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Today, many people suffer from withdrawal symptoms . This refers to the set of symptoms produced by the body, which depends physically and mentally on a substance that has been abruptly withdrawn . This subtraction of the substance can occur in order to end total consumption directly or to gradually reduce consumption .

Normally, when a person is withdrawn, the consumption of a substance is due to the dependence they have on it, this action being a way to eliminate the consequences that the addiction can end up generating. However, the withdrawal syndrome may also occur in those people who do not have access to that substance in question, such as those who are traveling, hospitalized, etc. And finally, a third reason that can produce this syndrome is the inability to acquire the substance on the part of the person despite wanting it. This may be due to lack of suppliers, financial capacity, or other reasons.

What are your symptoms?

Suffering, discomfort and anxiety are the main symptoms that withdrawal syndrome generates. Even so, these will depend on the type of substance that the person is needing. However, other frequent symptoms among these people are tremors, spasms, severe headaches, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, agitation or even hallucinations.

In addition, not only the type of substance but the amount and frequency of consumption to which the person was linked before stopping will also influence the symptoms. This will therefore influence the level of dependence you suffer and in turn, the difficulty in overcoming this trance. Finally, another of the consequences that this withdrawal syndrome will have will be the way of seeing the world and dealing with the different problems and situations that are presented to the person. A more negative view and even constant discomfort may try to dominate them. Therefore, there are many reasons why the person must fight to overcome this syndrome.

Is a gradual withdrawal better?

Although there are people who have done it abruptly, it is recommended by many experts to carry out a more progressive or gradual withdrawal. The reason is that the person, being dependent, could suffer nervous breakdowns or other symptoms that affect their health. This is because the substance can harm the person whether it is consumed excessively or if it is totally withdrawn from one day to the next. It is therefore essential to treat the withdrawal syndrome and its causes as something serious since it can be a danger for the person, who is going through a delicate situation. In some cases, the worst consequences can be a coma or even death.

However, you do not have to panic since, as mentioned above, it is not the same to disengage from coffee than from cocaine since one substance does not generate the same type of dependence as another.

It is necessary to let the body get used to functioning without so much substance until it works completely without it. Sometimes necessary to use substitutes such as methadone, as long as it does not occur may be the substance use but remain dangerous symptoms bay, internment in detoxification centers or hospitalization of the subject to keep it stabilized . In some cases, a subject has been put into an induced coma to have better control of the situation.

Types of withdrawal syndrome

As mentioned, there are different causes and types of substances that can cause this withdrawal syndrome. Among the most popular , widespread or well-known are:

    • Tobacco: The withdrawal syndrome caused by tobacco is one of the best known. There are many people who have gone through this bad experience since they have stopped using tobacco. Bad character, irritability, insomnia, concentration problems, excessive food consumption, anxiety … are some of its consequences. Even so, this withdrawal syndrome is one of the least dangerous or harmful.
    • Alcohol: Depending on the severity or dependence on this substance, there will be different types of more or less serious symptoms. Tachycardia, excessive sweating, insomnia, shaking hands, anxiety and even hallucinations are some of them. In the most extreme cases, death can occur.
    • Stimulants: Amphetamines, cocaine, and other stimulants fall into this category. The withdrawal syndrome to these substances causes dysphoric mood, increased appetite, fatigue, nightmares and sleep problems , among other aspects.
    • Sedatives and anxiolytics: The gradual withdrawal will help the symptoms to be less strong and therefore affect the person to a lesser extent. Even so, these can occur not only in those who use them therapeutically but also in those who do so uncontrollably. Tremors, hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, agitation or anxiety are some of the symptoms.
    • Cannabis: The consumption of this substance is very widespread, mainly among young people. Even so, the withdrawal syndrome will have its main causes mainly in those who consume daily or almost daily. Restlessness, depression, loss of appetite, nervousness and restlessness are some of the consequences of stopping its use. Also, fever, spasms, abdominal pain, or headache may also occur.
  • Caffeine: Although many people do not agree with it, experts say that frequent consumption of caffeine in a constant and prolonged way can cause great dependence on the substance. Therefore, if it were to stop being consumed, the aforementioned withdrawal syndrome would appear. For this reason, it is important not to carry out a total or abrupt cessation of it. Fatigue, sleepiness, headache, flu symptoms or irritability are some of the typical symptoms that can occur. 

Elle Mcdonald

I am Elle Mcdonald Specializations in Psychology . Graduated in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 2000. Diploma of Advanced Studies in the Department of Personality, Evaluation and psychological treatments with excellent results.

First Level of Master in Clinical Psychology at the Center for Behavioral Therapists (recognized with a scientific-professional nature by the College of Psychologists)

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