Drug Withdrawal Signs, Symptoms, Medication, and Treatment in Tennessee

Methadone

Methadone is commonly used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings during the detox process. This synthetic opioid agonist works by stimulating the same brain receptors as opioids but in a controlled, less intense manner. It prevents the painful withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping opioid use. 

Methadone is carefully administered as part of a comprehensive plan for drug dependency treatment. This medication helps you stabilize while you work through the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction. It’s often used in combination with behavioral therapy for addiction to provide a holistic approach to recovery. For over 40 years, it has been effectively used to treat opioid use disorder and is dispensed exclusively through specialized opioid treatment programs. If you’re considering methadone for opioid withdrawal treatment, contact Freeman Recovery Center.

Buprenorphine (e.g., Suboxone, Subutex)

Buprenorphine, commonly known by brand names like Suboxone and Subutex, is another effective medication used to treat opioid withdrawal. It works by partially activating the opioid receptors in your brain, which helps reduce cravings and drug withdrawal syndrome symptoms without producing the same high as other opioids. This makes it a safer option for managing opioid dependence.

Buprenorphine is used as part of a comprehensive opioid withdrawal treatment plan to help you transition through the detoxification process more comfortably. It’s typically combined with counseling and behavioral therapy for addiction. If you’re struggling with the long-term effects of drug use, are showing signs of drug withdrawal, or need other opioid addiction help, reach out to Freeman Addiction Recovery Center.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist often used in opioid withdrawal treatment to help prevent relapse. Unlike methadone or buprenorphine, naltrexone works by blocking your brain’s opioid receptors, which prevents the pleasurable effects of opioids. This helps curb cravings and supports further substance abuse prevention.

Naltrexone is used once you’ve completed the initial detoxification phase as part of long-term addiction rehab programs at drug rehabilitation centers. It can be taken as a daily pill or as an extended-release injection, making it easier to maintain your commitment to recovery.

Clonidine

Clonidine is often used to manage physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as sweating and muscle aches. While it doesn’t directly address opioid cravings, it helps alleviate the discomfort associated with the withdrawal process, making detoxification more manageable. Clonidine works by reducing the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that contributes to withdrawal symptoms.

Clonidine is commonly prescribed for managing blood pressure or to manage ADHD symptoms. However, it has a long history of off-label use, particularly in managing the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It‘s used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to ease the discomfort of withdrawal and help you stay focused on your recovery.

Lofexidine

Lofexidine is a medication used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms by reducing physical discomfort associated with detoxification. It helps relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely throughout the body. Lofexidine tablets help lessen the intensity of opioid withdrawal symptoms, though they may not entirely eliminate them.

Lofexidine is often included in a detoxification program to help ease the transition through withdrawal while you focus on overcoming addiction. It helps reduce symptom severity and makes detoxification more manageable.

Tapered Benzodiazepine Protocol

A tapered benzodiazepine protocol is a gradual reduction method used to help you safely withdraw from benzodiazepine medications. This approach involves slowly decreasing your dose over time to minimize signs of drug withdrawal and reduce the risk of complications. It’s often considered the safest method if you have been using benzodiazepines long-term or in high doses.

Medical professionals closely monitor the tapered protocol to ensure your safety throughout the process. This method helps reduce anxiety, seizures, and other withdrawal symptoms associated with sudden cessation. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal, contact Freeman Recovery Center.

Anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine, Gabapentin)

Anticonvulsant medications, such as carbamazepine and gabapentin, are commonly used to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, particularly to prevent seizures and reduce anxiety. Anticonvulsants are used in substance abuse treatment partly because they have no addiction potential. They work by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and nerves, which can become erratic during withdrawal. 

Use of an anticonvulsant is part of comprehensive, holistic detox programs, ensuring you remain safe and as comfortable as possible throughout your drug withdrawal symptoms timeline. Addiction specialists carefully prescribe and monitor you as you’re taking anticonvulsant drug withdrawal syndrome medication.

