When people decide to deal with their substance addiction, one of the most common questions they have is about the side effects they will experience as they detox. Cleansing is the vital first step to becoming healthy that occurs after a person stops using drugs or alcohol. Usually, the process begins soon after the patient arrives in rehab and is closely monitored throughout the process as the drugs or alcohol slowly leave their body.
The duration of the process will vary depending on the type of drug abuse, the level of abuse and on the physical condition of the client. Some symptoms may begin to appear within a few hours while others may take several days. The physical symptoms of withdrawal may disappear in as little as a few days, whereas the emotional symptoms, including cravings, may take much longer.
Opiate Withdrawal
A client who is experiencing the withdrawal of opiates such as Vicodin or OxyContin, will at first experience some of the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches
- Excessive sweatiness
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
- Insomnia
After a day or so, more intense symptoms may appear:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils and blurred vision
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Abdominal cramping
Alcohol Withdrawal
A client undergoing alcohol detox may initially experience:
- Mild anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Shaky hands
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
Some clients may experience hallucinations between the 12 and 24-hour marks. These hallucinations are not the same as those that may be later experienced with delirium tremens (DTs).
Withdrawal seizures may occur after the first day, although they can occasionally begin sooner. After 48 hours, DTs may occur. Some of the symptoms associated with DTs include:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Profuse sweating
- Racing or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Tremors
- Confusion, anxiety, and disorientation
Methadone Withdrawal
The initial symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Excessive sweatiness
As the detoxification continues, the client may begin to feel symptoms, not unlike those associated with the flu, including:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
The most common symptoms associated with benzo detox include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Shaky hands
- Excessive sweatiness
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating and confusion
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Heroin Withdrawal
The symptoms most commonly associated with heroin detox include:
- Dilated pupils
- Slow breathing and heart rate
- Flushed skin
- Running nose
- Teary-eyed
- Inability to focus or remain lucid
- Dry mouth
Cocaine Withdrawal
The symptoms of cocaine detoxification include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- And inability to feel pleasure
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Agitation
Some of the other physical symptoms have been compared to those one might experience during a very bad flu.
Certainly, the side effects of detox from any drug can be quite unpleasant, and the “worst” drugs will vary depending on the individual. However, that temporary discomfort is worth it to regain your health and be free of addiction. If you or a loved one needs help, give us a call today at 877-389-1135.