Withdrawal Symptoms of Drug Addiction
The first step of getting treatment for drug addiction is clearing the toxic substances from your body. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cautions that it can be difficult for most people with a substance use disorder to stop using drugs on their own because they can begin to feel very sick, which is a phenomenon called withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms vary based on the kind of substance you have been using. However, it is common to experience the following withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs:
- Sweating and hot flashes
- Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle cramps or aches
- Rapid heart rate or increased blood pressure
- Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes
Depending on the type of substances you have been ingesting, your body may need support during the withdrawal period with the use of specific medications. Some types of withdrawal can be dangerous or even fatal, so getting supervision during the withdrawal period is key.