How Serious Are Withdrawal Symptoms?

Knowing that you have a problem with drinking or abusing drugs, is only part of the process of getting better. Taking the opportunity to get help and get treatment is logically the next when dealing with addiction.

So naturally there may be a little apprehension about going to rehab and what the process actually entails. A big part of treating addiction is the withdrawal process. Depending on the facility and program, things can vary but ultimately have the same outcome.

So first things first, what are withdrawal symptoms? Well, when a person is dependent on a substance, a sudden stop in intake of the substance causes physical and emotional responses known as Withdrawal.
Dependence on substances such as prescription meds, alcohol, or illegal drugs all carry similar symptoms of withdrawal.

A body that is accustomed to high levels of drugs or alcohol in the bloodstream or tissues, symptoms of withdrawal occur when there is a decrease or sudden absence of the substance.

Alcohol
In severe cases, 4 to 12 hours after the decrease or absence of alcohol, Symptoms of withdrawal begins to affect your body. In mild cases, symptoms of withdrawal can appear as late as 4 or 5 days after the last drink, and may only last for a few days.

These withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild and to becoming life-threatening.
Symptoms of Withdrawal May Include:

Mild
• Feeling on Edge
• Shakiness.
• Intense Worry
• Sweating.
• Nausea or Vomiting

Severe
• Delusions
• Seeing or Feeling Things on You, Or Around You, That Aren’t There
• Extremely Anxious, Confused, Upset, or Jumpy
• Severe Tremors

Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms are known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs symptoms consist of all the previous listed symptoms above, in addition to seizures. If left untreated, DTs can result in death.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms: Drugs Prescription or Illegal

Physical
• Nervousness and Shaking.
• Vomiting and Nausea.
• Abdominal Pain.
• Seizures.
• Fever, Runny Nose, Chills & Sweats
• Sleeplessness, Drenching Sweats.
• Cramps And Muscle Aches/Pains
• Death
Emotional
• Suicidal Thoughts, Nervousness, Depression, Anxiety, Volatile Mood Swings

Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a dangerous and life-threatening condition which can happen in those that have been heavily drinking for a prolonged amount of time, then suddenly stop drinking or considerably cut the amount of alcohol intake.
It’s crucial to get medical attention right away when experiencing withdrawal symptoms, even if your symptoms seem to be mild. Withdrawal symptoms can worsen rather quickly and can become lethal.
Seeking the appropriate medical help and withdrawal treatments will reduce the chance of developing DTs.
Those who have a history of health concerns such as lung disease, heart disease, infections, or have a history of seizures, are at greater risk of DTs and should seek help immediately.
Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as severe confusion, fever, hallucinations, seizures, or irregular heartbeats are all a medical emergency. Immediately call 911 or get to an emergency room.

Severe Symptoms of DTs include:
• Hallucinations
• High Blood Pressure
• Racing And Irregular Heartbeat
• Low-Grade Fever
• Profuse Sweating
• Severe Tremors
• Seizures
• Severe Anxiety
• Confusion And Disorientation

Prevention
Even though treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be successful, it does not treat the underlying disease, which is addiction. It’s highly recommended to follow up with treatment for alcohol dependence.
If you, or anyone you love, are struggling with addiction and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, a medical professional or expert can help you manage or treat your symptoms.