Withdrawalcan be unpleasant and potentially dangerous in some cases.
For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before stopping or reducing your substance use.
What Does Withdrawal Feel Like?
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
What are the symptoms associated with withdrawal?
They’ll vary depending on the jot down of drug you were taking.
“Some people struggle to get off antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications they may have taken for years.
Causes
The body and brain work to maintain a state of balance known ashomeostasis.
These substances act on your brain’s reward system, triggering the release of chemicals.
Withdrawal symptoms are often the opposite of the effects of the substance.
Medically-assisted withdrawal can ensure that you are safe and help to minimize unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Your loved one may need assistance during withdrawal, which may involve outpatient, residential, or inpatient options.
This can be difficult and draining, so double-check to take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
This way, you will be in the best possible position to support your loved one.
Just by being present and available, you’ve got the option to provide them with great support.
This can involve listening to them, being a shoulder to cry on, and providing a comforting presence.
Sometimes, just having someone there who cares can make all the difference.
Offer Practical Help
Withdrawal can often accompany physical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If possible, offer to help with these tasks so your loved one can focus on healing.
When to Seek Medical Help
Severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms can sometimes accompany withdrawal.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.
World Health Organization.Withdrawal state.
Hosztafi S. [Heroin addiction].
2011;81(4):173-83.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Cancer Institute.
Ackermann K.Understanding OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline.American Addiction Center.
