SYMPTOMS OF WITHDRAWAL

One of the questions often asked our admissions counselors by a substance abuser or a member of his or her family is, "What will I feel during my detox at Novus?" There is no easy answer to the question because each of us has unique DNA, so therefore the way that we metabolize the abused substance and how our bodies handle the metabolized substance differs widely. People taking the same dosage of the same substance experience dramatically different withdrawal symptoms-from almost no withdrawal symptoms to more severe and potentially unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

We can only assure our patients that what they experience at Novus will be much less traumatic than anything they would have experienced if they tried to withdraw on their own or at most other facilities.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ("SAMSHA"), the division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services whose mission is to address the substance abuse problems in the U.S, has provided some signs and symptoms associated with withdrawal from various drugs. At Novus, we have observed many of our patients as they experience some of these symptoms to a greater or lesser degree, and thought that it would be helpful information to share with you. 

Signs and Symptoms of the Acute Phase of Alcohol Withdrawal

· Restlessness, irritability, anxiety, agitation

·Anorexia (lack of appetitie)

· Nausea, vomiting

· Tremors, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure 

· Insomnia, intense dreaming, nightmares

· Impaired concentration, memory, and judgment

· Increased sensitivity to sounds, alteration in tactile sensations

· Delirium (disorientation to time, place, situation)

· Hallucinations (auditory, visual, or tactile)

· Delusions (usually paranoid)

· Grand mal seizures (a loss of consciousness usually with violent muscle contractions)

· Elevated temperature

Signs and Symptoms of Opiate (e.g. OxyContin & heroin) Withdrawal

Early Signs and Symptoms

-Anxiety

·Increased respiratory rate

·Sweating

·Lacrimation (tearing or crying)

·Yawning

·Rhinorrhea (runny nose)

·Piloerection (goosebumps)

·Restlessness

·Anorexia

·Irritability

·Dilated pupils (larger than normal pupils)

Advanced Signs and Symptoms

·Insomnia

·Nausea and vomiting

·Diarrhea

·Weakness

·Abdominal cramps

·Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

·Hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure)

·Muscle spasms

·Muscle and bone pain

Signs and Symptoms of High-Dose Benzodiazepine (e.g. Xanax & Valium)Withdrawal

·anxiety

·tremors

·nightmares

·insomnia

·anorexia

·nausea

·vomiting

·orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing)

·seizures

·delirium (extreme restlessness, confusion and sometimes delusions)

·hyperpyrexia (high fever)

Withdrawal from Stimulants (Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Amphetamines and Methamphetamines

The two most commonly abused stimulants are cocaine and methamphetamine. Intermittent binge use of both substances is common. While the withdrawal symptoms that occur after a 2- to 3-day binge are different in intensity than those that occur after chronic, high-dose use, they are similar.

Signs and Symptoms of withdrawal from stimulants are:

· dysphoria (depression)

· irritability

· difficulty sleeping

· intense dreaming

Marijuana

There are few signs and symptoms associated with with­drawal from marijuana. Some patients are irritable and have difficulty sleeping for a few days when they discontinue chronic use of marijuana. Persons withdrawing from marijuana, like those withdrawing from cocaine and other alcohol and drugs, benefit from a supportive environment during detoxification.

Drugs that do not produce a withdrawal symptoms

Chronic use of PCP can cause a toxic psychosis that takes days or weeks to clear; however, PCP does not have a withdrawal syndrome. LSD, DMT, and ecstasy do not produce physical dependence.

How to use this information

Francis Bacon, considered the founder of the scientific method for research and analysis, often said, "Knowledge is power." The more knowledge that you have about how a person may react to withdrawal from abused substances, the more ability that you have to understand what courage it often takes for a person to confront stopping the use of the substance. Once you understand what the substance abuser is possibly facing, then you will be more able to help your friend or loved one confront getting off the substance that is ruining their lives. 

At Novus, our protocol, location, people and skill will make the withdrawal as easy as possible but, because of everyone's unique DNA and how we metabolize substances, the actual degree of withdrawal symptoms that any given person is going to experience are not possible to establish in advance. The only thing for sure is that, off the abused substances, the person has the opportunity for a much better life.