How Long Do Drug Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Symptoms for drug withdrawal

Don’t worry, you can overcome your drug withdrawal symptoms!

Drug withdrawal symptoms happen when the body is no longer getting a particular drug. For some drug addictions, it will only take one use for the drug withdrawal symptoms to occur. There are different types of addictions that can cause withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most popular drug addictions are cocaine addiction, heroin addiction, meth addiction, marijuana addiction and opiate addiction. There are other drugs that can cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Anyone can become an addict and thus they can become victim to drug withdrawal symptoms. There isn’t just one type of person who can become a drug addict. Drug addicts are both men and women, young and old, professionals to stay at home moms. When a person becomes a victim to a drug addiction, they should never feel alone or attempt to overcome their withdrawal symptoms without professional help.

Detox / Drug Withdrawal Treatment

When a person is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, they should be in a supervised detox and treatment program. Obtaining help from a drug withdrawal treatment center is their best bet to ease their withdrawal symptoms and overcome their drug addiction. The treatment center will have different resources, programs and therapies to offer the person that can help them with methods to overcome their addiction and obstacles they may encounter along the way.

Most Common Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

There are two different types of withdrawal symptoms. One is emotional effects and the other is physical effects. There are many different drug withdrawal symptoms that a person can experience. Some are not life threatening, while others can be fatal. It is important to speak to a doctor or a counselor about the different withdrawal symptoms.

Most common emotional symptoms that are experienced:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Nervousness
  • Mood swings
  • Suicidal thoughts

Most common physical symptoms that are experienced:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Excessive body fluids
  • Sleep problems
  • Fever

How Long Will My Drug Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

This is one the most common question that is asked by people experiencing withdrawal symptoms. There isn’t one exact length of time that applies to every drug or the withdrawal symptoms. The amount of time that drug withdrawal symptoms last can vary on a few different situations.

  • Dose amount during the last drug use
  • How long the person has used the drug
  • Preexisting medical conditions
  • Family medical history
  • Nutrition
  • Other drugs that may have been consumed
  • Alcohol intake
  • Overall health of the person
  • Mental disorders

Some symptoms will last anywhere from several hours to several days. There are more powerful drugs such as crystal meth or heroin that can have symptoms that can last several days to several weeks. Some of the long term effects can last long term and last for months to years.

Get Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing drug withdrawal symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure to let the doctor know about any of the situation mentioned above, if they apply to you. Getting help from a treatment center and medical professionals, can help you get the treatment you need and help you overcome your addiction, once and for all!

Resource: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction