What Are Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Manage Them

Withdrawal from addiction is never easy. It’s a very physically and mentally demanding process that can be difficult to navigate. Today, our understanding of how the body processes withdrawal has advanced significantly, making withdrawal symptom management more effective than ever before. 

What Are Withdrawal Symptoms and Why Do They Happen?

When an individual uses drugs or alcohol to the point of becoming dependent or addicted, the body and brain become accustomed to it. In a way, the body and brain have forgotten how to function without it. 

When someone makes the commitment to overcome addiction, the first stage they have to navigate is detox or withdrawal. 

Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and mental effects that happen when alcohol or drug use is stopped abruptly. Different types of addictive substances affect the body in different ways, influencing what type of withdrawal symptoms you might experience. 

The intensity of withdrawal symptoms and their duration are also dependent on factors such as how long and how severe the addiction is. Certain underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, may also affect the severity of symptoms. 

Common Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal Symptoms 

It’s important to understand that not everyone experiences the same symptoms in detox, even when the same type of substance is involved. 

Some individuals experience very mild symptoms and find them easier to manage even on their own. Others experience more severe symptoms that may require medical intervention for their health and safety. 

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict who will experience mild or severe symptoms, so each case of drug or alcohol detox should be treated with a high level of care and monitoring. 

It’s strongly suggested not to attempt to detox on your own but rather to do so under the guidance of qualified personnel at an addiction treatment center or medical facility. 

Common Mild Withdrawal Symptoms Include:

• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Mood changes or irritability
• Fatigue
• Nausea 
• Congestion
• Sweating
• Runny Nose 
• Restlessness
• General muscle achiness
• Shivering
• Shaking or trembling 

Signs of Severe Withdrawal Include (call 911 if any of these symptoms are present): 

• Hallucinations
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure 
• Profuse sweating
• Dehydration 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Seizures 

If you or a loved one need help with addiction or withdrawal management, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an invaluable resource, complete with an online directory of providers and a hotline to call when you need to speak to someone directly. The 24-hour National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Medical Withdrawal Management 

Certain types of addiction withdrawal symptoms can be managed with medication, making coping with withdrawal significantly less difficult, both mentally and physically. Opioid addiction and, in some cases, alcohol use disorder detox symptoms can be managed with medications. 

The type of medication used depends on the addictive substances used and the symptoms that are being experienced. 

For example, clonidine is a medication frequently used in opioid withdrawal management. Clonidine blocks certain chemicals in the brain, reducing the severity and length of detox symptoms. Buprenorphine is another example of a medication that can be used to lessen the severity of opioid withdrawal. 

Additionally, naltrexone and acamprosate are medications that can support long-term recovery by reducing cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol. To understand which medications may be available for drug withdrawal relief, it’s important to have a discussion with your addiction care provider. Together, you can discuss the withdrawal process for you, how your care will be monitored, and at what point relief may be offered.

Tips for Managing Withdrawal Symptoms 

In addition to the medical management of detox symptoms, there are several other ways to provide relief when overcoming withdrawal. 

Have Someone With You: If detox isn’t happening under medical supervision, having a trusted support person with you is extremely important. This person can assist in making sure you have enough fluids that you’re eating if you can tolerate it, and can help to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible during the process.

The person who stays with you should be aware of the signs of withdrawal that indicate a medical emergency and be willing to seek urgent medical attention if needed. 

Prioritize Rest: It can be tempting to try to fill your schedule with things that might distract you, but detox is not the time for work, school, running errands, or socializing. The one thing you do need to prioritize right now is rest. The body goes through many changes during withdrawal, and it’s important just to allow yourself the time and space to rest and recover. Consider creating a comfortable and quiet environment to help you relax and sleep better. 

Hydrate: Some of the most serious withdrawal risks are associated with dehydration, making it important to ensure you’re taking adequate fluids. Sweating and vomiting can cause excess fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance. In addition to water, keep electrolyte-balancing drinks on hand. Foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables, can also help keep you hydrated. 

Nourishment: Eat nourishing foods if you can tolerate them. Choose foods that are gentle on your stomach and support your body. Bananas, oatmeal, and yogurt are good options that provide essential nutrients without being too heavy on your stomach. 

OTC Medications: OTC medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve some of the milder discomforts associated with withdrawal. Additionally, ginger tea or peppermint can help soothe nausea, and chamomile tea can promote relaxation and better sleep. 

Learn More About Withdrawal Management in Massachusetts 

Strategies for coping with withdrawal symptoms are important for making a very difficult process more manageable. Medication is one of the available withdrawal treatment options for certain types of addiction. 

Going through withdrawal in an inpatient addiction treatment center or medical facility is always the safest option, but if you do decide to detox at home, make sure you have a trusted support person with you. 
At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we’re here to help when you need us. Call 844-486-0671 today to learn more about our addiction treatment options.