Tobacco withdrawal syndrome affects 85% of smokers who decide to quit smoking, since nicotine is one of the substances that generate the greatest dependence. The majority of signs and symptoms of tobacco withdrawal syndrome appear within the first 30 days after quitting, intensifying in the first few days and then slowly decreasing after around the fourth day.

 

What are the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome?

Withdrawal syndrome will present with different symptoms depending on the individual patient, the substance to which the patient is addicted, and the degree of their addiction.

In general terms, with most addictive substances, those affected by withdrawal symptoms will have an incredibly strong desire to take the substance again. This is often accompanied by irritability, personality changes, mood swings, or difficulty in concentrating. Typical symptoms by substance include:

• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms: tremors, nausea, sweating, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, hallucinations, seizures, and in severe cases, delirium tremens (DTs)
• Nicotine addiction: Desire to smoke, irritability, tension, headache, drowsiness or insomnia, concentration problems and increased appetite and weight gain.
• Opioid withdrawal symptoms: intense cravings, muscle pain, yawning, sweating, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
  
• Stimulant withdrawal symptoms: Tiredness and drowsiness, or restlessness and nervousness, depression, malaise, inertia, instability, and, in some cases, delusions and hallucinations.

 

Why does withdrawal syndrome occur?

The addictive components within substances like alcohol, tobacco or cocaine act on the brain and nervous system and that creates a dependence on them. The body adapts to the presence of these substances and the brain changes, believing that it can only function normally with these substances. Without them, it takes a while to reset, and in the meantime symptoms of illness can manifest.

 

Can it be prevented?

The most effective way to prevent withdrawal is not to consume substances that can cause addiction in the first place. Once addicted, it is likely that the individual will suffer at least some withdrawal symptoms upon trying to quit. However, once the symptoms pass, being clean from the substance leads to improvements in health and usually greater happiness in life.

 

What is the treatment for withdrawal syndrome?

The treatment of withdrawal symptoms is primarily symptomatic, where patients receive targeted medications to alleviate individual symptoms. The most effective approach to prevent withdrawal symptoms is a gradual tapering of the drug the patient is using, which may span from several days to several months depending on factors like the specific substance, the patient's physical health, the dosage, and the duration of use. For withdrawal symptoms stemming from drug and/or alcohol addiction, seeking treatment from an addiction specialist is highly recommended.