Drug withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and drug to drug. But, withdrawal syndrome is a collection of predictable symptoms of addiction caused by quitting substance use. Withdrawal affects people both physically and mentally.

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Woman on a park bench is contemplating how to deal with drug withdrawal symptoms.

The most dangerous drug withdrawal symptoms include those of alcohol detox. This surprises many people who think meth and heroin detox must be the worst. Both drug and alcohol addiction lead to uncomfortable symptoms requiring the care of supportive, trained professionals. Whether you drink or use drugs, if you suffer addiction you will feel sick and uncomfortable if you stop using your substance.

Most drug withdrawal symptoms appear over a short period of time after quitting substance use. Some symptoms linger for longer than others. Alcohol and benzodiazepines produce the worst withdrawal symptoms, but you hear more about heroin or opioid withdrawal in pop culture.

Drug withdrawal symptoms of opiates and opioids include chills, sweats, sleeplessness, fever, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramping. People going through these symptoms say they feel flu-like symptoms. Most symptoms begin within one to three days after your last dose of your drug. The most acute symptoms end within a week to ten days.

Symptoms of withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, meth or medications like Ritalin last about one to two weeks. This withdrawal is not as dangerous as alcohol or benzo withdrawal. But, stimulant detox effects include: moodiness, sleepiness, hunger, and depression.

Professional Detox for Drug Withdrawal

No one likes to feel sick or uncomfortable. Medical detox helps people going through drug withdrawal feel supported, safe and comfortable. During detox, medical professionals supervise the worst symptoms after substance abuse ends, providing help through medications, nutrition, hydration and other methods. This is why medically supervised detox is the safest place to undergo drug withdrawal.

Acute withdrawal syndrome from alcohol or benzos is the riskiest detox process, as previously mentioned. But, any detox can be dangerous if you have underlying health problems, suffer co-occurring disorders, use multiple types of drugs and alcohol, or are at risk for suicide. Supervised detox is especially helpful in preventing relapse. Relapse is a leading cause of death among people going through withdrawal.

Anyone seeking rehabilitation from addiction must first go through detox. Many attempt to do this at home. But only medical professionals provide safety through withdrawal, keeping you comfortable and supported for a successful start to recovery.

Treatment You Need after Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Once your body is clean of drugs and alcohol after drug and alcohol detox, you need rehabilitation in a quality treatment center. Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida provides accredited rehab for people serious about recovery. They also offer therapies, treatments and educational sessions needed for a real chance of a better life.

Beaches Recovery provides multiple levels of care, including:

All of these levels of care combine toward the creation of your path from your last drug dose to lasting sobriety. At Beaches you receive detox, rehab, and aftercare for a full spectrum of addiction treatment.

Therapies at Beaches Recovery include:

Many people are afraid to go through drug withdrawal symptoms. This fear keeps them locked in addiction. But, with the help of Beaches Recovery’s team of professionals, you have no reason to fear the withdrawal process. Detox at Beaches Recovery is as comfortable as possible.

If you or someone you love are ready for addiction recovery, call Beaches Recovery now at 866.605.0532. At Beaches, support begins in detox and continues through lifelong recovery. You know you’re ready for a better life. Call now.