Understanding Withdrawal: Symptoms, Risks and Relief Options

What to Expect and How to Find Support During This Critical Phase of Recovery

Starting the recovery journey is a powerful decision. But for many, the first step—withdrawal—can feel overwhelming and even frightening. Whether you’re coming off alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or prescription drugs, withdrawal is the body’s natural response to adjusting without substances it has grown dependent on.

The good news? Withdrawal is temporary. With the right care, information, and support, you can move through this stage safely and begin healing.

In this article, we’ll break down what withdrawal is, which symptoms to expect, potential risks, and most importantly—safe and effective relief options to support your recovery journey.

What Is Withdrawal?

Withdrawal happens when you stop or significantly reduce using a substance your body has relied on for a period of time. Over time, drugs and alcohol can alter the brain’s chemistry, especially how it handles neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.

When you suddenly remove the substance, your body struggles to rebalance itself, which leads to physical and psychological symptoms.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), withdrawal symptoms are a natural part of addiction recovery and vary in intensity based on the type of substance, duration of use, and overall health of the individual (NIDA, 2020).

Common Withdrawal Symptoms by Substance

Withdrawal symptoms can vary widely. Here’s a breakdown of the most common substances and their related symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal

• Anxiety and restlessness
  
• Sweating and tremors
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Insomnia
  
• Hallucinations
  
• Seizures (in severe cases)
  
• Delirium Tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening

Delirium Tremens occurs in 3–5% of people withdrawing from alcohol, with a potential mortality rate of up to 37% without medical treatment (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

Opioid Withdrawal (Heroin, Prescription Painkillers)

• Muscle aches
  
• Runny nose and watery eyes
  
• Nausea and diarrhea
  
• Sweating and chills
  
• Intense cravings
  
• Anxiety and depression

While not usually fatal, opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and increases the risk of relapse without support.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal (Xanax, Valium, Ativan)

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
  
• Muscle twitching or tremors
  
• Insomnia
  
• Hallucinations
  
• Seizures (can be life-threatening)
  
• Psychosis or confusion

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is considered high risk and should never be done alone. Gradual tapering under medical supervision is recommended (Ashton, 2002).

Stimulant Withdrawal (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, ADHD Meds)

• Fatigue or “crash”
  
• Depression and irritability
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Cravings
  
• Slowed thinking or movement
  
• Suicidal thoughts (in some cases)

Nicotine and Cannabis Withdrawal

• Irritability and mood swings
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Anxiety
  
• Difficulty concentrating

While withdrawal from these substances is generally not dangerous, it can still disrupt daily functioning and lead to relapse.

How Long Does Withdrawal Last?

Withdrawal timelines vary depending on the substance and the individual. Below is a general overview:

Substance	Onset	Peak Symptoms	Duration
Alcohol	6–24 hours	48–72 hours	5–7 days
Opioids	8–24 hours	3–5 days	Up to 10 days
Benzodiazepines	1–4 days	1–2 weeks	Several weeks/months (long taper needed)
Stimulants	24–72 hours	3–7 days	Up to 2 weeks
Cannabis	1–3 days	2–6 days	1–2 weeks

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) emphasizes that detox is not treatment alone—but the first step in a longer recovery plan (SAMHSA, 2020).

Risks of Unsupervised Withdrawal

Some people attempt to detox at home, believing they can manage it alone. In some cases—particularly with alcohol or benzodiazepines—this can be extremely dangerous.

Key risks include:

• Seizures or delirium tremens
  
• Severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
  
• Mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts
  
• Relapse and overdose, especially if tolerance drops quickly

A 2018 study in Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that individuals who detox without supervision are twice as likely to relapse within 30 days (Wakeman et al., 2018).

Safe and Effective Relief Options

Detox doesn’t have to be unbearable. There are several medically approved and holistic ways to reduce withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe.

Medical Supervision

In a professional detox center or hospital, staff can:

• Monitor vital signs
  
• Provide IV fluids for hydration
  
• Administer medications to reduce symptoms
  
• Offer emotional support
  
• Handle emergencies immediately

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For certain substances, MAT can ease symptoms and reduce cravings:

• Alcohol: Benzodiazepines or anti-seizure meds
  
• Opioids: Buprenorphine (Suboxone), Methadone, Naltrexone
  
• Benzodiazepines: Gradual tapering over weeks or months
  
• Nicotine: Patches, lozenges, or prescription medications

A review in The Lancet confirmed that MAT significantly increases treatment retention and reduces relapse rates (Mattick et al., 2014).

Holistic Support Therapies

Complementary practices help calm the mind and support the body during detox:

• Mindfulness meditation
  
• Gentle yoga or stretching
  
• Nutritional support
  
• Aromatherapy or massage
  
• Journaling or expressive arts

These tools don’t replace medical care but offer emotional stability and grounding.

Peer and Emotional Support

Talking to someone who understands makes a big difference. Support can come from:

• Certified addiction counselors
  
• Recovery coaches
  
• Group therapy or 12-step programs
  
• Online forums or helplines

When to Seek Immediate Help

Call a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you or someone you love experiences:

• Seizures or uncontrolled shaking
  
• High fever or confusion
  
• Hallucinations
  
• Rapid heart rate or chest pain
  
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

You are not alone, and help is always available.

Final Thoughts

Withdrawal is one of the hardest parts of recovery—but it’s also one of the most important. It means your body is healing. Your brain is waking up. You’re making space for something new.

With the right information, supervision, and support, you don’t have to suffer alone. You can feel safe, supported, and empowered through every stage of detox.

Take one moment at a time. Trust the process. And remember: this discomfort is temporary—but the freedom that follows is life-changing.

References

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2020). The Science of Drug Use and Addiction: The Basics. https://www.drugabuse.gov
  
• Mayo Clinic. (2021). Delirium tremens: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org
  
• Ashton, H. (2002). Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw. University of Newcastle.
  
• SAMHSA. (2020). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. https://www.samhsa.gov
  
• Wakeman, S. E., et al. (2018). Comparing medically supervised withdrawal with medication-assisted treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 90, 38–43.
  
• Mattick, R. P., et al. (2014). Buprenorphine maintenance versus placebo or methadone maintenance. The Lancet, 383(9918), 1531–1541.