Why is Withdrawal Painful?

What is Withdrawal?

Withdrawal what we call the set of physical and psychological symptoms a person experiences after they sharply reduce or stop their consumption of drugs or alcohol after a period of regular use. In Ohio, substance abuse treatment centers, like White Light Behavioral Health offer a medical detox to help offset these symptoms for safety and comfort in a structured clinical setting.

What Causes Pain and Discomfort in Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal?

The pain and discomfort of withdrawal is a direct consequence of shifts in brain and body chemistry. When a person drinks or uses certain substances regularly, especially moderate to heavy use, the brain adapts to the presence of alcohol or drugs.

Alcohol and drugs like opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines work by altering brain chemistry. The “high” these substances create is the result of the unnatural increase in certain neurotransmitters. Dopamine, which is connected to the brain’s reward center and GABA, which is responsible for relaxation among other things, are the two most commonly involved.

When the substance is suddenly removed, the brain is unable to make up the for the sudden shortfall of dopamine and other chemicals. The result is a sort of rebound effect that may include anything from pain and irritability, to depression and nausea.

Drug withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and depend on several factors.

Factors that help determine the type and severity of withdrawal include:

• The substance(s) the person has been using.
• The amount of drugs and/or alcohol consumed daily.
• How long the person has been using addictive substances continuously.
• The person’s age, physical and mental health.
• Whether or not the person is receiving treatment.

What Are The Symptoms Of Alcohol or Drug Withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms vary by substance to a certain degree.

Substances in the same or similar categories, like oxycodone and heroin, for example, typically have similar withdrawal symptoms. Some symptoms seen in many types of withdrawal include physical signs like sweating, tremors, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal issues, along with psychological symptoms such as mood changes, cravings, and trouble thinking or remembering.

More Resources on Addiction:

• Mental Health Conditions: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
• Addiction: Definition, Types, Causes, Effects, and Treatment
• The Brain of Addiction Vs. Normal Brain: Neurological Impact of Substance Use

Physical Symptoms

Physical withdrawal symptoms occur as the body adapts to functioning without the drug. Here are the common physical symptoms seen in some types of withdrawal:

• Sweating and tremors – shaking, clammy skin
• Muscle pain and spasms – aches, cramps, tension
• Gastrointestinal issues – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps
• Flu-like symptoms – chills, fever, headaches
• Sleep disturbances – insomnia, restless sleep, nightmares

Psychological Symptoms

Mental and emotional symptoms result from chemical imbalances in the brain:

• Mood changes – irritability, anger, anxiety, depression
• Intense cravings – strong urges to use the drug again
• Cognitive problems – difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory issues
• Dysphoria – general feelings of unease and dissatisfaction

Behavioral Symptoms

Changes in how people act and interact with others:

• Irritability and restlessness – inability to sit still or relax
• Social withdrawal – avoiding people and activities
• Difficulty learning new tasks – problems with coordination and skills
• Compulsive behaviors – repetitive actions or thoughts

Different Substances and Their Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms seen in withdrawal from different drugs are determined in part by which chemical changes they cause in the body.

For example, opioids work primarily on dopamine, so much of opioid withdrawal symptoms manifest from lower than normal levels of dopamine in the brain as well as the loss of the pain blocking effects caused by their binding to mu-opioid receptors.

Alcohol and benzodiazepines primarily affect GABA. GABA works to help calm the brain and nervous system.

So alcohol and benzo withdrawal are largely caused by a sudden drop in GABA activity. This drop causes an “rebound effect” which can include anxiety and tremors.

NOTE: Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be very dangerous and even fatal without proper medical support. You should never abruptly stop drinking or using benzos without medical advice.

How Long Does Drug or Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

Drug withdrawal lasts days to weeks for acute physical symptoms, but psychological effects may persist for months. Most substances produce peak withdrawal symptoms within about 3 days of stopping, with physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, and tremors resolving within 7–14 days or less for most substances.

A medical detox can substantially reduce withdrawal discomfort and shorten the window somewhat.

In some cases, such as methadone or long-term benzo use can have lengthier withdrawal periods. Psychological withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cravings often continue much longer, highlighting that drug withdrawal is not only a physical process but also a prolonged psychological challenge requiring ongoing support and treatment.

Are Detox and Withdrawal the Same?

The terms detox and withdrawal are often incorrectly used as synonyms. The fact is they are not the same.

The Difference Between Detox and Withdrawal

Withdrawal refers to the uncomfortable symptoms your body experiences when you stop the regular consumption of drugs and/or alcohol.

Detox is the medical treatment used to safely manage withdrawal symptoms in a clinical setting. Detox is supervised care that helps you get through withdrawal more comfortably with medications and support to prevent dangerous complications like the seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome or benzodiazepine use.

Will I Experience Withdrawal During Detox?

Drug and alcohol detox protocols include medications that relieve many withdrawal symptoms for your comfort and safety. However, no medical detox can promise to eliminate all discomfort.

Withdrawal is a substantial change for the body to undergo, so some discomfort, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms are to be expected.

The compassionate staff at the White Light detox are experts who make every patient as comfortable as possible. A medical detox is by far, the safest and least uncomfortable way to stop the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction so further treatment at the residential rehab and outpatient levels can help solidify recovery.

Rediscover Life at White Light Behavioral Health

Get the compassionate support you deserve. We're here to help you reclaim joy, wellness, and a brighter future.

Our Facility

What Does Withdrawal Feel Like?

Withdrawals feel like having severe flu symptoms combined with intense emotional distress and overwhelming cravings for the drug. Physical symptoms include sweating, shaking, nausea, muscle aches, and sleep problems, while psychological symptoms involve anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The intensity varies by drug type, but most people describe it as one of the most uncomfortable experiences they’ve ever endured, with symptoms that last from days to months, depending on the substance.

What Are Some Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms?

Prescription drug withdrawal symptoms include a wide range of physical and psychological effects depending on the medication class. Common symptoms from opioid prescriptions include muscle aches, nausea, sweating, anxiety, and intense cravings, while antidepressant withdrawal causes “brain zaps,” dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and mood swings. Other prescription drugs like benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, and blood pressure medications cause dangerous withdrawal effects, including seizures, rebound hypertension, and severe anxiety when stopped abruptly.