The detox process is one of the most important parts of drug addiction recovery.   So crucial is drug detox that many drug rehab centers will not allow the individual to move forward with the bulk of treatment until detox has been successfully completed.

Unfortunately, for most people drug detox means drug withdrawal.  Withdrawal symptoms impact almost every person who goes through detox, as their bodies attempt to readjust to life without foreign substances.

In addition, drug addicts who struggle to find their next “fix” may also go through drug withdrawal.   Indeed, withdrawal is seemingly a part of the “drug life” for anyone who has developed a dependence on an addictive substance.

Understanding drug withdrawal can help people better prepare for detox, and better understand their situation when still in the throes of addiction.

What is Drug Withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal is the condition individuals endure when they are detoxifying from drug use or drug addiction.

What are the Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal?

The symptoms of drug withdrawal are different according to the drug or drugs in questions.   There are a number of withdrawal symptoms however that appear across a number of different drugs.   These withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps and achiness
• Strong drug cravings
• Sweats and chills
• Sleeplessness
• Restlessness
• Relapse into drug use

Not every individual will experience all of these symptoms.   And it is also worth nothing that none of these withdrawal symptoms are life-threatening per se.   However, they do lead to relapse (just because people can’t cope with the discomfort) and the rare, most extreme cases may lead the individual to suicidal thoughts or severe hallucinations.

How long do the Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal last?

The answer to this question depends upon the situation.  Like women who make it through pregnancy with little problem, some people are able to stop using drugs with only minimal pain and discomfort.   Most people going through detox however, can expect to experience anywhere from 2-3 days to two weeks of significant withdrawal symptoms.   Out in “the streets” this number is harder to measure as most drug addicts will find their next fix before their withdrawal symptoms have a chance to subside.

Help Coping with Drug Withdrawal

The need for help coping with drug withdrawal is the primary reason why detox should always take place while in the care of medical professionals.  Detox professionals provide support and medical care during those moments when the individual really needs a helping hand to “make it to the other side” while still remaining in a safe place.

Difficulty coping with drug withdrawal is also the primary reason behind the rise medical detox programs.   Medical detox uses synthetic opiates to simulate the drug in question (usually heroin).   Instead of going cold turkey, the individual is given gradually smaller amounts of the drug – which weans them off it with experiencing heavy withdrawal symptoms.