Withdrawal

Each voluntary or involuntary abstention of substances is called withdrawal. If a body is used to consume drugs like alcohol, nicotine, codeine, heroine, benzodiazepine or medications, an abstention can lead to withdrawal symptoms like:

• dizziness
• trembling
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• shivering
• sweating (excessively)
• tachycardia
• high blood pressure
• pain in the back and legs
• cramps

Voluntary abstention may be supported by daily reduced doses of the substance. A relapse is a high risk. Statistically a cold turkey abstention is the most effective, if the patient is willing to give up drugs completely. The patient can be supported by receiving medications such as methadone to make the abstention a little easier. Professional medical and psychological attendance is absolutely important during a withdrawal treatment.