How Withdrawal Affects the Body

Drug withdrawal not only affects the physical side of the body, but the emotional and psychological aspects as well.  Working together, these fundamental aspects can create a compulsion to use that is so great, that without addiction treatment and the outside influence of others, it becomes impossible for a person to quit the addiction on their own.  This is true for any substance, regardless of addictive properties.  Even cocaine, which has mild withdrawal symptoms, is considered highly addictive because of the frequency of it's induced compulsion.

 It is essentially the user that determines the level of addiction.  Everyone is different, and chemical dependency develops for a variety of reasons that range from self esteem to perceived patterns of abuse.  Once a "drug of choice" has been established it is the addict who determines the strength of the addiction, simply by frequency of use over periods of time. 

Even a substance that has little or no withdrawal symptoms can be hard to quit, because the user has developed more than just a physical dependency upon it. Through the stimulation of the brain's award system, and attributions that are associated with use, the addict becomes dependant upon the drug mentally and emotionally.  An individual might gain confidence, self assurance, courage, wit, fearlessness, ability to communicate, endurance, and relief from anxiety or depression, through the use of drugs.

It is difficult to let go of positive reinforcement if someone generally suffers from predisposed psychological conditions.  Drug abuse is often continued in these circumstances, despite negative consequences, because the individual perceives that the reward is justified.  Essentially, this is the essence of addiction.  In these cases, it is not the fear of physical withdrawal that leads to continued use, but the loss of stimulation to sensory perceptors.  Depending upon level of addiction when drug withdrawal occurs it often is accompanied by severe depression which has worsened over time, leaving the addict more debilitated than before. 

There are many dangers that accompany drug withdrawal symptoms.  Included among the dangers are suicide, overdose, medical complications, and violent tendencies that lead to the harm of others or to the individual.  Sudden withdrawal, as stated before can cause severe depression and chronic anxiety.  This could lead to an emotional upheaval and chemical imbalance that in some instances might result in the individual taking their own life.

 Overdose is also a concern in relation to relapse after drug withdrawal.  The user becomes accustomed to a high level of toleration for the specific drug.  When the tolerance is reduced through a period of sobriety, the body can no longer metabolize the same amount of the substance, and accidental death could incur. 

In cases of prescribed medication, which generally follows the same principles, it is strictly advised that the patient does not decrease amount, or cease taking the drug without approval of their doctor.  Medication is prescribed to treat specific ailments, and sudden cessation could be deadly. 

Drug withdrawal can also cause aggression and violence in some individuals.  In cases of severe abuse, sudden withdrawal could lead to a psychotic episode, resulting in familial abuse and possible incarceration. There are drug rehabilitation treatment facilities that can assist with drug withdrawal.

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Drug Withdrawal