There are many different types of physical withdrawal symptoms, depending on the type of medication involved. Each medication affects the body in different ways, which means that withdrawal symptoms are also different. Common symptoms include excessive sweating and heart palpitations. A person withdrawing from a drug may also experience physical illnesses such as vomiting. Certain drugs, such as alcohol, can cause more severe symptoms that are life-threatening if the period of separation is not managed correctly.
Physical withdrawal symptoms can occur with withdrawal from a number of different substances, but are more common when a person decreases their use of medical or recreational drugs, including alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can only occur once a person's body has become dependent on that substance, either mentally or physically. The severity of physical withdrawal symptoms range from mild to life-threatening, so withdrawal from a medication should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
Some of the more common physical withdrawal symptoms include sweating and tight muscles. All drugs produce their own withdrawal symptoms, and some cause more mental than physical symptoms, and vice versa. Alcohol and opiates are more likely to cause physical symptoms compared to drugs like cocaine and ecstasy.
Other physical withdrawal symptoms may include the development of a tremor, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, and trouble breathing. Some people also experience nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. These symptoms usually worsen for a few days or weeks after the breakup before they begin to improve, although the length of time varies greatly from addict to addict.
In some cases, physical withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially dangerous. This is particularly likely if a person is trying to cut down on tranquilizers or alcohol. Some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms include strokes, heart attacks, and seizures. Withdrawal can also cause hallucinations or delirium tremens, which in turn causes confusion and a variety of other symptoms. Severe symptoms are not usually seen in people withdrawing from opiates like heroin, although it can still be a very uncomfortable experience.
The cause of physical withdrawal symptoms varies depending on the type of medication involved. Alcohol, for example, suppresses the body's natural ability to produce certain types of chemicals, such as adrenaline. When a person stops drinking alcohol, the body can produce adrenaline again, causing an increase in the chemical that causes withdrawal symptoms.