Unfortunately, diarrhea and associated stomach pain can be symptoms of drugwithdrawal, particularly opiates.
It can also occur after a period of intensesubstance use.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Olga Rolenko / Getty Images
This article explores strategies that can help minimize diarrhea and stomach pain triggered by drug withdrawal.
It also covers what causes these unpleasant symptoms and when you should see a doctor.
How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms depend on several factors.
Causes of Withdrawal Symptoms
Substance use leads to changes in howneurotransmittersfunction in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals and help regulate various bodily functions.
When alcohol or substance use is halted, the brain is forced to readjust to its sudden absence.
This leads to unpleasant physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.
Diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting are often experienced by people going throughwithdrawal from opioidsand other drugs.
Therefore, it is a good idea to talk to your pharmacist or doctor for advice on over-the-counter medications.
However, it is important to be aware of other potential causes of diarrhea.
It is essential to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
However, drinking only water, particularly in large quantities, can be harmful and lead to water intoxication.
Water intoxication can be life-threatening, so it is important to take steps to avoid it.
you’re able to also add lemonade or an orange-pineapple flavor sugar-free mix for taste.
If a person quits a substance and then relapses, it can increase the risk of overdose.
Different treatments are available for different substances.
Treatment with B vitamins is also critical for someone withdrawing from alcohol.
You may be given phenobarbital to help make the transition.
Stimulants
Treatment for stimulant withdrawal will likely involvepsychotherapybut may also include antidepressants or other mood-affecting medications.
Gabapentincan help with several symptoms, including diarrhea.Antispasmodics like Bentyl may also help ease gastrointestinal symptoms.
Takeaways
Diarrhea can be a distressing and unpleasant symptom of substance withdrawal.
However, some strategies can help you cope and minimize the effects of diarrhea and associated stomach pain.
National Center for Biotechnology Information.Withdrawal management.
In:Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed configs.
World Health Organization; 2009.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Vomiting and diarrhea.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Health: Diarrhea.
University of Virginia Health Systems.Homemade oral rehydration solutions.
Schuckit MA.Recognition and management of withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens).N Engl J Med.
2014;371(22):2109-2113. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1407298
MedlinePlus.Alcohol withdrawal.
31(5):593-596.
