Drug & Alcohol Withdrawal (Symptoms, Timelines, & Treatment)

by | Oct 29, 2020 | Information

Drug & Alcohol Withdrawal FAQ | Symptoms, Timelines, & Treatment

 

As a substance abuse treatment provider we are constantly being asked questions regarding substance abuse. One of the things we are asked about most is Withdrawal. What are withdrawals? How long do withdrawals last? Are withdrawals dangerous? Can you die from withdrawal? When does withdrawal start? We have decided to put this article together in hopes of creating a reference point for those with questions regarding withdrawal or detox.

 

What is Withdrawal?

 

According to The Mayo Clinic, a non profit medical center focused on education and research, withdrawal is physical and mental symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing intake of a drug and or alcohol. The withdrawal symptoms will vary widely depending on the substance being discontinued. Withdrawal is also commonly referred to as detoxification or detox. In many cases a patient experiencing withdrawals will elect to be admitted into a medical facility specializing in withdrawal management, also known as a detoxification center or detox.

 

When Does Alcohol Withdrawal Start?

For the heaviest drinkers alcohol withdrawal can start within 5-10 hours of the last drink. This timeline will vary from person to person but in most cases withdrawal will begin within 12-24 hours of the last drink.

How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

The majority of the acute withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside after approximately 5 days.

Can You Die From Alcohol Withdrawal?

Yes. One of the potential symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is seizure, which in severe cases can lead to death. Alcohol withdrawal should always be managed by a medical professional. If you are in need of withdrawal management or detox, we are happy to connect you with one of our trusted partners.

What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Tremors
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness
  • Delirium Tremens
  • Seizure
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Chills

When Does Heroin Withdrawal Start?

In the most severe cases heroin withdrawals can start as soon as 6 hours after the last use. More commonly withdrawal symptoms begin with 12-24 hours after last use.

How Long does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

Most of the acute withdrawal symptoms will subside around 6-7 days after last use.

When does Suboxone Withdrawal Start?

Due to suboxone’s longer half life withdrawal symptoms usually take 24-36 hours to start.

How Long does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?

 

Most of the acute withdrawal symptoms will subside within 14 days.

Can You Die From Opiate Withdrawal?

 

In most cases no, while opiate withdrawal can be extremely unpleasant in the vast majority of cases it is not deadly. Regardless of that fact, it is highly recommended that you are under the care of a medical professional during opiate withdrawal. If you are in need of withdrawal management or detox, we are happy to connect you with one of our trusted partners.

What are the Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal?

Opiate withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle aches
  • Insomnia
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Lethargy
  • Headache
  • Stomach Cramping

 

When Does Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin Withdrawal Start?

  • Xanax withdrawal can begin 6-8 hours after last dose
  • Ativan withdrawal can begin 12 hours after last dose
  • Klonopin withdrawal can begin 24 hours after last dose

 

How Long does Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin Withdrawal Last?

The most acute withdrawal symptoms usually begin to subside within 7 days.

Can You Die From Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin Withdrawal?

Yes. Much like alcohol, Benzodiazepines withdrawals are known to cause seizures. You should always be under the care of a medical professional during Benzodiazepine withdrawal. If you are in need of withdrawal management or detox, we are happy to connect you with one of our trusted partners.

What are the Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Panic Attacks
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Heart palpitations
  • Headache
  • Muscle stiffness

 

Cocaine and Amphetamine withdrawal

Both cocaine and amphetamines have little to no physical withdrawal symptoms. That being said, the mental side effects can be quite severe. Some of the more common withdrawal symptoms of cocaine or amphetamines are:

  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of energy
  • Lack of pleasure
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability

Regardless of the fact that there are little to no physical withdrawal symptoms we still recommend consulting a medical professional.  If you are in need of withdrawal management or detox, we are happy to connect you with one of our trusted partners.

 

We hope this article has been both interesting and informative. Withdrawal is complex and can differ from person to person even if the substance use is very similar. If you only take away one thing from our withdrawal faq, we hope you take away the fact that withdrawal should always be done under the care of a medical professional. We are happy to connect with our trusted withdrawal management or detox partners. For more information please call us at 855-698-3554.