Withdrawals from quitting or reducing your illicit drug use arise as your body reacts to the sudden lack of the drug it has adapted to. This is a rough guideline on what to expect.
Remember this information is only provided as a general indication. The type and degree of withdrawals are dependent on many factors such as how long you have been using, how much and how often you use, your body weight and chemistry, and the purity of your drug.
Withdrawals are usually the opposite reaction to your drug's effect. Speed stimulates your central nervous system, so without the drug your central nervous system is depressed until your body restores its balance. Withdrawals from depressants such as heroin mean your central nervous system is stimulated until your body gets back to normal. Detox services can help you through the withdrawal process and support you in avoiding relapse.
Speed (amphetamine) withdrawal
The first stage of withdrawing from amphetamines typically lasts from 7 to 10 days, with lots of sleep, hot flushes, confusion, disorientation, paranoia, scratching skin, tactile hallucinations and mood swings. The second stage can go for another two or three weeks with extreme fatigue, irritability, depression, food cravings and prolonged restless sleep.
Heroin, other opiates and narcotics withdrawal
Withdrawals are round a week, the worst part peaking at 2 to 3 days. Symptoms can include muscle and stomach cramps, nausea, physical and nervous tension, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, yawning, tears, runny nose, irritability, depression, diarrhoea, headaches, sweating, hot and cold flushes. Although an opiate like heroin, methadone withdrawals can last many weeks and should always be done under medical supervision.
Cannabis withdrawal
Withdrawals from cannabis last around a week, but sleep disturbances may last longer. Other symptoms may include irritability, loss of appetite and consequent weight loss, nervousness, anxiety, sweating, upset stomach, chills, increased body temperature and tremors.
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