SSRIs and SNRIs (e.g., Sertraline, Venlafaxine)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), such as sertraline and venlafaxine, are often used during benzodiazepine withdrawal to manage anxiety and depression symptoms that can arise during the detoxification process. These medications work by increasing the serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, helping to stabilize your mood and reduce withdrawal-related distress.

SSRIs and SNRIs are prescribed as part of a holistic addiction recovery support plan to help you cope with the challenges of withdrawal. These medications can help ease feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression, supporting your overall recovery. If you’re seeing signs of drug withdrawal from benzodiazepines, contact Freeman Recovery Center.

Antidepressants (e.g., Bupropion, Mirtazapine)

Antidepressants like bupropion and mirtazapine are often used to manage stimulant withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. Bupropion works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain, which can help boost your mood and reduce cravings. Mirtazapine, on the other hand, is used to promote sleep and appetite, which are common issues during stimulant withdrawal.

These medications help make the detoxification process more manageable. If you’re struggling with stimulant withdrawal and looking for treatment for drug dependence, reach out to Freeman Addiction Recovery Center to learn how antidepressants can support your recovery.

Antipsychotics (e.g., Olanzapine)

Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine, are sometimes used during stimulant withdrawal to help manage severe mood disturbances, agitation, or hallucinations that can occur as the body adjusts. Olanzapine works by regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety or psychotic symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Olanzapine may be prescribed when you seek professional help for addiction recovery to ensure your safety and comfort during detoxification. It can also help with sleep disturbances and irritability, which are common during stimulant withdrawal.

Topiramate

Topiramate, also known as Topamax, is a medication often used during stimulant withdrawal to help reduce cravings, mood swings, and anxiety. It boosts calming signals while reducing overactive ones, which can help prevent seizures and ease withdrawal symptoms. Topiramate is particularly effective in managing the emotional and psychological challenges that come with detoxification.

At Freeman Recovery Center, topiramate may be included as part of your treatment plan to help make the withdrawal process more comfortable. It can also assist in improving your focus and minimizing feelings of irritability or restlessness. If you’re coping with drug cravings and other drug withdrawal syndrome symptoms, Freeman Recovery Center can help.

Sleep Aids (e.g., Trazodone, Melatonin)

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of withdrawal from cannabis, often leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep. Sleep aids like trazodone and melatonin can help manage these issues. Trazodone is an antidepressant with sedative effects, making it useful for improving sleep quality during detoxification. Melatonin, a natural hormone, helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

These sleep aids are carefully prescribed as part of your individualized treatment plan. They help ensure you get the rest you need to support your recovery, making the withdrawal process more manageable.

Anti-Anxiety Medications (Short-Term Use)

Anxiety is a common cannabis withdrawal symptom that can make the detoxification process more challenging. Short-term use of anti-anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines or buspirone, can help alleviate feelings of tension, irritability, and panic. They work by calming your nervous system and reducing the intensity of anxiety, allowing you to better manage withdrawal symptoms.

Anti-anxiety medications are prescribed temporarily to help you through the acute phase of withdrawal. By addressing anxiety and stress, these medications support your emotional stability during detox.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin is a medication commonly used to help manage symptoms of cannabis withdrawal, such as anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. It works by stabilizing nerve activity in the brain and reducing overactive neurotransmitter responses, which can be heightened during withdrawal. By calming the nervous system, gabapentin can provide relief from physical and emotional signs of drug withdrawal.

During cannabis detoxification, gabapentin may be prescribed to ease discomfort and improve sleep quality. It can also help alleviate muscle pain or restlessness, which are common during withdrawal. This medication is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan, alongside other therapies, to ensure a smoother and more comfortable detoxification process.

Physical Symptoms

Physical drug withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance you’re detoxing from and the severity of the substance use disorder. Symptoms may appear soon after you stop using and can be mild to more severe physical reactions. Understanding these symptoms will help you manage them more effectively during detox.

