away from drugs altogether until you’re fully recovered. This will reduce the chances of dangerous withdrawal complications, including seizures and coma.
Vomiting
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms From Drug withdrawal
Nausea and vomiting are common withdrawal symptoms among people who are withdrawing from alcohol or drugs, especially if they are going through a tapering process (usually under medical supervision). Although the symptoms may be uncomfortable, it is normal to experience them when you discontinue using drugs.
Vomiting is the body’s natural way of getting rid of harmful substances. It is usually only a short-term problem and will eventually resolve itself.
If you’re feeling unwell and experiencing a sudden onset of nausea, try to stay still for several minutes to allow your stomach to empty naturally. If you’re unable to do so, drink plenty of water or other fluids to keep your gastrointestinal system hydrated.
While you’re waiting for your tummy to settle, avoid activity that can make the symptoms worse. Sitting or lying in a flat position is the best option for this.
Medications that prevent vomiting or reduce the frequency of it can also help. Antihistamines are often prescribed for motion sickness and pregnancy morning sickness, and medicine to treat cancer can help alleviate some of the nausea associated with chemotherapy.
If you’re having a severe bout of vomiting, see your doctor right away. Symptoms of severe vomiting can be a warning sign of something more serious, such as an appendicitis or a stomach ulcer. It can also indicate that you’re dehydrated or have ingested poison.
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is a common problem for most people. However, if you’re having difficulty focusing for a long period of time, it may be an indicator of an underlying health issue.
Difficulty focusing can be caused by many different things, including anxiety and depression. In addition, ADHD and certain medical conditions can also cause difficulty concentrating.
If you have difficulty concentrating, it’s important to seek treatment for it right away. Often, treatment involves counseling, medication or both.
In the case of drug withdrawal, the physical symptoms are the result of the body’s reaction to the lack of drugs. These symptoms include agitation, mood changes, and loss of appetite. Symptoms can last for weeks or months, but they may go away after treatment. It’s also important to call your doctor if these symptoms come back, if you are unable to sleep, or if they become severe.
Difficulty sleeping
When a person stops using drugs, they will experience physical withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can last for days, weeks, or months as the body tries to adjust to its new normal.
One of the most common physical withdrawal symptoms is difficulty sleeping. This is because opiates alter the chemicals in the brain that regulate our sleep and wake cycle.
During drug withdrawal, this can lead to a host of problems including restless leg syndrome, night terrors, insomnia, and more. This can be extremely frustrating as it prevents people from getting the proper amount of sleep needed for healthy functioning and recovery.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider immediately. They can help you get the rest you need to feel better and stay on track with your treatment plan.
Another way to address sleep issues during detox and withdrawal is to establish a regular schedule. This can include a set bedtime and wake-up time. Once you start waking up and going to sleep at the same times every day, you can begin to reset your body’s internal clock.
If you’re suffering from insomnia, you should also speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause of your sleep problems. A health care professional may be able to prescribe medications to help you sleep or recommend other options to assist in your recovery.
Intense pain
Physical withdrawal symptoms from drug withdrawal are the result of your body’s reaction to suddenly reducing or stopping substance use. These symptoms are often intense and can be life-threatening, so it’s important to consult a medical professional when you start to feel uncomfortable.
The exact symptoms you’ll experience depend on the type of drug you’re withdrawing from, but they may include fatigue, lethargy, sweats, clammy skin, tingles, or feeling cold. It’s also possible to have muscle pain, joint pain, or spasms.
Withdrawal from opioids, for example, can cause intense pain. You’ll feel it in your muscles, joints, bones, and throughout your whole body.
You might also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is due to the loss of fluids in your body as a result of your withdrawal.
These symptoms are very common with opioid withdrawal and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, but they can be relieved with help from your doctor. Nausea and vomiting can also affect your mood, making it hard to concentrate on work or other activities.
Fortunately, drug and alcohol rehab programs are available to help with detoxification. They can provide medical supervision and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to ease your withdrawal symptoms and reduce your risk of relapse.
Shaking
When you stop taking a drug, you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include shaking. They are the body’s way of trying to tell you that your body has stopped working as it should.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek help right away to avoid complications and relapse. Treatment for a substance use disorder starts with detoxification, which removes the drug from your system and minimizes the effects of withdrawal.
Medically supervised detox programs are the first step in recovery from drug abuse. These programs use holistic therapies and medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Tremors can be a symptom of many different diseases, but can also occur due to withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. They can affect the hands, arms, head or eyes.
These tremors are usually not dangerous but can be disruptive and interfere with daily activities. Fortunately, the condition usually fades once the cause is corrected.
The most common form of tremor is called essential tremor. This condition is not as dangerous as Parkinson’s disease, and is reversible once the underlying problem is addressed.
Another type of tremor is called enhanced physiologic tremor, which can be caused by certain medical conditions including an overactive thyroid or low blood sugar levels. However, this tremor is not as easy to treat.
Shaking is one of the most unpleasant and potentially life threatening physical withdrawal symptoms from drug withdrawal. If you have a history of shaking or feel shaky while you’re detoxing, seek medical assistance right away.
