Last Updated:

June 19th, 2025

Drug Detox | Dealing With Withdrawal from Drugs

Drug detox is often sensationalised in the media as a celebrity retreat but it is a critical and life-changing step for anyone battling drug addiction. Drug detox is a chance to escape your triggers and stressors and enter a safe, medically supervised environment that addresses the physical challenges of drug withdrawal. The thought of drug detox can be scary and this often puts people off seeking professional help. Knowing what drug detox really involves and how to detox your body effectively and safely can help you overcome your fears and take the first courageous step towards a drug-free life.

Drug-Detox-The-Importance-Of-Help

What is drug detox?

Drug detoxification, commonly known as drug detox, is a medically supervised procedure that eliminates all traces of drugs from your body and breaks your physical dependence on them. This dependence develops as your body and brain adapt to constant exposure to drugs, eventually needing them to operate normally. By removing drugs and their toxins, your systems relearn how to function without them so you can move onto the drug rehab stage with a cleaner bill of physical and mental health.

A medically-administered drug detox is undertaken under the watchful eye of a team of healthcare professionals. They will make sure you get enough food and water, give you emotional support and perhaps administer medication for withdrawal. This will significantly reduce the risks associated with drug withdrawal so you can get through the process safely and with as little distress and discomfort as possible.

What is drug withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal refers to the symptoms that occur when an addicted person suddenly stops or significantly reduces their drug use. The first time somebody tries to quit drugs, they usually attempt it on their own. This is called “cold turkey”, and it can be safe and effective if you are a casual, infrequent drug user. The problem is when you are addicted to drugs, quitting cold turkey throws you into withdrawal because your brain and body go into a kind of shock.

Drug withdrawal is a uniquely personal experience shaped by factors like the drugs involved, how long you have been using them and how healthy you are overall. However, here is what you can possibly expect when withdrawing from different drugs:

Cocaine withdrawal

Cocaine withdrawal

Withdrawal from cocaine typically includes symptoms such as fatigue, increased appetite, depression, agitation and vivid, unpleasant dreams. You may also experience slowed cognitive functions and a strong desire to use cocaine again, particularly in the first few days.
Cocaine withdrawal

Crack cocaine withdrawal

Crack cocaine withdrawal

Crack withdrawal can be particularly intense, with symptoms like acute cravings, irritability, exhaustion and severe mood swings due to crack cocaine’s potent and fast-acting nature.
Crack cocaine withdrawal

Heroin withdrawal

Heroin withdrawal

Those withdrawing from heroin may face severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, muscle aches, cramping, diarrhoea, watery eyes, runny nose and insomnia. Medication for withdrawal is a critical part of detoxing from heroin and other opioids.
Heroin withdrawal

Ecstasy withdrawal

Ecstasy withdrawal

Withdrawal from ecstasy can lead to confusion, depression, sleep disturbances, cravings and anxiety. These withdrawal symptoms are partly due to ecstasy’s powerful effects on your serotonin levels.
Ecstasy withdrawal

Cannabis withdrawal

Cannabis withdrawal

Cannabis withdrawal may manifest as mood swings, constant irritation, sleep difficulties, anxiety, decreased appetite and physical discomfort. Cravings for cannabis can also begin within hours of your last use which you may experienced if you tried to quit cannabis before.
Cannabis withdrawal

Amphetamines withdrawal

Amphetamines withdrawal

People stopping amphetamines typically experience increased appetite, excessive sleep, vivid dreams, agitation and a noticeable slowing down in their thought processes and movements.
Amphetamines withdrawal

Crystal meth withdrawal

Crystal meth withdrawal

Detoxing from crystal meth often causes fatigue, an increased appetite, dry mouth and profound depression. These symptoms of withdrawal are so severe that they often lead to a relapse without professional support.
Crystal meth withdrawal

Steroids withdrawal

Steroids withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms from steroids can include mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive and often depression. Physical symptoms like joint pain and muscle weakness may also accompany these.
Steroids withdrawal

Inhalants withdrawal

Inhalants withdrawal

Withdrawing from inhalants can cause nausea, excessive sweating, sleep issues, shaking and mood fluctuations along with frequent headaches and muscle cramps.
Inhalants withdrawal

Ketamine withdrawal

Ketamine withdrawal

During ketamine withdrawal, you will likely experience strong ketamine cravings coupled with anxiety, physical tremors, excessive sweating, noticeable heart rate increases, memory lapses and difficulty thinking clearly.