• Fatigue: You may feel persistently tired, lacking the energy to carry out daily tasks.
• Muscle Pain and Cramps: Generalized body aches, cramps, and muscle tension are common, particularly with opioid withdrawal.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating is frequent, especially during the acute phase of withdrawal.
• Headaches: These are often tension-related or linked to changes in blood pressure and can be debilitating.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These are common during opioid, alcohol, and stimulant withdrawal.
• Diarrhea or Stomach Cramps: Gastrointestinal distress, like diarrhea or cramps, is often seen in opioid withdrawal.
• Tremors or Shakiness: You may experience shaky hands or overall body tremors, especially in benzodiazepine or stimulant withdrawal.
• Heart Palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeat can occur, especially in stimulant withdrawal.
• Appetite Changes: You might notice a decrease in appetite or, occasionally, an increase in cravings for food.
• Insomnia: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is a widespread issue during drug withdrawal.
• Dilated Pupils: This is specifically seen in opioid withdrawal as you react to the absence of the drug.
• Runny Nose and Watery Eyes: These are particularly common during opioid withdrawal, as the body clears out toxins.

Psychological Symptoms

Emotional and psychological symptoms of drug withdrawal can be as challenging as the physical ones. These symptoms can significantly impact your mood, behavior, and thought processes. Understanding what to expect emotionally during this time can help you manage your feelings.

• Anxiety: You may experience feelings of restlessness, worry, or panic as your body adjusts.
• Depression: Sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation are common, especially in stimulant and cannabis withdrawal.
• Mood Swings: Sudden changes in mood, irritability, and emotional instability are often seen.
• Agitation and Irritability: Feelings of frustration or anger can arise, particularly in stimulant, cannabis, and benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• Drug Cravings: Intense urges or cravings for the drug can occur, which are common in withdrawal from most substances.
• Paranoia: This can be particularly noticeable in stimulant withdrawal, such as from methamphetamine or cocaine.

Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive symptoms during drug withdrawal can affect your ability to think clearly, concentrate, and remember things. These issues can make everyday tasks more challenging, but they are temporary and often improve with time. Understanding these symptoms can help you better cope with the mental adjustments you may experience during detoxification.

• Confusion and Clouded Thinking: You may struggle to concentrate or make decisions, which is common in opioid and benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• Memory Problems: Difficulty recalling recent events or concentrating on tasks can occur during withdrawal, especially from alcohol or opioids.
• Hallucinations: In severe withdrawal from benzodiazepines or stimulants, you might experience visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations.
• Poor Coordination: You may have difficulty with motor skills, particularly in benzodiazepine withdrawal, making simple tasks harder.

Severe Symptoms (Life-Threatening in Some Cases)

Some drug withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking professional help to manage them effectively is important. These serious symptoms can occur depending on the substance you’re withdrawing from and the intensity of your dependency.

• Seizures: This is a risk, particularly with benzodiazepine withdrawal and, to a lesser extent, opioid or stimulant withdrawal. Seizures can be dangerous and need immediate treatment.
• Delirium: Severe confusion, agitation, and hallucinations can occur in extreme cases, especially during benzodiazepine withdrawal. Delirium can be life-threatening and requires urgent care.
• Severe Dehydration: Persistent vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea, often seen with opioid or stimulant withdrawal, can lead to dangerous dehydration.
• Hypertension: Dangerous spikes in blood pressure, a risk in stimulant and benzodiazepine withdrawal, can result in heart complications.
• Fever: A high body temperature, often seen in severe stimulant withdrawal or in cases involving high anxiety and agitation, can indicate a serious issue.

Statistics and Information on Drug Withdrawal in Tennessee

• Outpatient detoxification is safe and effective for most patients with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and is more cost-effective than inpatient treatment, but inpatient detox may be necessary for patients with severe withdrawal histories, medical or psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, or lack of support, according to an American Family Physician article co-authored by Max Bayard, M.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at East Tennessee State University.
• Sixty-eight substance use treatment facilities in Tennessee included in the 2022 National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provide detoxification services.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is one of the signs of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
• Data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics show that 1.64% of hospital births in Tennessee are cases of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) occurs when a newborn experiences withdrawal from substances, commonly opioids, used during pregnancy, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. There were 734 cases of NAS reported to the department during the 2021 surveillance period, marking a decrease in the rate of NAS per 1,000 live births.