What is drug withdrawal?
A person with drug withdrawal has suddenly stopped drugs after taking them regularly for a prolonged time. Drug withdrawal occurs because the body is physically dependent on the effects of a drug. When the drug is stopped, the body must adjust to the absence of the drug. Nerves throughout the body become excessively stimulated without the drug, which causes the symptoms of drug withdrawal.

What are the symptoms of drug withdrawal?
Symptoms of mild drug withdrawal include anxiousness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, headache, nausea, tremors, and vomiting. Symptoms of serious drug withdrawal include rapid pulse, fever, palpitations, excessive sweating, difficulty walking, rapid breathing, hallucinations, confusion, and seizures.

How does the doctor treat drug withdrawal?
Treatment depends on the class of drug that is causing the withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for drug withdrawal includes: mental health counseling, social services, support groups, drug detoxification, and medications to curb withdrawal symptoms.