Choosing to Quit

When an addict stops using drugs, he or she experiences withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, withdrawal can begin at different times after the last use. For example, withdrawal from alcohol can occur from twelve to forty-eight hours after the last drink. Barbiturate withdrawal usually occurs seventy-two hours after the last dose. Benzodiazepines may take a week or more to produce withdrawal symptoms. The effects of withdrawal are often worse after a long period of abuse. There are three main stages of depressant withdrawal.

The first stage of withdrawal is often accompanied by sleeping problems, anxiety, low fever, and agitation.

The second stage symptoms include all the signs of the first, plus hallucinations. Hallucinations are seeing and hearing things that aren't really there. The second stage can also include symptoms such as vomiting and body tremors.

The third stage is the most dangerous. Its symptoms include a high fever and severe disorientation. With disorientation, a person fails to recognize known objects or people. There is general confusion about time and place as well. At this stage, an addict needs emergency medical help. This is also the stage when most deaths occur.

When you decide to stop using, you need to check yourself into a hospital immediately. Do it before the symptoms of withdrawal begin.