Before anyone really gets into therapy, starts attending groups, or begins working through recovery goals, there’s usually one thing that has to happen first. The body needs time to clean itself out. That’s detox. It’s the point where drugs or alcohol stop coming in, and your system has to figure out how to function without them. This is also when withdrawal symptoms tend to show up.
What that looks like depends on the person. One person might feel restless and have trouble sleeping. Someone else might deal with nausea, shaky hands, or a deep sense that something just feels wrong. It’s different for everyone, but it’s rarely easy.
This part catches a lot of people off guard. They might feel ready to stop, ready to move forward, but once their body starts reacting, it can feel like too much too fast. That doesn’t mean they’re not serious or that they aren’t trying. It just means that withdrawal is often harder than expected. And because of that, some people slip back into using before they’ve even had a real shot at starting fresh.
What Are Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are what happen when your body starts getting used to life without drugs or alcohol. Over time, substances can mess with how your brain and body function. They affect things like sleep, mood, appetite, and even how you handle stress. When you stop using, your system doesn’t just reset right away.
Instead, it pushes back. The way that looks or feels depends on what you’ve been using, how long you’ve been using it, and how much your body relies on it. Some people go through mild symptoms, while others feel it much more intensely.
There are physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, shaking, headaches, and body aches. Then there are mental ones, which can include anxiety, trouble sleeping, irritability, or feeling really low.
These symptoms are real. They’re not in your head, and they’re not being blown out of proportion. But even when they’re tough, they don’t last forever. With the right support during detox, they can be managed and treated in a way that makes the process safer and easier to get through.
Alcohol Withdrawal:
It’s easy to assume that alcohol withdrawal is no worse than a rough morning after a night out. In truth, it can be far more severe. The symptoms can begin within just six hours after your last drink, and depending on the severity of alcohol use, they can escalate quickly.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Shaking or tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Clammy skin and excessive sweating
- Anxiety or panic
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Hallucinations (visual or auditory)
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal without medical support
Alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable. Some people experience mostly emotional discomfort, while others go through terrifying and dangerous episodes like DTs. This is why detoxing from alcohol should never be done alone or without medical supervision.
At North Star Treatment, we take these risks seriously. Our medical team offers around-the-clock support to minimize suffering and respond immediately to any medical emergency.
Drug Withdrawal:
Withdrawal symptoms aren’t universal. Each substance affects the body in its own way, meaning each type of withdrawal has its own challenges. Here’s what to expect depending on the substance.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioids include drugs like heroin, fentanyl, morphine, and prescription painkillers (such as oxycodone or hydrocodone). Opioid withdrawal is notorious for how physically uncomfortable it is—even though it’s not usually life-threatening.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms:
- Intense muscle and bone pain
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Restlessness and pacing
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Dilated pupils and watery eyes
- Cravings that feel unbearable
The symptoms often begin within 8–12 hours after the last dose and tend to peak around the 72-hour mark. It’s a long few days, but with medication-assisted detox and supportive care, it’s far more manageable.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzos like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. But quitting them abruptly after prolonged use can cause severe symptoms—some of which can be deadly.
Symptoms may include:
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Intense anxiety
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Muscle stiffness and aches
- Depression
Benzo withdrawal is complex and must be done gradually, with close supervision. At North Star Treatment, we use tapering protocols that help reduce the risk of seizures and serious rebound effects.
Stimulant Withdrawal
Cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs like Adderall fall into this category. These substances speed up the nervous system; when you stop using them, everything slows down—sometimes too much.
What you might experience:
- Crashing fatigue
- Deep depression
- Slowed thought processes
- Increased appetite
- Vivid, disturbing dreams
- Strong psychological cravings
While stimulant withdrawal isn’t typically dangerous in a physical sense, the emotional impact can be intense. People may feel hopeless or disconnected, and some experience suicidal thoughts. That’s why emotional support and close monitoring are critical during detox.
How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
There’s no universal timeline, but most withdrawal phases follow a general pattern. Here’s what you might expect depending on the substance:
- Alcohol: Symptoms usually start within 6–12 hours, peak at 24–72 hours, and can last up to a week. Long-term drinkers might deal with lingering effects like insomnia or anxiety for several weeks.
- Opioids: Acute withdrawal kicks in around 8–12 hours, peaks at 48–72 hours, and resolves within 5–10 days. Post-acute symptoms like fatigue or anxiety may linger longer.
- Benzodiazepines: Symptoms often start 1–4 days after the last dose. Acute symptoms can last two weeks or more, with milder effects dragging out for months.
- Stimulants: Symptoms can start within a few hours, peak within a few days, and typically resolve within 1–2 weeks. Mood issues can persist for longer in some people.
This early phase—when the worst symptoms hit—is when most people are at risk of giving up. That’s where professional detox makes all the difference.
Why Medical Detox Matters
Detox isn’t just about stopping drug or alcohol use—it’s about doing it safely. At North Star Treatment, we provide medical detox services that address both the physical and emotional aspects of withdrawal.
You don’t have to tough it out alone. Here’s what professional detox offers:
- Monitoring: Our medical team keeps a close eye on vital signs and symptoms 24/7.
- Medication support: In many cases, medications can relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
- Emotional care: Supportive counselors help manage fear, irritability, and sadness as your body adjusts.
- Nutritional guidance: Rebuilding strength often starts with replenishing what’s been lost—vitamins, minerals, and hydration.
- Seamless transition to treatment: Detox is just step one. Afterward, we help you move into the next phase of care, whether that’s residential treatment, therapy, or ongoing support.
Trying to detox at home can feel overwhelming and unsafe. With the right care, though, this process becomes less about enduring pain and more about taking real steps toward a better life.
What Helps Get Through Withdrawal Symptoms?
There isn’t a quick fix for withdrawal, but there are ways to get through it without making things harder than they need to be. Drinking water throughout the day can really make a difference, especially if you’re sweating a lot or feeling sick to your stomach. Sleep might not come easily, but resting whenever you can helps your body start to repair itself, even if it’s just for short stretches.
It’s also important to talk to someone. That might be a medical provider, a counselor, or someone you trust who can help you stay grounded when things feel off. Being around familiar places or people connected to drug or alcohol use can make everything harder, so giving yourself a little space from those situations can help keep you on track.
More than anything, remind yourself that struggling is part of the process. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Withdrawal is your body trying to reset after a long period of dependence, and while it can feel rough, it’s also a sign that something is shifting for the better. You don’t need to push through it alone.
Call North Star Treatment Today
Withdrawal symptoms can be intense, but they are also temporary. With support, compassion, and the right kind of medical oversight, detox becomes a door to something better.
At North Star Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, we offer care that meets you exactly where you are. Our detox programs are safe, supportive, and grounded in real-world experience. Whether you’re dealing with alcohol withdrawal, drug withdrawal, or simply unsure what comes next, we’ll help you take that first step with confidence.
If you found this post helpful, consider sharing it. And if you’re ready to get help, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are reactions that occur when the body is adjusting to the absence of a substance it has become dependent on. They can be physical, emotional, or both.
How long do withdrawal symptoms last?
It varies based on the substance and the person. Some people recover within a week, while others experience lingering effects for several weeks or even months.
Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?
Yes. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening due to complications like seizures or delirium tremens. Professional supervision is critical.
Can I detox at home?
While some people try, it’s not recommended—especially with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Medical detox is safer and more effective.
What happens after detox?
Detox is the first phase. Afterward, ongoing treatment like residential care, therapy, and support groups help build a foundation for long-term recovery.
