The Definitive Guide to Withdrawal - FREE E-Guide

[Junglechicken]

Check out this website, and download the FREE E-doc "Definitive Guide to Withdrawal".

 

www.addictionblog.org / info@addictionblog.org

 

Its nothing ground-breaking but may help some.

 

 

 

 

[Altostrata]

What about it did you find helpful, JungleChicken?

 

Please note that the Web site is a promotional one, for drug detoxification programs in the U.S. Much of the content is advertising.

[Junglechicken]

HI Alto,

 

It covers each area of WD: Benzo, Depressant, Alcohol, hard drugs....

 

Clearly sets out expected WD symptoms over a time-lapse period (1 month) using symbols for each symptom.

 

Understood that its promotional, but it's a "user friendly" guide to WD.

 

JC

[Junglechicken]

EXTRACT: "What is Withdrawal"?

People who take any psychoactive drug face the possibility to eventually become physically dependent on that drug. It can take a period of a few weeks for significant changes in the brain to occur and dependence to form.

 

People who take any psychoactive drug face the possibility to eventually become physically dependent on that drug. It can take a period of a few weeks for significant changes in the brain to occur and dependence to form.

 

What really happens?

 

The brain’s neuroplasticity gives it the ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. When a drug enters the central nervous system (CNS), the brain compensates by adjusting its activities to the chemical changes in the environment. As the brain gets used to the presence of the drug, some functions “slow down” while others “speed up”.

 

This is the body’s way of seeking balance; it wants to compensate for the chemical reactions that happen in the brain. Remove the drug…and those same processes (“slow down” and “speed up”) require time to balance out.

 

That’s withdrawal in a nutshell.

 

 

[Daisy]

Thanks Jungle. The portion you wrote was helpful.

Daisy

 

[Junglechicken]

That's good Daisy, glad its helpful.

 

I could put in the rest of the E-Guide and hope that helps too.  There is some good stuff in there.

 

JC

[Junglechicken]

EXTRACT: Why does Withdrawal occur?

 

Withdrawal Is a Brain “Shock”

People who take any psychoactive drug face the possibility to eventually become physically dependent on that drug. It can take a period of a few weeks for significant changes in the brain to occur and dependence to form.

 

What really happens?

 

The brain’s neuroplasticity gives it the ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. When a drug enters the central nervous system (CNS), the brain compensates by adjusting its activities to the chemical changes in the environment. As the brain gets used to the presence of the drug, some functions “slow down” while others “speed up”.

 

This is the body’s way of seeking balance; it wants to compen- sate for the chemical reactions that happen in the brain. Remove the drug…and those same processes (“slow down” and “speed up”) require time to balance out.

 

That’s withdrawal in a nutshell.

[Junglechicken]

What are PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?

 

What are    PAWS?

 

Symptoms of withdrawal may last for several months or even years (in some extreme cases). This condition is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and is marked by prolonged symptoms that happen after the acute phase of withdrawal ends. However, PAWS do not occur in all cases of drug cessation. It is thought that PAWS may occur most often among people with a history of excessive drug abuse that lasted for a longer period of time, such as many months or years.

 

The most commonly reported PAWS include:

Cravings

Memory problems

Irritability

Mood changes

Depression

 

 

[Junglechicken]

CNS Depressant Withdrawal

Depressants act directly on the CNS to suppress or slow down the activity of the brain and nerves, thereby creating calming effects. Used for treating anxiety and relieving pain, these drugs have a high addictive potential that can easily lead to dependence and even addiction.

The most well-known depressants include: Sleeping pills,  Alcohol Benzodiazepines Opiates & Opioids Marijuana 

 

 

 

 

 

In general, withdrawal from depressants starts when the effects of the last dose wear off. Following their onset, symptoms may persist anywhere from several days to a few weeks and even months.

