What Is Stimulant Withdrawal?
To continue, stimulant withdrawal is a physical and mental manifestation of the body’s cravings for this drug. This may happen when a person with a stimulant abuse disorder stops using completely, lowers a dose, or simply builds up a tolerance. However, a stimulant withdrawal is typically associated with a person who stops using them completely.
Further, stimulants speed up the systems in the body that produce feel-good chemicals. Dopamine was previously mentioned, but it can also speed up adrenaline and serotonin production. Adrenaline speeds up the heart rate, which can make a person feel energized and awake. Also, serotonin acts as a mood stabilizer, making people feel calm and happy. When the body stops producing elevated levels of these chemicals, the body goes through stimulant withdrawal.
Common signs and symptoms of stimulant withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Extreme anger and irritability
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Drowsiness
- Extreme change in appetite
- Bodily aches and pains
- Hallucinations
- Intense cravings
Stimulant Withdrawal Timeline
There is a certain timeline for stimulant withdrawal, although it’s different for every individual. In the first few days, those who abuse stimulants may notice subtle symptoms. These may include bodily aches, pains, and general malaise. However, heavy users will have a completely different experience. At this point, they may begin to have hallucinations, a slew of mental illnesses, and exhibit paranoid behavior.
Then, past a few days up to 10 days, they might begin to feel intense cravings. At this point, they may feel most symptoms subside (except if they are heavy users). Their cravings for stimulants might intensify, though. Mental illness will appear at this point or worsen if already manifested.
After about half a month withdrawal symptoms will be mostly gone. If not, they are considered post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). While stimulant withdrawal tends to go away, PAWS may last 18 months.