For anyone struggling with drug addiction, getting the help you need is a must. It can literally be the difference between life and death.
The first step, after recognising you have a problem is to go through withdrawal. While some prefer to do this independently, it is well worth seeking out the best drug rehab centre near you in order to get professional help and limit the risks that come with drug withdrawal.
Throughout your journey to recovery, understanding what’s going to happen at each stage can be really valuable, and that’s definitely the case with the detox process. So, here are the stages of drug withdrawal you should know about and what will happen at each point…
Early or acute withdrawal stage
The first stage of withdrawal typically begins within hours to a few days after the last dose, depending on the substance. During this stage, the body reacts to the absence of the drug, which it has come to rely on for normal functioning. Symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, nausea, sweating, tremors, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. These early symptoms are often uncomfortable and distressing, but they generally indicate that the body is beginning to readjust. Medical supervision during this stage is important, particularly for substances such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, which can cause severe or life-threatening complications.
Peak withdrawal stage
Following the early stage, withdrawal symptoms typically intensify and reach their peak, often within two to five days for many substances. This is when the most severe physical and psychological effects are experienced. Common symptoms include severe cravings, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings. Some drugs, such as opioids, may produce intense flu-like symptoms, while alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can trigger seizures or delirium tremens in severe cases. Supportive care, hydration, and, in some instances, medication are essential during this stage to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Post-acute withdrawal stage
After the peak stage, withdrawal typically enters a post-acute phase, which can last weeks or even months. Physical symptoms generally subside, but psychological and emotional symptoms may persist. These can include anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and strong cravings for the substance. Post-acute withdrawal is often unpredictable, with symptoms fluctuating in intensity. During this stage, ongoing support from therapy, support groups, and medical professionals is crucial to prevent relapse and address underlying mental health issues.
Psychological withdrawal and cravings
While physical withdrawal often resolves within days to weeks, psychological withdrawal can be more prolonged. Cravings and triggers can be powerful and persistent, making the individual vulnerable to relapse. Environmental cues, stress, or social situations associated with past drug use may provoke strong urges to use the substance again. Developing coping strategies, such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and supportive social networks, is vital to navigating this stage successfully. Understanding that cravings are a natural part of recovery helps individuals manage them without feeling discouraged.
Long-term recovery and maintenance
The final stage of withdrawal is ongoing recovery, which involves maintaining abstinence and rebuilding life without reliance on the substance. Although withdrawal symptoms may have subsided, recovery is a lifelong process that includes addressing behavioural patterns, psychological health, and social factors that contributed to addiction. Supportive interventions such as counselling, family therapy, peer support groups, and relapse prevention strategies play a critical role in sustaining recovery. Long-term maintenance helps individuals develop resilience, coping mechanisms, and a sense of purpose, reducing the likelihood of returning to substance use.