Ketamine withdrawal

 

How long does it take to detox from drugs?

It is not just the symptoms of drug withdrawal that differ from substance to substance but also how long withdrawal takes. This is also influenced by your health, the extent of your dependency and just how your body reacts to drug detox. To give you a rough idea of what to expect, here is a general drug detox timeline:

Early withdrawal
Some substances produce symptoms of drug withdrawal within a few days or even a few hours. These are usually cravings, agitation, problems sleeping, anxiety and general discomfort that grow in intensity and make you want to start using again.
Acute drug withdrawal
This is usually reached within the first one to three days, and it is when drug withdrawal symptoms are at their most uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. The peak period is when there is a risk of seizures, high blood pressure, dehydration and other complications, so medical assistance is crucial at this stage.
Subsiding withdrawal and PAWS
Once the acute phase of drug withdrawal subsides after about a week, you will usually find that physical symptoms decrease in severity. However, psychological challenges like cravings and mood disorders may linger on.

This phase can even usher in Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), where symptoms like mood swings, ongoing anxiety, sleep issues, and problems thinking can persist for several months. Professional support is very important if you are experiencing PAWS to manage these long-lasting effects.

The benefits of professional drug detox

While detoxing at home may seem more convenient and discreet, a professional drug detox centre offers crucial benefits that can make a significant difference in your recovery. These include:

Customised detox plans for enhanced safety
Upon entering a professional drug detox centre, every patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to uncover any hidden health issues or potential risks. This detailed assessment allows your drug detox team to design a bespoke detox plan tailored to your individual needs.
Immediate medical response
Having a professional drug detox team supporting you can be incredibly reassuring. Should any severe symptoms of drug withdrawal arise, your medical team can respond immediately. Beyond managing physical symptoms, they can also give you any drug withdrawal medication you need and make sure you are getting the right nutrition and therapeutic support.
A structured environment for successful recovery
There are no drugs allowed at all in a professional drug detox centre and this eliminates any opportunity for relapse when peak drug withdrawal symptoms hit. Many people who fail cold turkey have the best intentions of quitting but are overcome by symptoms, but a drug detox medical team will help you get through those tough early days.
A smooth transition to addiction therapy
In professional drug recovery centres, the journey from drug detox to ongoing therapy is seamlessly integrated to ensure there are no gaps in treatment. This helps keep the momentum going as you begin to address the deeper root causes of your drug dependency and abuse.

Drug-Detox-Struggling-With-Withdrawal

Contact us today for drug detox support

The UK is renowned for its exceptional range of drug detox programmes, both private and NHS-funded. Understanding the vast options can be daunting but Addiction Helper can simplify your search. Our deep understanding of addiction allows us to guide you effortlessly to a drug detox programme that’s right for you. Reach out today and start your journey with our expert team beside you.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can drug detox cause goosebumps?
Yes, goosebumps are a common symptom during drug detox, especially for those withdrawing from opioids. Known as “cold turkey skin,” goosebumps occur as part of the body’s response to the absence of drugs. They are often accompanied by shivering and sweating as the body’s temperature regulation system adjusts to the drug withdrawal process.
Why do some people crave ice during withdrawal?
Craving ice during withdrawal, especially from alcohol or drugs like stimulants, can be linked to dehydration or anaemia, both of which can be effects of long-term substance abuse. Chewing ice may also be a way to relieve dry mouth or provide a distraction from the discomfort of drug withdrawal symptoms.
Can you die from drug withdrawal?
Yes, withdrawal from certain drugs can be life-threatening and potentially fatal if not properly managed. Substances such as benzodiazepines can lead to severe drug withdrawal symptoms like seizures and cardiac complications that require immediate medical attention.

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