The Symptoms of Addiction Withdrawal - Different Drugs, Different Dangers

If an individual is using drugs and he or she decides to stop using, they can... right? Not really. Why, you ask. Quite simple. It can be summed up all in one word: withdrawal. Drug use is more than just a bad habit. Drug use is addictive not only because psychologically an individual feels compelled to use, but also because his or her body develops a physical dependence. When this dependence develops and drug use is abruptly discontinued, symptoms of withdrawal can and usually do arise. Basically, the body goes into shock. The exact symptoms of withdrawal will change depending on the drug the individual is dependent upon. Here we will discuss some of the different withdrawal states that can occur.

What are examples of withdrawal?

* Benzodiazepines
* SSRI discontinuation syndrome
* Methadone withdrawal symptoms
* Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
* Delirium tremens
* Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Why Does Physical Dependence Occur?

As one uses more and more of a drug, or any kind of substance, the body develops a drug tolerance. This does not just refer to illegal substances, it can also happen when one drinks coffee on a daily basis. After a while, just one cup may not be enough to get that kick which is neccesary to get going in the morning, or to stay up all night. Thus, a second or third cup may be needed. In the case of drug users, one pill or one puff on x substance may not be enough. The body adapts to the substance that has been introduced. When the drug is no longer available withdrawal symptoms that are the opposite of the direct effects of the drug appear- and this is when the withdrawal occurs. Depending on the elimination half life of the drug, symptoms can arise a few hours afer the drug is stopped or may even begin several days after discontinuation of the substance.

So, Withdrawal just Applies to Heavy Drugs Users...Right?

There are many legal drugs used all over the world which are generally not associated with having a withdrawal effect. These are medications which are not generally used to generate a feeling of pleasure, however, the body can still develop a dependence. Some of these substances include:

* Beta blockers (used for management of cardiac arrythmias)
* Corticosteroids – cortisone (an anti-inflammatory)
* Antidepressants/Antianxiety
* Anticonvulsants (used to prevent seizures)

For this reason, one must not abruptly discontinue any medication without consulting with his or her medical provider.
Its all about the dopamine

The euphoria that drugs produce is usually what causes addiction. This is produced by the nucleus accumbens which is considered the pleasure center of the brain. Dopamine is used by this center to cause the euphoria drug users enjoy. The particulars of dopamine use by the body, varies depending on the drug utilized. Constant use of the drug means that the body requires, more and more stimulation, this leads to dependence. In order to produce feelings of euphoria, one needs more and more of the drug. Withdrawal syndrome is characterized by dysphoria which is the opposite of euphoria- sadness. Symptoms of withdrawal include: Depression, anxiety, and craving.

Why Can Some People Just Stop and Others Cant?

Ever heard someone say: “I stopped smoking cold turkey.” This type of easy withdrawal doesn’t happen for everyone. How someone withdraws from a drug depends on many factors. For instance, how long have they been using? What kind of medication/drug is it? At what rate have they been using? All of these questions need to be answered in order to properly assess how someone is going to withdraw. Depending on the medication, an individual may need supervision while withdrawing from a substance. This applies to both benzodiazepines and alcohol withdrawal, which if not carefully handled can lead to seizures. If alcohol is stopped abruptly, delirium tremens can occur, and this can be deadly.

Rebound Withdrawal

This often occurs with depression medications. When a medication is stopped, withdrawal from the drug results in a return to the original symptom, often in a much worse state. Meaning, a depressed person may become more depressed than they originally were. Depression also occurs for individuals using amphetamines, stimulants and ecstasy. After being in a state of euphoria, the individual may crash and become depressed. Other medications that may result in rebound include:

* Analgesics include: Advil, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Tylenol and some prescription medications can cause headaches for long periods of time.

* Nasal decongestants: including Afrin and Otrivin, can cause rebound congestion if used for more than a few days.

* Sedatives and benzodiazepines can cause rebound insomnia when used regularly to aid sleep.

The only way to combat rebound of these symptoms is to deal with the symptoms for a few days and allow the body to go back to its normal state.

What if Someone Wants to Stop Using?

The best thing to do when attempting to withdraw from drugs is to consult the medical professionals who can properly outline a course of action which will be effective. Never attempt to withdraw from any medication, legal or otherwise, on one’s own as the effects of such a venture could be potentially deadly.