Side effects from drug withdrawal may depend on the particular drug or how long a person has been using the drug. Drug addiction and withdrawal involve neurotransmitters in the brain that have become used to regular dosage of the drug. When the body no longer receives the drug, the brain sends out signals demanding another dose. The desire for more drugs causes a variety of effects in the mind and body.
Emotional Reactions
Depression and anxiety may occur during the withdrawal process because of intense cravings for the drug, MayoClinic.com explains. Sleeplessness from withdrawal can intensify anxious feelings. Restlessness, irritability, headaches, inability to concentrate and feelings of isolation can hamper the withdrawal process. Treatment programs can help addicts deal with emotional problems of giving up a drug. People addicted to heroin, morphine, codeine or oxycodone often receive artificial opiates, such as methadone, to control physical symptoms as well as the emotional response to cravings for the drug. Treatment, which includes counseling and support group meetings, helps drug addicts conquer the feelings of denial many of them face. Drug addiction often requires strong psychological support to deal with emotional issues that can lead to relapses.
Physical Symptoms
Physical effects from drug withdrawal may include sweating, heart palpitations, tightness in the chest, tense muscles, tremors, difficulty breathing, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting. Some people may need emergency treatment because the threat of losing consciousness may occur. Although many people addicted to drugs manage to overcome the withdrawal process without outside help, doctors often recommend a controlled environment with professional help available. Medicine can reduce the physical effects safely. Treatment facilities offer detoxification programs on an inpatient or outpatient basis, MedlinePlus notes. Residential treatment programs offer counseling that prepares people for the effects that might take place. Aftercare treatment may also include counseling, addiction treatment and support groups to help in the recovery process.
Danger Signs
Withdrawal from alcohol, tranquilizers and opioid drugs can produce dangerous symptoms, according to AddictionsandRecovery.org. Seizures, stroke, hallucinations, delirium tremens and heart attacks can occur for people in advanced stages of addiction. Delirium, a condition that can include serious confusion and even brain injury, may become life threatening. Doctors sometimes withdraw the drug gradually while adding a medication to stabilize nerve cells during the detox process. People withdrawing from these drugs need medical supervision during their detoxification. Medication and assistance helps significantly in the detox process. People addicted to opioid drugs, such as heroin or prescription drugs, including oxycodone, have extremely uncomfortable physical symptoms, but the effects do not usually produce seizures or heart problems.
