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Withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping the use of addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol, or heroin. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening and can be relieved with medication or professional supervision. Relapse after withdrawal can lead to overdose due to reduced tolerance.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when exposure to an entity from which one has built up a physical dependence is discontinued. In some cases this entity may be entirely legal and reasonably harmless to those who use it responsibly; for example, it is possible to develop a physical dependence on caffeine, prescription drugs, and even food. More often, though, these symptoms relate to the physical and psychological changes that can occur when you stop using an addictive substance such as nicotine, alcohol, or heroin.
When a regular tobacco user stops or greatly reduces their tobacco intake, they will often experience one or more nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These can include irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, fatigue, disturbed sleep, increased appetite, and an intense craving for nicotine. Typically, symptoms begin a few hours after the substance was last used and peak about 72 hours later. There are a number of products that can relieve symptoms. Some, such as nicotine patches and gum, are available over the counter, while others, such as some antidepressants that aid in smoking cessation, must be prescribed by a doctor.
Withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop using alcohol can range from mild to life-threatening. Typically the severity of one’s symptoms, which usually occur hours to several days after the last use, is proportional to the amount of alcohol regularly ingested. Mild withdrawal symptoms are often primarily emotional. They can include anxiety, confusion, mood swings, nervousness, irritability and depression.
Moderate withdrawal can include the above symptoms along with physical reactions such as headache, nausea, trembling, excessive sweating, and increased heart rate. Severe withdrawal can include all of the above symptoms plus serious conditions such as fever, seizures, and delirium tremens. Because the latter symptoms can be life-threatening, it is recommended that people heavily dependent on alcohol seek professional supervision when stopping their intake.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant but are not usually fatal. Starting approximately 12 hours after the last use, a heroin user may experience runny nose and eyes, body aches, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. As withdrawal progresses, he may experience flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills.
A doctor can prescribe medications to relieve the physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal. Those seeking emotional support in the aftermath of withdrawal might consider joining an opioid recovery group. It is important to note that a heroin user who has withdrawn from the drug will have a reduced tolerance for it. Then, if she were to relapse, she can overdose on a much smaller amount of the drug than she was previously used to.
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