Withdrawal (or withdrawal symptoms) in drug abuse treatment is an important stage during which the patient’s body adapts to the absence of drugs. Withdrawal symptoms can be physical and psychological and can vary depending on the type of drug and the degree of addiction. Withdrawal is always individualised, but in most cases has similar symptoms for all drug-dependent patients.
Common physical symptoms of withdrawal
The presence of withdrawal syndrome or withdrawal is first of all noticeable on the physiological side. The person experiences a pronounced need to take the next dose of drugs. This need may be manifested by the following symptoms:
- Anorexia and nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting;
- diarrhoea and stomach pain, gastrointestinal tract dysfunction;
- insomnia and constant sleepiness;
- muscle and joint pain, which may be the result of changes in the body’s neurochemistry.
During withdrawal, the addict experiences a strong physiological need to take the drug. The body refuses to obey until the desired drug enters the body. With each minute of delay, the physical symptoms become more and more unbearable for the patient. The pain becomes so severe that the body literally “breaks”, which gave the common name of drug withdrawal. Taking another dose of the drug brings temporary relief. At the same time, the dependence only increases.
Psychological symptoms of withdrawal
The need to take drugs also manifests itself psychologically. Characteristic symptoms include:
- depression and anxiety, feelings of restlessness;
- irritability and nervousness;
- a strong desire for drugs that can’t be overcome.
Psychological dependence on drugs is much stronger than physiological dependence. This is why drug addiction treatment should be conducted in an environment where it is simply impossible to get a new dose.
Withdrawal Relief Cost (Price)
| Withdrawal relief | from 3300 UAH |
| Outpatient withdrawal relief | from 3000 UAH |
Methods of withdrawal
Why does withdrawal occur? Any drug is a substance that, once in the body, directly starts to participate in metabolic processes. For example, methadone use causes the body to stop producing analgesics. When the drug is cancelled, there is severe pain, which the body has nothing to extinguish. With regular use of phene there is a disruption in the production of hormones that are responsible for good mood and high performance. Withdrawal from psychostimulants leads to depression and fatigue. All drugs cause withdrawal. And addiction to any drug requires professional treatment, which always begins with withdrawal. Withdrawal from withdrawal implies the use of several methods:
- Medication treatment – Doctors may prescribe certain medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms. For example, methadone or buprenorphine may be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent patients.
- Psychological support – therapy and counselling can help patients cope with the emotional aspects of withdrawal and develop strategies to manage it.
- Physical activity – engaging in physical activity can help reduce physical withdrawal symptoms and improve mood.
- Proper nutrition and hydration – a healthy diet and adequate water intake help to restore the balance of beneficial substances in the body.
- Participating in group support sessions and socialising with others who have been through similar difficulties.
Withdrawal is a complex process and each person may experience it differently. It is important that the patient receives support and assistance from qualified professionals during the detoxification process and onwards into drug treatment.
