TABLE: Examples of drug withdrawal

Examples of drug withdrawal

Drug	Symptoms
Opiates (e.g. heroin, codeine)	In severe cases muscle cramps, a watery nose and eyes, redness around the eyes, hot or cold flushes, aching bones, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. This is in addition to the general symptoms experienced in any drug withdrawal, for example craving for the drug, anxiety and restlessness.
	Methadone is an oral substitute for heroin. It may be legally prescribed by a medical practitioner to alleviate symptoms or to stabilise a dependency (see 'Drug use: treatment options').
Alcohol	Withdrawal symptoms vary. In mild cases there is tremor or shaking, anxiety, poor sleep and nausea. In more severe cases there is disorientation to place or time, hallucinations of things such as barking dogs, or the sensation of 'electric fleas' (tingling) on the skin. Profuse sweating and major epileptic fits may occur. Severe withdrawal is known as Delirium Tremens or the 'DTs'. This may be fatal and requires prompt treatment.