What is withdrawal?

Causes and Symptoms

Withdrawal can be caused by medicines, alcohol, or illegal drugs. The factors that increase the chances of developing withdrawal symptoms are a history of substance abuse, the sudden stopping of drugs or alcohol, and physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Symptoms vary and are based on the substance used or abused. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, shaking, hallucinations, weight loss, sleeplessness, irritability, and abdominal pain and cramps.

Treatment and Therapy

There are several treatment options for withdrawal, such as detoxification and rehabilitation. Detoxification is the first step in treating substance abuse. Patients will be closely checked for signs of withdrawal and possibly be given medicines to reduce cravings. These medicines will also help with symptoms, which can be severe for withdrawal. Treatment is targeted to the specific symptoms and drugs used.

Rehabilitation is a form of treatment that uses behavioral therapy to prevent patients from using drugs or alcohol in the future. Behavior therapy may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches recovering drug users how to recognize and avoid situations that may lead to drug abuse; family therapy, which helps patients and their families to understand patterns of drug abuse and teaches strategies to avoid future abuse; and motivational therapy, which uses positive reinforcement to prevent drug use.

Sometimes, residential treatment is necessary. The typical stay is between six and twelve months. Residential facilities will instruct on how to live a drug- or alcohol-free life. In addition, recovery groups offer continued support for a drug- or alcohol-free life. Some support groups are Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Bibliography

Giannini, James A. “An Approach to Drug Abuse, Intoxication and Withdrawal.” American Family Physician 61.9 (2000): 2763–2774. Print.

Heller, Jacob L. "Opiate Withdrawal." MedlinePlus. US National Lib. of Medicine, 5 Apr. 2013. Web. 5 Nov. 2015.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. 2nd ed. Rockville, MD: US DHHS, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Publication No. 09-4180, 2009. Print.

O’Connor, Patrick G. “Methods of Detoxification and Their Role in Treating Patients with Opioid Dependence.” Journal of the American Medical Association 294.8 (2005): 961–963. Print.

Professional Guide to Diseases. 9th ed. Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008. Print.