Why is drug withdrawal a painful experience for addicts?

Withdrawals are painful because your body is used to the substances you’re abusing. When your body is used to having something in its system and it suddenly disappears it stresses your body out. This stress is associated with drug or alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal syndrome is a set of symptoms that occur when you decrease or stop drinking or using drugs after using the substance[s] for a period of time.

Alcohol withdrawals

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can start as soon as 4 hours after stopping or cutting down drinking. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to life threatening and can last several days.

• Mild withdrawal symptoms may include:
  • Intense worry
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shakiness
  • Sweating
  • Feeling a little tense or edgy
• Severe withdrawal symptoms may include:
  • Being extremely confused, jumpy, or upset
  • Feeling things on your body that are not there
  • Seeing or hearing things that are not there
  • Severe trembling
• Life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal are called delirium tremens (DTs). Symptoms of DTs include all of the symptoms listed above plus seizures. Untreated DTs can lead to death.

Prescription medicines or illegal drugs

Symptoms of withdrawal from either illegal drugs or prescription medicines depend on the drug or combination of drugs. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drenching sweats
• Nervousness and shaking
• Seizures
• Death

If you are dependent on alcohol or drugs and are experiencing symptoms of withdrawal, Please contact us at our 24/7 hotline @ 844-523-3869