Are you ready for a change? Well, it’s going to be a bit challenging because of substance withdrawal symptoms as well as psychological factors.

Almost every drug is intense, and it is hard for an addicted person to get rid of their substance abuse disorder. So it is entirely rational if things on your end are taking some time. Understandably, choosing to do what is right for you is no easy task, but it is also not impossible.

If you are thinking of getting over your drug addiction problem, then it is time for you to quit. You have already made up fifty percent of effort in your mind. Now, you have to dedicatedly put efforts to accomplish positive results.

However, it is noted that individuals who exclude drug substances from their routines often experience substance withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be emotionally, psychologically, and physically painful. Changes in a routine mean a new adjustment is being made.

Your body is functioning the same way, but something feels disturbing and irritating. So if you have been using drugs regularly, your body needs to learn to function without these substances. Clearly, you are going to experience common substance withdrawal signs and symptoms.

But, you don’t have to lose hope, these issues won’t last forever. There are effective coping strategies to help you go through this situation. Read on for more information.

Physical and Mental Substance Withdrawal Symptoms

Every drug is different, and you can expect various physical and mental symptoms, depending on what drug you are addicted to. Some drugs produce fewer physical withdrawals but more mental withdrawals. And vice versa.

Besides, every addicted individual has different physical and mental patterns. Some have to go through severe withdrawal symptoms, while some others are strong enough to cope with the situation effectively.

Here, I’ve listed down common physical, mental, and emotional withdrawal symptoms that you can expect during your first stage of recovery.

6 Physical Symptoms

Head: You may feel constant headaches and dizziness.

Chest: You may feel difficulty in breathing. Besides, you can expect sudden chest tightness sometimes.

Heart: Drug addicts also exhibit an increase in heart rate, palpitations, or skipped beats during their first stage of recovery. Perhaps, you might have to go through the same symptoms.



GI: GI is referred to the gastrointestinal symptoms. They include stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. As your body is going through a new change, you may experience some GI symptoms.

Muscles: This physical symptom is prevalent among people who are trying to get rid of substance use disorder. It is expected that you may have severe muscle tension, shakes, body aches, twitches, tremors, etc.

Skin: Lastly, you might feel a lot of sweating and tingling.

4 Mental & Emotional Symptoms

Apart from physical symptoms, you might struggle with the psychological symptoms of substance withdrawal. I understand that these symptoms will be hard for you to tackle, but your efforts will be worth the results.

Anxiety: You may experience anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, and restlessness.

Depression: You can expect a lack of life enjoyment, social isolation, loss of appetite, and constant fatigue caused by depression.

Sleep: It is undeniable that most people suffer from insomnia during their initial stages of addiction recovery treatments. So it is certain that you may face difficulty in falling or staying asleep.

Cognitive decline: During the initial stage of your recovery, you may experience some cognitive symptoms, such as poor concentration and memory loss.

Dangerous Symptoms

Suddenly quitting drug substances can lead to stroke, heart attack, or seizures in high-risk addicted individuals. Hence, medically approved detox is recommended for such patients to mitigate the potential risks of complications. This will help minimize their drug withdrawal symptoms too.

So if you have been on intense drugs for many years, you can expect the following withdrawals:

  • Grand mal seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Stroke or heart attack
  • Delirium tremens (DTs)

Therefore, it is advised for you to seek medical help to prevent these potentially dangerous scenarios.

How to Effectively Manage Substance Withdrawal Symptoms?

If you are wondering how to deal with your withdrawal symptoms, then, there is hope for you. Look at the below medical and non-medical approaches that will help you make a positive change in your life.

Attend Medical Detox Program

First and foremost, you need to seek the professional support of rehab centers to help you with your recovery effort. In most cases, this is the only way to manage your physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms.

Eat Healthy Diet

Secondly, you have to set a healthy diet routine. Try to eat more green vegetables and fresh fruits. You must distance yourself from alcoholic and other toxic drinks, which have the potential to ramp up your triggers. Make sure to consume well-balanced and nutritious meals.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is good for your body and mind. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Not only is hydration beneficial for your overall wellbeing, but it is also an effective method to cope with withdrawals during the post-recovery stages.

Create a Sleep Routine and Stick to It

Understandably, addicts have to stay away from insomnia. Thus, it is a good idea for your emotional health to create a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it. The more high-quality rest you get, the more control you have over your mood swings and cravings.

Exercise Regularly

You must attempt to include light exercise in your routine, for example, yoga, walking, muscle stretches, and mindfulness meditation. Exercise does wonders for your mental and physical health but also helps you deal with your substance withdrawals.

Spend Time with Your Loved Ones

What is better than spending quality time with your family and loved ones? This is an instant way to make you happier, boost your energy, mitigate your mood swings, and make you feel relaxed. The support of your family is one of the key components of your fastest recovery.

Join a Support Group

Lastly, you can join a support group as communication with people who are going through similar challenges will make you feel sober and will help you go back to a healthy life.

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