Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTreatmentHow to CopeHow to HelpFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Treatment

How to Cope

How to Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearly 20% of people in the United States have used recreational drugs and over 20 million people over the age of 12 in the United States experience asubstance use disorder.While people may want to stop using drugs, it can be difficult. Substance withdrawal—a syndrome with physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms that happens when a person stops using a substance after regular use—is one reason people struggle with this.

Despite the dangers and consequences of drug use, many people try substances such asalcohol,marijuana,heroin, andcocaine. While people of any gender experience substance misuse, it is more common among cisgender males.It can be challenging to stop using substances, especially after heavy or long-term use, because of substance withdrawal.

Learn more about substance use and withdrawal, symptoms, treatment, how to cope, and how to help someone going through withdrawal.

What Is Substance Use Disorder?A medical condition that involves overuse or misuse of a substance such as prescription or recreational drug, alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine.

What Is Substance Use Disorder?

A medical condition that involves overuse or misuse of a substance such as prescription or recreational drug, alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine.

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two women in a support group giving each other a hug

Symptoms of Substance Withdrawal

Symptoms of substance withdrawal depend on the substance used. People may experience physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms when discontinuing substances.These symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the person, their history of use, and the substance or substances used.

Make sure to talk with a healthcare provider before going through a substance detox (stopping use of a substance). In some cases, the process can be dangerous, as there are potential complications.

Alcohol

Over half of Americans aged 12 and older are considered current alcohol users, classified as drinking within the past month, and 15 million people experiencealcohol use disorder(AUD).

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal range from mild to severe.Delirium tremens (DTs)is a severe symptom of alcohol withdrawal involving extreme agitation, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, disorientation, tremors, sweating, increased heart rate, increased body temperature, andhigh blood pressurethat can be fatal.The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can last days or weeks.

Other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include:

Heroin

Heroin is a highlyaddictiveopioid drug made from morphine, a mind-altering substance taken from the opium poppy plant. Heroin impacts the way a person feels pleasure and pain. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and changing these sensations.

It is possible to overdose on heroin, which is when the use of the substance causes a reaction that can be fatal.Roughly 15,000 people die from heroin-related overdose each year.

Most heroinwithdrawal symptomsend after a week, but some can last for months or years.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms may include:

Cocaine

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that increasesdopamine(the “happy” chemical in the brain). This impacts the reward system and the way a person feels pleasure.Roughly 5.5 million Americans use cocaine each year, making it the second most used recreational drug in the U.S. following marijuana.Cocaine is highly toxic, even in small doses, and can cause acute cardiovascular or cerebrovascular emergencies and seizures.

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. While marijuana is usedmedicinallyfor certain medical conditions, it can also negatively impact brain development, including thinking, memory, and learning.Mostmarijuana withdrawalsymptoms go away after two weeks, but some can last months.

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms may include:

Withdrawal treatment depends on the substance used, the severity of the symptoms, and the needs of the person going through withdrawal.

Treatment options for withdrawal may include:

Drug Addiction: Understanding the Patterns, Effects, and Treatment Options

Coping with substance withdrawal and addiction can be a challenge. However, it does not have to be faced alone.Support groupsare available for addiction and even for addiction to specific substances such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Additionally, there are things that can be done at home to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal, such as eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Tips for coping with substance withdrawal:

How to Properly Dispose of Your Drugs

Substance Use HelplineIf you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

Substance Use Helpline

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

People experiencing addiction and going through substance withdrawal can benefit from the support of friends and family. This support can help with both the physical symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological side of addiction.

Many friends and family members of people who use substances want to help but are hesitant for various reasons or do not know where to start. Support is available for friends and family members through organizations such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon.

Tips to help someone going through addiction or withdrawal:

Summary

Substance misuse and addiction are serious health concerns. Withdrawal happens when a person who has become reliant on a substance discontinues the use of that substance.

The symptoms of withdrawal can be both physical and psychological, and range from mild to severe depending on the substance, the person, and the history of use. For example, delirium tremens is a severe, life-threatening symptom of alcohol withdrawal that involves tremors and disorientation.

While safe withdrawal may be possible at home, medical intervention may be needed to provide medications and life-saving support. Many people in recovery also find support groups to be a helpful resource to lean on.

A Word From Verywell

Substance addiction and withdrawal are challenging for those who use substances, as well as for those around them, including friends and family members. 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. Reach out to a healthcare provider, such as a primary care practitioner, psychologist, or addiction specialist for support.

Frequently Asked QuestionsDrugs are addictive because they change the way people feel and think. For example, drug use may change the way a person feels pleasure and train the brain to continue using the substance so they can continue to feel that way, essentially making the person think that the way the feel with the drug is normal and without it is bad.Learn MoreThe Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and BodyHeroine, cocaine, and alcohol are three of the most addictive substances.Learn MoreThe Most Common Addictive DrugsDepending on the substance, drug withdrawal can last days, usually three to five days, or longer. While the physical withdrawal symptoms generally go away within a week to 10 days, emotional symptoms can last longer.

Drugs are addictive because they change the way people feel and think. For example, drug use may change the way a person feels pleasure and train the brain to continue using the substance so they can continue to feel that way, essentially making the person think that the way the feel with the drug is normal and without it is bad.Learn MoreThe Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body

Drugs are addictive because they change the way people feel and think. For example, drug use may change the way a person feels pleasure and train the brain to continue using the substance so they can continue to feel that way, essentially making the person think that the way the feel with the drug is normal and without it is bad.

Learn MoreThe Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body

Heroine, cocaine, and alcohol are three of the most addictive substances.Learn MoreThe Most Common Addictive Drugs

Heroine, cocaine, and alcohol are three of the most addictive substances.

Learn MoreThe Most Common Addictive Drugs

Depending on the substance, drug withdrawal can last days, usually three to five days, or longer. While the physical withdrawal symptoms generally go away within a week to 10 days, emotional symptoms can last longer.

12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.2017.05.014National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana drug facts.Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 4, Withdrawal Management.Fishman M, Tirado C, Alam D, Gullo K, Clinch T, Gorodetzky CW.Safety and efficacy of lofexidine for medically managed opioid withdrawal: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Addiction Medicine. 2019;13(3):169-176. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000000474Alcohol and Drug Foundation.Home-based withdrawal.University of Rochester Medical Center.Helping a friend with an addiction.

12 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.2017.05.014National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana drug facts.Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 4, Withdrawal Management.Fishman M, Tirado C, Alam D, Gullo K, Clinch T, Gorodetzky CW.Safety and efficacy of lofexidine for medically managed opioid withdrawal: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Addiction Medicine. 2019;13(3):169-176. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000000474Alcohol and Drug Foundation.Home-based withdrawal.University of Rochester Medical Center.Helping a friend with an addiction.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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.2017.05.014National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana drug facts.Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 4, Withdrawal Management.Fishman M, Tirado C, Alam D, Gullo K, Clinch T, Gorodetzky CW.Safety and efficacy of lofexidine for medically managed opioid withdrawal: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Addiction Medicine. 2019;13(3):169-176. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000000474Alcohol and Drug Foundation.Home-based withdrawal.University of Rochester Medical Center.Helping a friend with an addiction.

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 Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 4, Withdrawal Management.

Fishman M, Tirado C, Alam D, Gullo K, Clinch T, Gorodetzky CW.Safety and efficacy of lofexidine for medically managed opioid withdrawal: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of Addiction Medicine. 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.

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