A stereotype exists that the most dangerous drugs to detox from include street drugs like heroin and cocaine. However, the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms commonly occur in relation to alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Opioids. Opioids, such as codeine, are drugs that a doctor may prescribe to treat pain. Although these are effective for pain relief, they have a high risk of causing physical dependence if a person uses them for longer than prescribed.
Withdrawal syndrome, also known as discontinuation syndrome, occurs in individuals who have developed physiological dependence on a substance and who discontinue or reduce their use of it.
Physical dependence means that withdrawal symptoms appear if you stop the addictive substance or behaviour. Psychological addiction occurs when you believe you need the addictive substance or behaviour to function. You might think you need the substance at certain times.
Withdrawal symptoms vary according to the drug of dependence and severity of dependence, but often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, anxiety and insomnia. Table 3 provides guidance on medications for alleviating common withdrawal symptoms.
Three types of drugs are abused most often: • Opioids—prescribed for pain relief • CNS depressants—barbiturates and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers) • Stimulants—prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder ...
Examples of some drugs that cause dependence include nicotine, morphine, heroin (also known as diamorphine), cocaine, amfetamine and alcohol. Some people can also become dependent on medicines that are on prescription.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are two types of withdrawal: acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal.
Drugs or medicines may be withdrawn from commercial markets because of risks to patients, but also because of commercial reasons (e.g. lack of demand and relatively high production costs).
Stopping some medications abruptly — like beta blockers, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants — can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
A term used to describe the physical and mental symptoms that a person has when they suddenly stop or cut back the use of an addictive substance, such as opiates and opioids, nicotine products, or alcohol.
Opiates, tobacco, and alcohol are common drugs that cause physical dependency. The second kind, psychological dependency, affects a person emotionally and mentally rather than, or in addition to, physiologically.
Benzodiazepines and opioids are the two most common classes associated with drug-seeking behaviour.
Opioids (such as OxyContin and Vicodin), central nervous system depressants (such as Xanax and Valium), and stimulants (such as Concerta and Adderall) are the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Keep your brain active: puzzles, chat to friends or family, read a book or magazine, distract yourself. Exercise every day – even a short walk can do wonders for your mood. Try to limit your worrying – don't be too hard on yourself. Do something nice for another person – this can really help you feel better.
Withdrawal presents with symptoms that are the opposite of intoxication. So you will have elevated vitals, dilated pupils, rhinorrhea, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, irritability & nausea/vomiting. An odd presentation that should stick out as a buzzword to you is yawning.
Some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms you may experience after a bout of heavy drinking, (depending on what you drank and how much), can include: unusual fatigue and weakness, extreme thirst combined with a dry mouth, headache and muscle aches.