Drug withdrawal
Drug withdrawal
Drug withdrawal (pronunciation: /drʌɡ wɪðˈdrɔːl/) refers to the group of symptoms that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation or decrease in intake of medications or recreational drugs.
Etymology
The term 'withdrawal' comes from the Old English 'withdrawian', meaning 'to take back' or 'away'. In the context of drugs, it refers to the process of the body readjusting to the absence of a substance it has become dependent on.
Symptoms
The symptoms of drug withdrawal, and the length of that withdrawal, vary depending on the drug of abuse and the length of the addiction. These are a few withdrawal symptoms and timelines for some commonly abused substances:
- Opioids: Symptoms peak in the first 24 to 48 hours of withdrawal and typically subside after a week. They include mood changes, restlessness, and physical discomfort.
- Alcohol: Symptoms can last for a few weeks and may include seizures, tremors, anxiety, and hallucinations. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
- Benzodiazepines: Withdrawal symptoms may not peak for a week or more after discontinuation, and may include anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
Treatment
Treatment for drug withdrawal includes medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and support to prevent relapse. Certain drugs, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates, can be dangerous to withdraw from without medical help and medication. Other drugs, such as opioids, can be managed with medications to minimize discomfort and decrease the risk of relapse.
Related terms
- Detoxification: The process of removing toxins, in this case drugs, from the body.
- Rehabilitation: A program that helps a person to stop using drugs and to reintegrate into society.
- Relapse: A return to drug use after a period of abstinence.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Drug withdrawal
- Wikipedia's article - Drug withdrawal
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