Withdrawal Basics
What is the term for physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops or reduces a substance they have been using regularly?
Withdrawal
Which substance is commonly associated with opioid withdrawal: heroin, cocaine, or marijuana?
Heroin
What should someone do if they believe they are experiencing dangerous withdrawal symptoms?
Seek immediate medical attention/emergency care.
What is a craving?
A strong desire or urge to use a substance.
What is an overdose?
When a substance is taken in an amount that overwhelms the body's ability to safely process it, causing toxic or potentially life-threatening effects.
True or False: a person can experience withdrawal even if they do not physically feel sick
True
Name two common opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, runny nose, anxiety, restlessness, abdominal cramping, etc.
Name one symptom that could indicate a medical emergency during withdrawal.
Seizure, hallucinations, severe confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, etc.
True or False: A craving is always a sign that someone is physically withdrawing.
False
What happens to opioid tolerance after a period of abstinence?
Tolerance can decrease
Name one (or more) common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Tremors, sweating, anxiety, nausea, agitation, increased heart rate, seizures
True or False: Opioid withdrawal is usually extremely uncomfortable but is generally less likely than alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal to be fatal by itself.
True
True or False: Someone should always try to “tough out” withdrawal alone.
False
Give one example of a physical withdrawal symptom and one example of a psychological symptom.
Physical: sweating/tremors/nausea. Psychological: anxiety/irritability/restlessness.
Why can returning to a previously used amount of opioids after treatment be dangerous?
The person's tolerance may have decreased, making the previous dose potentially much more dangerous or fatal.
Why can suddenly stopping certain substances be medically dangerous?
Withdrawal can cause serious medical complications or death
Which two substance categories are particularly concerning for potentially life-threatening withdrawal: opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, or cannabis?
Alcohol and benzodiazepines
Why is honesty about recent substance use important when entering treatment?
It helps medical and clinical staff accurately assess withdrawal risk and provide appropriate care.
Why can cravings occur even after acute withdrawal symptoms have ended?
Cravings can be triggered by stress, emotions, people, places, memories, routines, or conditioned associations with substance use.
What medication can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose?
Narcan (Naloxone)
One reason someone should be medically evaluated when going through withdrawal
To determine the level of risk and whether medical monitoring or medication is needed to safely manage withdrawal.
Why can benzodiazepine withdrawal require medical supervision?
Abrupt withdrawal can cause severe anxiety, agitation, seizures, delirium, and other potentially life-threatening complications.
What information should a person provide to medical staff when being assessed for withdrawal?
What substances they used, approximate amount/frequency, when they last used, route of administration, and any previous withdrawal complications.
Someone says, “I'm not physically sick anymore, so I don't have to worry about relapse.” What is missing from their thinking?
Acute withdrawal ending does not eliminate cravings, triggers, or relapse risk. Recovery requires continued coping and relapse-prevention strategies.
True or False: If naloxone is given and the person wakes up, emergency medical help is unnecessary. (And why!)
True or False: If naloxone is given and the person wakes up, emergency medical help is unnecessary.