Withdrawal Symptoms

While drug and/or alcohol withdrawal is not something anybody wants to go through, it is an unavoidable repercussion of dependency. Withdrawal symptoms range from a "hangover" after an alcoholic binge to life threatening seizures. Today, medical detox is a necessary medical treatment for millions throughout the world suffering from the effects of drug and alcohol dependency. The overall goal of medical detox is the withdrawal off the illicit substance the process is to slowly help the patient move away from his or her dependence on drugs and/or alcohol in a safe and effective manner.

Alcohol withdrawal, also known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, can be life-threating in those who have been drinking heavily for an extended period of time and then either stop altogether or attempt to reduce consumption.

Due to the fact that alcohol withdrawal symptoms can worsen in a short period of time, it is essential to receive professional medical assistance.

Generally speaking, the severity of this condition is related to the amount and duration of alcohol consumption.

Many symptoms can appear shorty after the last drink is taken. These symptoms can include some or all of the following:

• Sweating
  
• Headache
  
• Insomnia
  
• Anxiety
  
• Shaky hands
  
• Vomiting

• Severe tremors
  
• Low grade fever
  
• Seizures
  
• Hallucinations
  
• Disorientation
  
• Irregular heartbeat
  
• Profuse sweating
  
• High blood pressure

Treatment of alcohol addiction is something that is best approached with the assistance of an experienced medical team.

There are both outpatient and inpatient detoxification treatment programs offered by hospitals and treatment facilities.

There are three goals associated with treatment:

• Reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms
  
• Prevent additional health complications
  
• Begin the long term therapy required to avoid a relapse in the future

If not handled in the appropriate manner, heroin withdrawal can be deadly. This is well known for being one of the most difficult drugs to withdrawal from.

In addition to dealing with withdrawal symptoms during cessation, those who simply cut back on use may begin to experience potentially deadly symptoms.

The symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal can be debilitating. For this reason, it is essential to receive the care of a professional medical team.

The use of heroin can grab hold of both the mind and body, making the withdrawal process extremely challenging.

There are many symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal, including but not always limited to the following:

• Nausea
  
• Muscle cramps
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Chills
  
• Profuse sweating
  
• Muscle cramps
  
• Tremors
  
• Watery eyes and runny nose
  
• Vomiting
  
• Panic attacks
  
• Irritability

There are two primary methods of treating heroin withdrawal, both of which have been proven effective in the past.

For many years, methadone treatment has been one of the primary methods of treating patients dealing with a heroin addiction.

To take part in this type of treatment, patients must check into a facility that is skilled in this approach. Additionally, a medical professional must administer methadone.

With methadone, the brain and nervous system does not treat pain in the same way. This allows for the prevention or lessening of symptoms related to heroin withdrawal.

Suboxone is a newer approach, and one that a growing number of facilities and patients are considering.

The primary benefit of this approach is that it can be self administered. Once prescribed by a physician, the patient can rely on the medication to treat symptoms. This is often times used in situations when the patient does not check into a rehab facility.

Just the same as other drugs and alcohol, cocaine withdrawal occurs when a heavy user quits taking the drug or cuts down on the amount consumed.

During the use of cocaine, the human body experiences a level of extreme joy. However, when the person stops using the drug it is followed by a crash. During this time, the patient craves more of the drug while also dealing with a variety of symptoms ranging from fatigue to anxiety among others.

In many cases, cocaine withdrawal is not accompanied by the physical symptoms often times seen in users of alcohol or heroin.

Despite the fact that cocaine withdrawal does not always have visible physical symptoms, every user reacts differently. Some of the most common symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
  
• Restless behavior
  
• Depression
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Unpleasant dreams

The treatment of cocaine addiction starts with the least restrictive option and then moves forward from there, as necessary.

Even though the symptoms associated with cocaine withdrawal are not as serious as those associated with other drugs and alcohol, the process is very serious.

Cocaine addiction can be difficult to treat, and relapse is always a concern.

Outpatient and inpatient treatment programs are available, with both being proven effective.

At this time, there are no medications that can reduce the craving of cocaine, however, some studies have shown hope. For example, amantadine and bromocriptine may help reduce some of the most common symptoms among those who have a serious addiction.


This project was funded by the USA Addiction Treatment Partnership. A Florida based recovery organization. - See more at: https://www.withdrawal.org/#sthash.uaENkLIF.dpuf