What Is Substance Use Disorder?
FatCamera / Getty Images
Symptoms of Substance Withdrawal
Symptoms of substance withdrawal depend on the substance used.
In some cases, the process can be dangerous, as there are potential complications.
FatCamera / Getty Images
Heroin impacts the way a person feels pleasure and pain.
It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and changing these sensations.
Most heroinwithdrawal symptomsend after a week, but some can last for months or years.
While most cocaine withdrawal symptoms go away after a week to 10 days, some symptoms may last years.
Cocaine withdrawal symptoms may include:
Marijuana
Marijuana is a drug made from thecannabishemp plant.
Marijuana containstetrahydrocannabinol(THC), which causes its psychoactive effects.
This support can help with both the physical symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological side of addiction.
Support is available for friends and family members through organizations such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon.
Withdrawal happens when a person who has become reliant on a substance discontinues the use of that substance.
For example, delirium tremens is a severe, life-threatening symptom of alcohol withdrawal that involves tremors and disorientation.
Many people in recovery also find support groups to be a helpful resource to lean on.
If you are someone you know is experiencing substance addiction or withdrawal, help is available.
There are things that can be done to make the process easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drugs are addictive because they change the way people feel and think.
Heroine, cocaine, and alcohol are three of the most addictive substances.
Depending on the substance, drug withdrawal can last days, usually three to five days, or longer.
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.Drug abuse statistics.
American Psychological Association.Substance withdrawal.
American Psychological Association.Delirium tremens (DTs).
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Heroin drug facts.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Overdose death rates.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Cocaine drug facts.
Havakuk O, Rezkalla SH, Kloner RA.The cardiovascular effects of cocaine.J Am Coll Cardiol.
2017;70(1):101-113. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.05.014
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana drug facts.
Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed tweaks.
Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009.
4, Withdrawal Management.
2019;13(3):169-176. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000000474
Alcohol and Drug Foundation.Home-based withdrawal.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Helping a friend with an addiction.
