Alcohol or Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms are different for each person and depend on the type of drug that was used. Withdrawal symptoms may be transient, ongoing or even lifelong. The physical symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs may be reversible if a person permanently stops using, but some effects may be permanent.
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Significance
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According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2005 more than 8 percent of Americans over age 12 used an illegal drug in the previous year. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that 4.65 percent of Americans are dependent on alcohol. Alcohol and drug use can be addictive, and when use is discontinued even for a short amount of time, physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal may occur.
Types
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According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal may involve both physical and mental health issues.
Physical symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal may include sleep problems, neurological, respiratory, cardiac, and gastrointestinal issues, and pain throughout the body.
Mental health symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal may include anxiety, depression, aggression, and personality changes. -
Features
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According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal depend on the manner of drug use, the type of drug, and the frequency and duration of alcohol or drug use.
Neurological symptoms include paranoia, acute psychosis, hallucinations, memory problems, aggression, anxiety, depression, seizures, stroke, and brain damage.
Respiratory symptoms include asthma, shortness of breath, and emphysema.
Cardiac symptoms include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and high body temperature.
Symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal on newborn babies include behavioral problems, distress and discomfort, lack of interest in feeding, and difficulty in breathing.
Gastrointestinal symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal include nausea or vomiting, pain, and cramps.
Effects
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Symptoms of withdrawal may be worse if more than one drug is abused. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the synergistic effects of alcohol and heroin may cause significantly more damage than the abuse of one of those drugs would. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cost of treating symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs is less than the cost of treating medical problems associated with continued use of the drug.
Considerations
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The peak period of symptoms of withdrawal of alcohol or drugs is the first seven days after stopping use for most drugs, but may extend for several weeks for psychedelic drugs. Using both medical and psychological management to treat symptoms of withdrawal may decrease the risk of relapse.
Prevention/Solution
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Both mental and physical symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal are treatable. Treatment programs may be in- or outpatient and may use both counseling and medical therapies. Support groups for alcoholism or drug addiction such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are examples of community resources for assistance with symptoms of withdrawal.
Warning
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Symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs may be worse if there are existing mental health disorders or certain medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. If symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs are treated by substituting a different drug, a new addiction may be formed.
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