 

 

NOTE HERE: Depressant withdrawal can provoke serious and life-threatening symptoms such as delirium, hallucinations, or seizures. Always consult with a prescribing or supervising doctor before you attempt to withdraw from any CNS depressant.

[Junglechicken]

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

 

 

Benzodiazepine drugs are Schedule IV Controlled Substances classified as sedatives and tranquilizers, and used to treat anxiety, panic attracts, insomnia, spasms, and seizure disorders. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Meant for short-term use for six (6) weeks or less, these drugs can be extremely habit forming. In fact, continued use of benzos can turn a short-term solution into a long-term problem.

 

When someone becomes dependent on benzodiazepines, their withdrawal produces the same effects as the conditions originally treated.

 

For example, people going through Xanax withdrawal can experience “rebound anxiety.” The severity and duration of this type of withdrawal is long and difficult, which only explains why so many people continue to use benzodiazepines just to prevent the harsh symptoms from occurring.

 

The benzo withdrawal process starts when the drug effects start to fade off, and typically reaches its peak around 24-72 hours after the last dose.

 

 

[Junglechicken]

Benzodiazepine PAWS

 

People  who  abuse  benzodiazepines  may  go  through  Post - Acute  Withdrawal   Syndrome  (PAWS)  when  they  finally  get  off  of  the  medications. Protracted symptoms can take months, and in more  severe cases,  even  years to resolve.

 

Benzo PAWS include:

 

Agitation, Anxiety, Irritability, Mood swings, lack of motivation, Depression, Sleep disorders, Dysphoria, General Malaise.

[Junglechicken]

Sleeping Pill Withdrawal

 

Sleep medications, including Ambien, Restoril, and Lunesta are highly addictive and can lead to harsh and severe withdrawal symptoms. In fact, most sleeping pills should not be used ther- apeutically for longer than a couple of weeks. People report that they experience increased problems with sleeping (rebound insomnia) after they stop using sleeping aids. This, in fact, is the main reason why people relapse and start taking these drugs again.

 

Sleeping pill withdrawal starts when the effects of the last dose diminish and the body and brain expect to receive the next scheduled dose. Withdrawal symptoms can persist for a month after you quit. In some cases, this period may last longer.

[Daisy]

I am too impaired right now to absorb so much. I will try and look at the rest later.

 

Daisy

[Junglechicken]

Ritalin and Adderall  Withdrawal

 

Prescription amphetamine medications, Ritalin and Adderall, are used in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorded (ADHD). Regular use of ADHD drugs can lead to physical dependence within weeks of daily dosing. When an individual lowers the usual dosage or abruptly stops using, they can expect to experience a particular set of withdrawal symptoms.

 

The onset of withdrawal generally occurs when drug effects have worn off and you are due for the next scheduled dosing. Withdrawal symptoms may last from a few days up to several weeks.

 

 

[Junglechicken]

1 minute ago, Daisy said:

I am too impaired right now to absorb so much. I will try and look at the rest later.

 

Daisy

 

That's ok Daisy, glad you're finding this helpful though.

 

JC

[Junglechicken]

Ritalin and Adderall PAWS

Withdrawal from drugs used to treat ADHD will be unique for each individual. The duration and severity of withdrawal depend on various factors such as your age, general health, dosage amount, and length of use. Moreover, people who abuse ADHD drugs may go through prolonged withdrawal process known as PAWS. This set of symptoms can last for several months, and may include the following:

[Junglechicken]

The First Step To Recovery

The process of detoxification is the first step towards recovery. It’s the process of allowing any drug or alcohol toxins to leave the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. Medically supervised detox is especially recommended if you are with- drawing from alcohol, opiates, or benzodiazepines...which can be fatal.

 

Although every drug withdrawal is different, the medical detox process follows a more-or-less similar pattern. Detox can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis and usually includes 3 stages:

 

Intake assessment Physical stabilization Transitioning to treatment

 

Here, we outline what happens and what you can expect when you check into a detox clinic at every step of the way.