The exact withdrawal symptoms and timeline an individual experiences depend on a variety of factors. Primarily, the intensity of these symptoms correlates with the severity of a person’s addiction, how long they have been addicted, the type of substance they are using, and how often they use this substance. An individual’s medical history, genetic dispositions, overall health, and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions can also influence the duration of withdrawal and which symptoms they will experience. Typical symptoms of the most commonly misused drugs are outlined below.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms: Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include profuse sweating, headache, upset stomach, insomnia, congestion, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms may include abdominal cramps, anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, increased heart rate, tremors, and muscle tension.
Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms: Prescription drug withdrawal symptoms are highly dependent on the type of medication being misused. Symptoms that are common across the board include upset stomach, trouble sleeping, excessive sweating, mood swings, and feelings of anxiety.
Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms: Generally, the side effects of stimulant withdrawal include insomnia, exhaustion, agitation, increased appetite, muscle aches, and hallucinations.