What is Withdrawal and Post-Acute Withdrawal?

When an individual ceases the use of their preferred substance, whether it’s drug or alcohol, their body can go into a state causing uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, body aches and pains, to name a few. The use of these substances impacts the chemical balance of the brain, and collectively these symptoms are called Post-Acute withdrawal. The Post Acute Withdrawal stage is when the symptoms and signs of withdrawal begin to take place. All substances have different effects on the body so it’s not easy to determine exactly how long a person’s stage of acute withdrawal will last. Withdrawal symptoms can start in just a matter of hours after an addicted person stops their use or days later, it depends on the substance and level of use and addiction.