Withdrawal Symptoms by Addiction
Overview
Withdrawal symptoms can vary by the substance to which a person is addicted. Other factors affecting withdrawal symptoms include:
- The number of years a person has abused a substance
- The purity of the substance being used
- The degree of intoxication typically reached when using the substance
- How severe the state of addiction is
Below are some of the major withdrawal symptoms specific to various addictions. Cravings for the substance previously abused is perhaps the most common withdrawal symptom experienced across the variety of addictions and, thus, it is not included in the individual lists.
It is important to remember that not every person experiences the same withdrawal symptoms. Just because a particular symptom is listed in conjunction with withdrawal does not mean it definitely will happen to you.
Some people suffering from substance abuse avoid treatment because they fear the discomfort of withdrawal. However, medical professionals are trained in treating withdrawal symptoms during detox so the discontinuation of alcohol (or drugs) is tolerable and detox is successfully completed. For example, medications such as Clonidine or Lofexidine may be used to treat stomach cramps, anxiety, tremors, and excessive sweating. Other medications are used to control cravings.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may involve tremors, mood swings, headaches, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and nausea. More severe symptoms may include hallucinations and seizure. For some, the first symptoms may present themselves within a few hours of discontinuing alcohol consumption. Peak intensity of symptoms may take up to a few days to occur.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
People going through heroin withdrawal may experience sweating (including cold sweats), muscle pain, insomnia, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. More rare but serious withdrawal risks include seizures and stroke.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms may last a few days or over a week.
Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms include depression and suicidal thoughts, fatigue, anxiety, reduced concentration or slowed thinking, and insomnia. Both heart attacks and seizures, while possible, are rare during cocaine withdrawal.
OxyContin (Oxycodone) Withdrawal Symptoms
As an opioid, OxyContin withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, muscle pain, anxiety, vomiting, chills, and insomnia.
Meth (Methamphetamine) Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal encompass dry mouth, fatigue, dehydration, chills, irritability, headaches, anxiety, depression, muscle spasms, and insomnia. People in methamphetamine withdrawal may also exhibit psychosis and hallucinations.
Fentanyl Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from fentanyl may evidence itself in dilated pupils, nausea and vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, muscle pain, aggressive behavior, irritability, insomnia, stomach cramps, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Headaches and mood changes are among the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. Depression, sweating, sleep problems, reduced appetite, and stomach pain are other symptoms associated with marijuana withdrawal.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned earlier, medical research has produced a variety of interventions to make withdrawal more tolerable. If worries about withdrawal pain have prevented you from seeking recovery, reach out to a substance abuse physician so he or she can explain what remedies are available to address your concerns.
