Withdrawal and detox
Withdrawal is also known as detoxification or detox. It’s when drugs or alcohol use is stopped or reduced.
Symptoms during withdrawal can be mild or severe, depending on:
• how long you’ve been using for
• what drug(s)
• age
• physical health
• psychological characteristics
• method of withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms are different for each person and for each drug. Knowing what your symptoms might be when withdrawing can make it easier for you or people supporting a loved one to get through withdrawal.
Find out the withdrawal symptoms for each drug on the Australian Drug Foundation’s website.
Withdrawing safely
Some drugs like benzos and alcohol can have withdrawal symptoms that are really dangerous. Always discuss withdrawal with a doctor or with an alcohol and other drug professional before you stop using.
Sometimes medication can be used to help treat withdrawal symptoms from certain drugs. This is called pharmacotherapy.
Withdrawal will generally last from a few days to a few weeks, but some symptoms like cravings can continue much longer. Exactly how long depends on factors like:
• the type of drug
• how long you’ve been using it
• if you’ve been using other drugs
• your general health
• the setting you choose to withdraw in.
Withdrawal and detox services
At YSAS you can get support through:
• Home-based withdrawal and Primary health support
• Residential withdrawal/detox
• Residential rehab
Our other drug and alcohol services are:
• Day programs
• Bunjilwarra Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service
• Supported accommodation
• Specialist services
Find out which support service is right for you, call our Youth Drugs and Alcohol Advice Line
A safe, quiet and supportive environment is the best place to undergo withdrawal. If you feel most comfortable at home, there are home-based withdrawal services that can monitor your detox period.
If home is not an option – or not the best one for you – residential withdrawal programs are secure, friendly and professionally supported spaces where you can withdraw safely. YSAS has Short-Term Residential Respite as well as Home-Based Withdrawal services
Withdrawing safely
• Talk to your drug and alcohol worker or call the unit to organise a time to complete a referral.
• The referral with have information about you and your substance use so that you can be looked after when you are in the unit.
• Once the referral is in you may be given a date that you will start your stay or you may be put on a waiting list.
• Workers will keep in touch with you when you are on the waiting list to make sure you are still interested in going to detox and to give you support while you wait.
• The time after withdrawal can be really challenging. Your brain and body probably feel completely exhausted from all the work you have done.
• These feelings might be uncomfortable or overwhelming. You may find yourself thinking that using would be a way to make them go away.
• There are a few things you can do to deal with the thoughts, feeling and issues that come up post-withdrawal.
Here are some that can help:
• Take it a day at a time.
• Be patient and keep focused on your goals – have a look over the list of reasons why you went through withdrawal.
• There is no right way or right time to do things – your journey won’t be the same as your friends, and it may take more or less time and that’s ok.
• Be proud of your achievements – for example, tell yourself ‘well done’ when you get through a tough (or easy) day or say ‘no’ to using.
• Remember that withdrawal symptoms can last for quite a while and some days may be harder than others.
• If you relapse remember that you can get back on track. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
• Talk to a YSAS worker, they are always available to offer guidance, support and advice.