Withdrawal Symptoms

Causes of withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are caused when ceasing a physical dependence on alcohol, drugs or nicotine. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the substance used, in what quantity the substance was taken and the length of time the substance was abused for.

Dependence on a substance can begin through social use (as with alcohol, drugs and nicotine) or through prescribed use (as with medications for certain medical conditions). In some cases, a person is forced to go 'cold turkey' whereby the addictive substance is completely stopped.

Other people have to be weaned off the substance to prevent negative side-effects. This tends to be the case with prescription medications where a doctor will gradually reduce the dosage until the individual is able to function properly without it.

Symptoms of withdrawal

While withdrawal symptoms can be severe, they are rarely life-threatening. However, sudden withdrawal from alcohol or tranquillisers can trigger seizures, strokes or heart attacks in high risk patients.

There are a number of different signs which signify that someone is in withdrawal and these will vary depending on the substance that was used.

Common alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Retching
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Weight loss
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Sleeping difficulty
• Palpitations
• Anxiety
• Muscle tension
• Diarrhoea
• Depression

Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Weight gain (due to increased appetite)
• Cravings
• Headaches
• Cough
• Excessive mucus
• Irritability
• Poor concentration
• Constipation

Diagnosis of withdrawal symptoms

Any withdrawal from a substance which has caused dependence should be closely supervised and monitored by a health care professional. For severe addicts, it is beneficial to do this in a rehabilitation centre.

You should visit your GP and discuss any addictions you may be suffering with as the GP can determine the best course of action for your withdrawal treatment.

Related terms

Drug
Coffee
Cigarette
Drink
Mood swings
Dependent
Addiction
Stimulation
Cold-turkey
Cravings