Withdrawal Symptoms Explained: What Really Happens in the Body and Mind

Recovery and Aftercare
Written By Kerryn Bolton

Introduction

When someone stops using alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit substances, the body and brain must adjust. This process is known as withdrawal. Having withdrawal symptoms explained in simple and supportive language is essential, because withdrawal is often misunderstood, feared, or minimised. In reality, withdrawal can involve a combination of physical effects, emotional instability, and strong psychological urges. Understanding what actually happens during detox helps people prepare safely and reduces the risk of relapse, complications, or unnecessary distress.

Many people attempt to detox alone, believing they can “push through”. But for substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, unmanaged withdrawal can become dangerous or even life-threatening. Professional detox provides medical supervision, emotional support, and stabilisation while the body recovers. At Bali Harmony Rehab, every detox plan is personalised and delivered by an experienced clinical team who monitor symptoms and support emotional well-being throughout the process.

What Is Withdrawal?

Withdrawal is the body’s response when a person reduces or stops using a substance their system has become dependent on. Over time, repeated use forces the brain to adapt its natural chemistry to compensate for the effects of the drug. Once the substance is removed, the brain must rebalance itself, which triggers withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal occurs because the brain has adapted to the presence of a substance and must readjust when that substance is no longer there.

Dependence develops when the brain adjusts neurotransmitter activity to maintain stability. Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system, for example, so the brain increases excitatory activity to compensate. Once alcohol is removed, the brain becomes overactive, causing agitation, shaking, and anxiety. Similar processes occur with benzodiazepines, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, and other drugs.

For a foundational understanding of addiction itself, see About Addiction.

Why Withdrawal Happens: The Science in Simple Terms

Every substance interacts differently with the brain, but withdrawal is primarily caused by changes to key neurotransmitters such as:

  • Dopamine: linked to reward and motivation

  • GABA: calms the nervous system

  • Serotonin: stabilises mood

  • Norepinephrine: boosts alertness

When someone stops using a substance, the brain needs time to restore natural balance. Until that stabilisation occurs, withdrawal symptoms appear.

This also explains why therapies that support neurochemical recovery can be so effective. At Bali Harmony Rehab, Dopamine Therapy helps regulate mood and motivation during early recovery. Trauma-related withdrawal patterns are discussed further in Trauma and Addiction.

Types of Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms vary widely depending on the substance, duration of use, dose, and individual biology. However, they can be grouped into three main categories.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

These are common across most substances and may include:

  • shaking or tremors

  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

  • headaches

  • sweating or night sweats

  • muscle pain and stiffness

  • changes in appetite

  • rapid heartbeat

  • dizziness or light-headedness

  • insomnia or disrupted sleep

Some symptoms, such as seizures, can be dangerous and require medical management.

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms

Psychological effects often cause as much distress as the physical symptoms:

  • anxiety or panic

  • depression or low mood

  • irritability

  • obsessive thoughts

  • difficulty concentrating

  • intrusive memories or fears

For more insight into the connection between addiction and mood symptoms, see Depression and Addiction Treatment and Addiction and Anxiety Cycle.

Emotional Withdrawal

Emotional withdrawal is one of the least recognised but most difficult aspects of detox. People often experience:

  • emotional overwhelm

  • heightened sensitivity

  • sudden waves of sadness or guilt

  • emotional unpredictability

  • a sense of emptiness

These reactions are normal. The nervous system is recalibrating, and emotions may feel raw or intense.

Withdrawal Symptoms by Substance

Although withdrawal follows the same general principles, each substance produces its own characteristic symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Common symptoms include sweating, shaking, nausea, headaches, and insomnia.
Severe cases may involve hallucinations or delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening without medical supervision.
More information can be found in Alcohol Detox: The Complete Guide.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be prolonged and extremely challenging, often including:

  • rebound anxiety

  • panic

  • sensory hypersensitivity

  • agitation

  • seizures in severe cases

Due to the risks, a structured taper under medical supervision is essential. See Benzo Detox for more detail.

Opioid Withdrawal

Common symptoms include:

  • muscle and bone pain

  • vomiting

  • diarrhoea

  • abdominal cramps

  • chills

  • restless legs

  • intense cravings

Although rarely dangerous, opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and often leads to relapse without support.

Stimulant Withdrawal (Cocaine, Methamphetamine)

Symptoms often include:

  • fatigue

  • depression

  • slowed thinking

  • increased sleep

  • cravings

  • irritability

Cannabis Withdrawal

Symptoms may include:

  • irritability

  • insomnia

  • vivid dreams

  • headaches

  • night sweats

  • appetite changes

For additional details, see Cannabis Addiction.

