Seeking professional help at a rehab facility or specialized programs like those offered by us here at PH Wellness can provide the necessary support to manage these symptoms effectively. Through medical care, therapy, and holistic treatments, we aim to alleviate symptoms and address the root causes of addiction. They also offer structured environments where individuals can focus on healing without the distractions or triggers of everyday life.
Additionally, building a robust social support networkโthrough therapy, peer groups, and family involvementโplays a vital role in helping individuals navigate the challenges of withdrawal. Comprehensive care that addresses both the psychological and physical symptoms is key to a successful recovery and long-term wellness.
What Causes Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms?
Psychological withdrawal symptoms are caused by complex changes in brain chemistry that occur with long-term substance abuse. Here’s an overview:
- The brain adapts to the constant presence of a drug or alcohol, altering neurotransmitter levels and communication pathways to compensate. Neurotransmitters impacted include dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate.
- When substance use stops, these brain adaptations cause imbalances as the system struggles to readjust. This leads to the emergence of withdrawal symptoms.
- Both physical and psychological factors play important and interrelated roles in this process. Psychological symptoms can be just as disruptive as physical ones.
Withdrawal symptoms depend on several different factors such as the substance in use, length of time you are using, the age of the user, as well as any co-occurring disorders. According to SAMHSA, psychological symptoms may not be severe for every addict who is undergoing the process of withdrawal, however for those with a history of trauma or mental health issues the feelings may be a bit more extreme.
Common Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the most common psychological drug withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness
- Irritability, emotional volatility, angry outbursts
- Sadness, lack of motivation, fatigue
- Difficulty experiencing pleasure or joy
- Sleep disturbances, appetite changes
- Intense substance cravings
- Impaired cognition, concentration, memory
- Mood swings, emotional overreaction
- Social isolation, loneliness
- Low self-esteem, lack of confidence
More severe psychological symptoms also exist, which may require medical attention, like hallucinations, delusions, suicidal ideation, and self-harm tendencies. These require urgent medical care. The timeline and duration of symptoms can vary significantly by substance. According to the NCBI, psychological symptoms may persist for weeks to months during protracted withdrawal.
Risk Factors and Dangers
Certain factors can heighten the severity of both physical and mental symptoms during the withdrawal process, particularly the psychological aspects:
- Underlying mental illness or trauma history
- Prior unsuccessful withdrawal attempts
- Polysubstance abuse
- High-dose, long-term, or IV drug use
- Lack of a social or recovery support system
Unmanaged physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms can lead to serious dangers, including:
- Increased risk of relapse without proper support
- Self-harm behaviors and heightened suicide risk
- Severe depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), which can prolong recovery
- Impaired functioning and reduced quality of life
The combination of physical withdrawal symptoms and psychological distress underscores the importance of seeking professional medical help. A supervised detox can ensure safety while addressing both physical and mental symptoms comprehensively, reducing risks and supporting long-term recovery.
The timeline of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance involved in drug misuse. However, it typically follows three general phases:
Acute Withdrawal Phase
- Begins within hours to days after the last use.
- Characterized by the most intense physical symptoms and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
- Can include severe cravings, anxiety, irritability, and other signs of physical drug addiction.
- Duration lasts from several days to weeks, depending on the substance.
- Substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines have the quickest onset of withdrawal.
Protracted Withdrawal Phase
- Occurs after the acute phase.
- Symptoms are less severe but still persist, such as depression, cravings, fatigue, and insomnia.
- Often involves lingering physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that can disrupt daily life.
- This phase can last for weeks to months, depending on the extent of drug abuse and physical addiction.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Phase
- Begins a few months after the last use.
- Symptoms periodically resurface, including cravings, mood instability, and difficulty concentrating.
- This phase reflects the long-term effects of physical addiction and can last for 18โ24 months.
Understanding the timeline of withdrawal symptoms highlights the need for comprehensive care to address both the physical and psychological challenges of recovery from drug abuse.
Treatment Options for Psychological Withdrawal
Understanding withdrawal is crucial when addressing psychological withdrawal symptoms. Comprehensive treatment options focus on managing symptoms, addressing underlying issues, and providing long-term support. Key components include:
- Medically supervised detox to ensure safety and stability during withdrawal, especially when transitioning off substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other drugs.
- Therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness practices to address emotional problems and develop coping skills.
- Support groups and peer recovery services to build a strong recovery community and foster accountability.
- Medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and support emotional regulation when deemed necessary by medical professionals.
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, which often exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.
- Healthy coping strategies and self-care skills, including stress management, exercise, and establishing routines to support recovery.
- Follow-up treatment through aftercare programs and community support, such as services offered by American Addiction Centers, to maintain progress and prevent relapse.
An individualized treatment plan tailored to the person’s specific needs is essential for managing psychological withdrawal effectively. With the right medical support, ongoing care, and a strong recovery network, individuals can successfully overcome withdrawal and work toward lasting sobriety.
The Impact of Psychological Withdrawal
Psychological withdrawal involves a complex set of emotional and psychological symptoms stemming from substance dependence and addiction. While extremely disruptive, these symptoms can be managed with proper professional treatment and recovery support.
The most dangerous aspect of psychological withdrawal is increased relapse risk. Long-term recovery is possible by addressing all bio-psycho-social needs of a person in recovery, developing healthy coping skills, and offering compassionate support through each phase.
If you or a loved one are seeking withdrawal assistance from a recovery center, and you live or will travel to Southern California, consider ph Wellness drug detox & rehabilitation.
To learn more or to speak confidentially and at no cost with a pH Wellness intake specialist, call (888) 707-3880.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are physiological withdrawal symptoms?
Physiological withdrawal symptoms refer to the physical effects that occur when stopping drug or alcohol use, such as nausea, vomiting, tremors, sweating, and changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of emotional withdrawal?
Symptoms of emotional withdrawal include loss of interest in relationships, appearing detached or numb when with others, lack of empathy, avoidance of interactions, preferring isolation, and difficulty expressing affection.
What are the two types of withdrawal behavior?
The two main types of withdrawal are physical/physiological withdrawal and psychological/emotional withdrawal.
What are the DSM 5 withdrawal symptoms?
The DSM 5 does not list general withdrawal symptoms but has criteria for withdrawal from specific substances like alcohol, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Common symptoms include autonomic instability, tremors, nausea, and psychological distress.
Is withdrawal part of depression?
Withdrawal is not a core symptom of depression, but substance withdrawal can lead to depressive symptoms like sadness, lack of motivation, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Unmanaged withdrawal may also trigger or worsen clinical depression.
What is trauma withdrawal?
Trauma withdrawal refers to emotionally detaching from people and relationships as a way to avoid further hurt. It is a common coping mechanism among trauma survivors.
What is the physiological withdrawal state?
A physiological withdrawal state refers to the changes in physical functioning and autonomic instability that occur when someone dependent on a substance stops using it. Symptoms are wide-ranging and depend on the substance used.
Is withdrawal a symptom of anxiety?
Withdrawal itself is not a direct symptom of anxiety disorders. However, conditions like social anxiety may cause people to isolate themselves to avoid triggers. Drug withdrawal can also lead to anxiety symptoms.
Is withdrawal a negative symptom?
Yes, the various symptoms of withdrawal are inherently negative, unpleasant, and disruptive. They occur because substance dependence has altered normal brain functioning.
Do withdrawal symptoms occur as a result of psychological dependence?
Yes, while physical dependence is required for physiological withdrawal symptoms, psychological withdrawal often accompanies and exacerbates the difficult experience of stopping drug use. Psychological dependence perpetuates addiction as well.
