Anyone who has consumed any kind of psychoactive substance, and stopped at some point, has experienced withdrawal symptoms. The most common example of withdrawal is what we call “a hangover”, which is experienced the morning after a prolonged night of drinking. Most people who drink, will have experienced a hangover at some point. The groggy feeling, nausea and headache are just some of the symptoms of withdrawal. So what exactly is Withdrawal and how is it different from detoxification?
Detoxification is the natural process of removal of toxins (in this case, the psychoactive substance) from the body. Eg: the liver and kidneys perform this function of cleansing the body naturally in a healthy individual and even in someone who is engaged in substance use. Withdrawal refers to the symptoms experienced by a person when consumption of a substance ceases. Eg. Nausea, vomiting, and headaches are some of the most common examples of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms manifest because the body gets used to the addictive substance and is thrown out of balance when the substance is unavailable. These symptoms are both physical and emotional.
The management of Withdrawal symptoms and complications, which encompasses medical and psychological care, is called WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT. Alcohol, Sedatives, Opioids & Stimulants are known to have problematic withdrawal symptoms and require particular care during Withdrawal Management.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)
AWS refers to the withdrawal symptoms experienced by a heavy drinker when the drinking completely ceases. These manifest anytime from 6 hours to a few days after the last drink.
The symptoms are:
- Tremors
- Headache
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- High Blood Pressure
- Delirium Tremens which includes- Extreme confusion, Extreme agitation, Hallucinations & Delusions, Seizures, Fever
Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms
These are similar to AWS and can start 1-2 days after the last dose may last for upto 8 weeks.
The symptoms are:
- Hand tremors
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety
- Agitation
- Elevated blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Auditory & visual hallucinations
- Heart palpitations
- Vomiting
- Delirium tremens
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioids are commonly used in pain management and are highly addictive. Opioid withdrawal symptoms typically start after 24 hours from the last use.
The symptoms are:
- Muscle pain
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Excessive sweating
- Sleeplessness
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea & vomiting
- Goosebumps
- Dilated pupils & blurry vision
- High blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Seizures
- Fever
Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms
Stimulants produce withdrawal symptoms which are opposite of the substance’s primary effects. Stimulants produce a mood elevating effect when consumed; and the withdrawals are characterized by low mood and low energy.
The symptoms are:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Slow movements
- Lethargy
- Los of interest
- Sleeping problems
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Body ache
- Weight loss
- Fever
In most cases, alcohol/drug withdrawal does not cause life threatening effects. However, as mentioned above, withdrawal management can be difficult and requires professional medical and psychological care in a safe environment.
At Zorbacare, one of the best De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centres in India, we aim to make the Withdrawal Management process safe and as smooth as possible. Our experts, which include a Physician, a Psychiatrist, a Psychologist, a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and a resident Addictions Therapist, are available to cater to every need, every difficulty that might arise during this initial period of detoxification and withdrawal management.
Recovery is a lifelong journey; and DETOXIFICATION & WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT is the first step of this process. It is crucial to get the right help where a person can recuperate without the fear of judgement or penalty. We, at Zorbacare, aim to provide this through a comprehensive de-addiction & rehabilitation program, which helps in withdrawal management and ultimately in leading a happy, healthy and SOBER life.
If you or your loved ones are struggling with any of the symptoms listed above, please call ZORBACARE* at +91-8669567929 to get help today! We have multiple forms of treatment available to those suffering from substance addiction. Call today to get started on your journey of Sobriety!
*ZORBACARE is a premium Drug & Alcohol Deaddiction and Rehabilitation Centre located in Pune and Mumbai. Zorbacare specializes in treatment for men and women suffering from the ill-effects of drug abuse or alcohol abuse.
Contributed for Zorba by Ketaki Redij, Psychological Counselor & Family Therapist.