Withdrawal

What is withdrawal?

Withdrawal is also known as detoxification or detox. It’s when you quit , or cut back, on using alcohol or other drugs. You may have developed a physical or psychological dependence on a drug, or both. Symptoms during withdrawal can be mild or severe, depending on:

• how long you’ve been using for
• what drug(s)
• age
• physical health
• psychological characteristics
• method of withdrawal.

Physical dependence

This is when you’ve taken a drug for a while and your body has come to rely on it to feel normal. Your body is used to functioning with the drug in your system, so if the drug isn’t taken, withdrawal symptoms will start to appear.

Psychological dependence

This is when you believe you need the drug to function. You might think that you need it for specific situations, like to be social at a party or unwind after work, or it could be all the time.

What can I expect?

Symptoms

While your body is getting used to functioning without the drug, you can experience a range of symptoms from minor to serious. Generally withdrawal feels like the opposite of the drug. For example, when withdrawing from a depressant like alcohol, you may feel restless and agitated, or have tremors.

These symptoms vary between people, and between drugs. Knowing what the symptoms are can make it easier for you or people supporting someone you care about to get through withdrawal. Find withdrawal symptoms for specific drugs.

Cravings

Cravings for the drug happen because the brain has learnt that the easiest and quickest way to feel good is by using the drug. It becomes a way of dealing with problems and avoiding bad feelings.

Cravings come and go. Sometimes they might be weak, and other times very strong. Managing cravings is very important in the long term because you might still feel them occasionally many years after you have stopped using.

Learning to manage cravings involves distraction and relaxation techniques such as reading, watching a movie, meditating or exercising. It might help to remind yourself that your brain has learned this pattern of thought over time, and you can re-train it to follow a new thought pattern.

Sometimes medication can be used to help treat withdrawal symptoms from certain drugs. This is called pharmacotherapy.

Time

Withdrawal will generally last from a few days to a few weeks, but some symptoms like cravings can continue much longer. Exactly how long depends on factors like:

• the type of drug
• how long you’ve been using it
• if you’ve been using other drugs
• your general health
• the setting you choose to withdraw in.

Is withdrawal safe?

You might need medical supervision to have a safe withdrawal. Always discuss withdrawal with your doctor or with an alcohol and other drug treatment service first, This is especially important when withdrawing from alcohol, GHB, benzodiazepines or ketamine.

Where can I go?

You need a safe and supportive environment when withdrawing. Have a discussion with your doctor, health practitioner or a drug and alcohol service for advice on which setting will be best for you. One of the following will probably be recommended:

Home-based withdrawal

Usually provided by a team including your doctor, a nurse and a support person like a friend or family member. If your withdrawal is unlikely to be complicated, this might be a good choice.

Outpatient withdrawal

If you don’t need to be admitted to a residential service, this is a good choice. It involves one-on-one consultations with a health professional over a short period, plus ongoing counselling and support.

Residential withdrawal

Typically requires 5-10 days in a residential withdrawal unit or hospital, with staff available 24 hours a day. They’ll help you during withdrawal and afterwards to avoid relapse. Some residential units won’t allow you to contact your partners, friends or family for a while. This is to help you focus on your treatment instead of worrying about what’s happening at home. It also keeps you out of contact with people who use drugs, because this can cause cravings.

How can I prepare?

It’s a good idea at this stage to plan for follow-up treatment after the withdrawal because this dramatically reduces the chance of relapse. Learn more about treatment options.