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Physical Side Effects of Drug Withdrawal

Written by
The Northern Illinois Editorial Staff
Updated on
9/10/26
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Beth Dunlap
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap

Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.

An oak savanna after fresh snow, soft blue morning light, long shadows

Medical detox

Crystal Lake, Illinois

woman experiencing the side effects of drug withdrawal

Addiction to drugs can take its toll on your physical, mental, and social health. Many people find that quitting can be so uncomfortable that they keep using drugs to avoid it. Withdrawal is what happens when someone stops taking a drug that their body has become dependent on. The symptoms of withdrawal can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable. Going through withdrawal at a drug detox center can be helpful. During medically supervised drug detox, people are monitored and treated for their withdrawal symptoms. They are also kept away from drugs, while their cravings are likely to be intense. This allows people to have a safe and complete withdrawal period, which increases their likelihood of long-term success.

Withdrawal can be uncomfortable or dangerous for anyone. For a complete, safe, and comfortable withdrawal from drugs. If you or a loved one require treatment for addiction or substance abuse, reach out to the Northern Illinois Recovery Center staff. We offer programs to support people at any stage of addiction recovery. Call 855.786.1978 or fill out an online intake form here.

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What Physical Symptoms Are Common in Addiction Detox?

Symptoms of withdrawal vary from person to person and depend largely on what substance they used. Generally, people experience physical withdrawal symptoms that can include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Muscle aches
  • Sweating
  • Lethargy or fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling cold
  • Sensitivity to pain

Most of these symptoms are merely uncomfortable and last several days or weeks. The severity of withdrawal varies from person to person. Certain medications and holistic therapies can help keep people more comfortable while they go through withdrawal.

Is Drug Withdrawal Dangerous?

At times, withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Some people who withdraw from certain drugs or medications can develop seizures. Delirium can also develop during withdrawal from drugs. Many people have new or worsening mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, and are at a higher risk for suicidal behavior during this period.

One of the biggest threats to a person’s health during withdrawal is the risk of overdose. During withdrawal, most people experience strong, almost irresistible cravings. If they relapse, they are more likely to take a potentially lethal dose of the drug.

While almost everyone who stops using drubs or alcohol goes through a period of withdrawal, the length, severity, and symptoms vary depending on several factors. These include the substance they used, the length of time they used drugs, medical and mental health conditions, and family history of substance abuse.

What Happens in Addiction Withdrawal Treatment Programs?

During medically supervised detox, people receive support and treatment that allows them to go through withdrawal safely. Often, this includes medications to treat the symptoms of withdrawal and holistic therapies, such as nutrition and movement therapy, to help alleviate some of the physical discomforts of the process. This can be done in an outpatient or inpatient setting.

After a complete detox, people usually go into drug rehab in illinois. This consists of medical and mental health treatment, individual and group therapy, education about addiction, and holistic therapies to heal. The length of time someone spends in treatment depends on the severity of their addiction and personal factors.

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Learn More About Drug Withdrawal at the Northern Illinois Recovery Center

If you or someone you love require drug detox, addiction treatment, or any other support during recovery from substance abuse, please reach out to the staff at the Northern Illinois Recovery Center. We offer programs designed to empower people as they recover from addiction. To speak with an admissions counselor about our life-saving treatment options, call 855.786.1978.

Our approach to client care encompasses mind, body, and spirit as a unified whole.

Feel free to contact us if you require any further information about our services

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