<< Back

6 Things to Know About Drug Withdrawal

July 18, 2025

If you or someone you love is going through drug withdrawals, knowing what to expect can make things a little less scary.

“Withdrawal is the body’s reaction to the absence of a substance it’s gotten used to,” explains Martin Bloch, MD, the associate medical director of the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network. “Symptoms can vary widely depending on the drug, your health and how long you’ve been using.”

Here’s what to know – and when to reach out for help.

1. Withdrawal can affect your whole body — and your emotions, too.

Drug withdrawal isn’t just physical — your emotions can be impacted too.

“Whether you’re feeling physically off or emotionally low, drug withdrawal can impact everything from your body to your mindset,” says Dr. Bloch.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Cravings and restlessness.
• Fatigue or insomnia.
• Irritability, mood swings, depression or anxiety.
• Muscle aches.
• Sweating or chills.

2. Some substances come with serious risks.

Not all withdrawals are the same.

Some might feel like a rough bout of the flu — uncomfortable, but manageable. Others can be much more serious.

“Withdrawals from alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines are especially serious,” says Dr. Bloch. “These cases often need medical support to prevent seizures, heart issues or other complications.”

3. The timeline looks different for everyone.

Withdrawal can can hit fast — sometimes just hours after your last dose.

But how it plays out isn’t the same for everyone.

“It depends on the drug, how long it’s been used and your overall health,” says Dr. Bloch. “Some people feel better in a few days. For others, it can take longer.”

> Want more health news? Text StartHere to 85209 to sign up for text alerts

4. Medical support makes withdrawal safer.

If you’re going through drug withdrawals, medical care can be helpful — and in some cases, essential.

“Medical supervision helps reduce symptoms and risks,” says Dr. Bloch. “It also makes the process more manageable, especially for substances that carry medical dangers.”

Depending on your needs, treatment options may include:

• IV fluids for dehydration.
• Medication to ease symptoms.
• Mental health support.
• Monitoring for seizures or heart issues.

5. It’s not about willpower.

Drug withdrawal is real – and not something you need to face alone.

“This isn’t a test of strength or something to try to power through,” says Dr. Bloch. “Withdrawal is complex, and having support can make all the difference.”

> Related: Is Addiction Really A Disease? 

6. Support changes everything.

The right support doesn’t just make withdrawal safer – it also makes recovery more sustainable.

“People do better when they feel supported,” says Dr. Bloch. “Whether it’s a trusted provider, rehab, a peer group or someone you trust, connection can help you get through the hard days.”

> Related: 5 Reasons You Might Want to Travel for Rehab

Here’s when to reach out.

Some drug withdrawal symptoms need immediate care.

Call your doctor or go to the ER if you or someone you love has:

• Chest pain or confusion.
• Extreme anxiety or agitation.
• Hallucinations.
• Seizures.

Physical withdrawal is just one part of this, though.

“Recovery isn’t a straight line, and you may still need help finding your footing,” says Dr. Bloch. “But when you ask for help, you’ll get the tools you need to take that first step toward a life that feels better than today.”