Abstinence symptom – Withdrawal
Description withdrawal syndrome
Abstinence symptom – the reaction of the human body to a sudden cessation of alcohol intake, drugs, or certain medicines. Most often it occurs, if a person alcohol or takes drugs regularly. Depending on the response of the body's withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.
Reasons for withdrawal syndrome
Withdrawal symptoms often occur after discontinuation of these drugs and substances:
- Heroin;
- Methadone;
- Amfetaminы;
- Marijuana;
- Cocaine;
- Alcohol;
- Opiates;
- Benzodiazepines;
- Barbiturates.
Risk factors
The risk of withdrawal syndrome increases with the presence of the following factors:
- Sudden discontinuation of drugs or alcohol;
- Substance abuse;
- Physical dependence on drugs or alcohol.
Withdrawal symptoms
Depending on the host before substances withdrawal syndrome may have the following symptoms:
- Marijuana – loss of appetite, chills, weight loss, trouble sleeping or sleep too long, irritability, anxiety and nervousness;
- Alcohol – tremor, hallucinations, convulsions, confusion, anxiety, Sweating, nausea;
- Barbiturates – weakness, tremor, hallucinations, loss of appetite, convulsions;
- Opioids – abdominal pain or cramping, muscle aches, panic, tremor, Sweating, nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills, irritability, creep, cold, insomnia, zevota;
- Benzodiazepines – abdominal pain or cramping, cardiopalmus, vomiting, tremor, convulsions, alarm;
- Cocaine – anxiety, feeling tired, depression;
- Amfetaminы – depression, irritability, long sleep, muscle aches, stomach ache.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is based on physical examination, analysis of blood and urine. Also, matters, any substance taken until withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment of withdrawal syndrome
Treatment of withdrawal syndrome may include the following procedures:
Detoxification
This is the first step to overcoming the withdrawal syndrome. Depending on the condition of the body and causes the syndrome, assigned treatment, allows to overcome the pernicious desire and rid the body of harmful substances.
Rehabilitation
At this stage, the most effective treatment is behavioral therapy. It consists of the following steps:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches, how to recognize and avoid situations, which can lead to substance abuse (alcohol,drugs);
- Family therapy helps strengthen the family and avoid abuses in the future;
- Motivational therapy uses positive reinforcement to prevent drug use.
Hospital treatment
Some cases of withdrawal symptoms may require a finding in-patient treatment. Its duration can be from 6 to 12 months.
Support Groups
There are different groups for socialization of former drug addicts, Alcoholics. If there is a possibility, It recommended to start a group for moral support.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of withdrawal syndrome need to do the following:
- Do not abuse alcohol and drugs;
- Inform your doctor about medication, containing narcotic substances;
- Attend a support group.
