These are the symptoms that occur when the drugs leave the body. Some drugs have a set pattern of withdrawal symptoms that occur in the body. Other drugs, like cocaine or amphetamines, which are said not to have any physical withdrawal symptoms, nevertheless have psychological symptoms that sometimes affect physical behaviour.
All addicts will have some withdrawal symptoms, whether physical or psychological. They are to be expected, and indeed they are a good sign: a sign that the drug is leaving the body – the first stage in recovering from chemical dependence.
Here is a drug-by-drug description of how to stop, what withdrawal symptoms to expect, and how best to deal with them.
Heroin, methadone, the other opiates and narcotic analgesics
How to stop-It is safe but uncomfortable just to stop taking heroin and the other opiates. There is absolutely no dangerous withdrawal reaction. If you are taking under half a gram of heroin or less than a quarter to half a gram of methadone, you will not really need any medication at all. Even over-the-counter medication should be avoided.
If you are taking more than this, you don’t, strictly speaking, need medication. However, if you have a doctor who understands drug dependence, ask for Heminevrin (chlormethiazole edisylate) and Lomotil (diphenoxylate hydrochloride). Ask him to give you a prescription daily, rather than one for all the drugs at once. You should only take these drugs for three to seven days. They will ease the withdrawal symptoms.
It is dangerous to take heroin, methadone or any other opiate on top of these drugs.
Withdrawal symptoms-The myth that heroin or methadone addicts go through cold-turkey horrors is complete and utter drivel. Coming off heroin is relatively much less painful than coming off alcohol or tranquillisers. Some addicts deliberately exaggerate their withdrawal symptoms to obtain more detox medication.
You should expect to shiver and shake for three or four days, with symptoms rather like those of ‘flu – sweating, aches and pains, stomach cramps and a temperature. Tears, a running nose and yawning are also common. You will probably also have diarrhoea.
These are unpleasant, but they are minor symptoms. And, of course, there will be cravings for the drug.
Advice-Keep somebody with you, if possible, for the first few days. They are not needed in case of withdrawal danger, but simply to help you stop running to the dealer! Having company also helps ease the strong feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Keep occupied. Go to at least one Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every day, if there is one. If you are with recovering addicts, you will get understanding about cravings and help in staying away from dealers and drug-using friends.
If you are working, you will need two or three days off work. But get back to work as soon as possible. Staying alone doing nothing is dangerous because it makes it easier to give in to the cravings.
Do not substitute other drugs or drink. After you have finished the drugs prescribed for the three to seven days of withdrawal, you should not take any drugs or alcohol.

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