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Withdrawal may cause:

  • anxiety

  • agitation

  • insomnia

  • flu-like symptoms

  • sensory sensitivity

These symptoms highlight the importance of slow tapering and clinical oversight.

How Long Withdrawal Lasts

Withdrawal timelines vary, but the following general ranges apply:

  • Alcohol: 3–7 days, symptoms peak at 48–72 hours

  • Benzodiazepines: weeks to months depending on dose and duration

  • Opioids: 7–10 days, with some mood symptoms lasting longer

  • Stimulants: several days to weeks

  • Cannabis: 1–2 weeks

  • Pregabalin: days to weeks

Factors affecting duration include genetics, mental health status, substance potency, and overall physical well-being.

Why Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous

Withdrawal is not always simply uncomfortable; it can be dangerous without medical support. Risks include:

  • seizures (especially with alcohol or benzodiazepines)

  • heart complications

  • hallucinations or psychosis

  • severe dehydration

  • suicidal thoughts due to emotional distress

Unmanaged withdrawal can quickly become overwhelming. Many people relapse during withdrawal because symptoms become intolerable or frightening. This is why supervised detox is strongly recommended.

Medical vs Non-Medical Detox

The safety and comfort of withdrawal depend heavily on whether medical care is available.

Medical Detox

In a clinical environment, symptoms are monitored and managed, often with medication to regulate the nervous system and stabilise vital signs. Benefits include:

  • prevention of seizures

  • reduced psychological distress

  • controlled tapering protocols

  • professional emotional support

  • stabilisation for ongoing therapy

At Bali Harmony Rehab, detox is carried out with 24/7 supervision, ensuring comfort and safety at every stage.

Non-Medical Detox

Attempting to detox at home carries several risks:

  • unmanaged complications

  • panic-driven relapse

  • self-medicating to cope with symptoms

  • failure to complete the detox due to discomfort

For individuals with long-term or heavy substance use, especially alcohol and benzodiazepines, home detox is not recommended.

For more on evidence-based treatment approaches, see Clinical Addiction Treatment in Bali.

The Emotional Experience of Withdrawal

Withdrawal is not purely physical. Many clients describe emotional upheaval, including fear, frustration, sadness, or confusion. These feelings arise because the brain’s emotional-regulation pathways are still recovering.

Common emotional experiences include:

  • feeling mentally foggy

  • difficulty managing stress

  • overwhelming sadness

  • fear of the future

  • feeling disconnected from oneself

These experiences are normal and temporary. Emotional support through counselling and trauma-informed care can significantly ease the process.

How Bali Harmony Rehab Supports Safe Withdrawal

A safe detox is the foundation of long-term recovery. Bali Harmony Rehab provides:

  • a licensed, Western-run, trauma-informed environment

  • a maximum of four clients, ensuring personalised care

  • 24/7 supervision

  • structured medication management

  • emotional support through counselling

  • Dopamine Therapy to stabilise mood and energy

  • holistic therapies (breathwork, meditation, yoga, massage)

  • nourishing meals and hydration support

  • a calm environment just 400 metres from the beach

Our goal is to make detox as safe, comfortable, and dignified as possible, preparing each person for deeper therapeutic work.

For ongoing stability beyond detox, see Sober Living and Addiction Aftercare Guide.

Signs You Need Professional Detox

Professional detox is recommended if any of the following apply:

  • using daily or heavily

  • experiencing withdrawal symptoms when cutting back

  • drinking or using within an hour of waking

  • history of seizures

  • co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma

  • failed attempts to quit

  • using substances to avoid withdrawal

  • feeling unsafe detoxing alone

If any of these indicators resonate, a safe, supportive detox environment is strongly advised.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Immediate medical attention is required if someone experiences:

  • seizures

  • hallucinations

  • chest pain

  • confusion or delirium

  • severe agitation

  • suicidal thoughts

These symptoms indicate a potentially dangerous withdrawal process.

Final Message of Encouragement

Withdrawal is temporary. It is the first step in restoring health, clarity, and emotional balance. With the right support, it becomes a transformative beginning rather than something to fear. At Bali Harmony Rehab, we guide clients through withdrawal with compassion, medical expertise, and a holistic approach that supports the mind, body, and nervous system.

If you or someone you care about is preparing for detox, you are not alone. Confidential help is available, and recovery can begin today.
Contact us today to find out more.

Reviewed By

Dr. Amelia DN Sugiharta
Consulting Psychiatric Doctor, Bali Harmony Rehab
Last medically reviewed: December 2025

Kerryn Bolton
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