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Alcohol or drug withdrawal

Withdrawal is the uncomfortable physical or mental changes that happen when a person who regularly uses alcohol or drugs suddenly stops or cuts down on their use. These changes occur because the body is deprived of the alcohol or drugs that it is used to getting.

The symptoms of withdrawal can last a couple of days up to a couple of weeks. They may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. How bad withdrawal symptoms are depends on how long the person has used alcohol or drugs and how much they use each day.

Alcohol or drug withdrawal may require medical care. Severe withdrawal symptoms can be deadly.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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