Substance Withdrawal – commonly known as drug withdrawal – is a problem that many people undergo. Withdrawal has the potential to be an incredibly difficult experience.

Substance withdrawal involves a person stopping to take a drug. As a result, they have to battle with withdrawal symptoms.

Substance withdrawal is a symptom commonly seen in cases of Substance-Related Disorders. Furthermore, it is often associated with other mental health conditions.

Substance withdrawal can be very challenging to go through

What is Substance Withdrawal?

Substance withdrawal is the process that a person undergoes when trying to withdraw from a substance. This is associated with someone “getting clean” from a drug.

However, some medicines or substances result in withdrawal symptoms. For example, someone that takes Paracetamol on a daily basis but then stops will rarely see any withdrawal symptoms. However, someone that takes a high strength opioid on a daily basis will definitely see withdrawal symptoms upon stopping taking the substance.

Substance withdrawal can be an incredibly difficult state to live in. It is typically a long process that has many peaks and troughs. The type of substance involved in withdrawal is key.

For example, someone that tries to stop taking heroin after taking the drug on a long-term basis will experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms will cause a range of problems.

Symptoms of Substance Withdrawal

The following are possible symptoms of substance withdrawal:

  • Mood changes
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of depression
  • Feelings of anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Restlessness
  • Shivering or sweating
  • Appetite changes

What substances can lead to Substance Withdrawal?

There are ten classes of substances that are typically associated with substance-related disorders:

  • Alcohol
  • Amphetamines/Stimulants
  • Cocaine
  • Cannabis
  • Inhalants
  • Opioids
  • Phencyclidine/Hallucinogens
  • Sedatives, Hypnotics and Anxiolytics
  • Tobacco
  • Other (e.g., caffeine, anabolic steroids)

The above classes can vary in terms of their impact on humans. But the above substances activate the brain’s reward system – resulting in the feeling of pleasure.

The vicious cycle

Substance withdrawal is associated with other substance-based problems like addiction, tolerance and dependence.

These four areas are linked to one another. For instance, when a person takes an addictive substance, they can become addicted to it over time.

A tolerance to the drug will develop, leading to them becoming dependent on the drug. They may believe that they can’t function in day-to-day life without it.

When they do try to stop taking the drug, they – as discussed above – develop withdrawal symptoms. Trying to withdraw from the drug becomes incredibly difficult.

This worsens their addiction, resulting in a vicious cycle being created. It is common for physical and mental health problems to develop at this point.

How is Substance Withdrawal treated?

Substance dependence is a common symptom of Substance-Related Disorders. You can read about treatment for this condition here.

In general, a type of talking therapy is normally recommended for substance withdrawal. Getting better and no longer suffering from substance withdrawal is very important.

Common types of talking therapy that people use to treat substance-related disorders include cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy and therapeutic communities. However, a range of other types of therapy exist as well.

Summary

Substance withdrawal is certainly a substantial problem for many. It can also contribute to the development of a serious disorder if not treated.

As a result, getting treatment for substance withdrawal is important. It can result in improved mental health and overall lifestyle.

See Also

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References

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