Drug Intoxication and Withdrawal Symptom Chart
| Intoxication and withdrawal
symptoms are given across four major drug groups of Alcohol,
Benzodiazepines, Opiates and Amphetamines. Some of the symptoms in mild
to moderate withdrawal, while not life threatening, can result in
extreme discomfort and should not be underestimated.
These signs can be from other causes. For example, influenza symptoms can mimic opiate withdrawal; fatigue from hepatitis or diahorrea can resemble opiate intoxication. Careful assessment and/or toxicology should be undertaken to determine symptom causation. Rarely, the signs of intoxication identified in this chart can also result from withdrawal. If so, they may signal a severe withdrawal syndrome and medical attention should be sought immediately. Three of the main dangers of withdrawal are:
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Contents Drug Symptoms Chart (Intoxication & Withdrawal)
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| A l c o h o l | ||
| Intoxication | Mild to Moderate Withdrawal | Severe Withdrawal |
| Ataxia (difficulty walking) Slurred speech Disinhibition Low blood pressure Smells of alcohol | Tremors Nausea Anxiety Sweats Sleep disturbances | Delirium Tremens (DT's) Visual, tactile or auditory hallucinations Seizure Vomiting & diahorrea Depression |
| T
r a n q u i l i z e r s Benzodiazepines: eg Valium, Temazepam, Rohypnol, Serepax |
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| Intoxication | Mild to Moderate Withdrawal | Severe Withdrawal |
| Slurred
speech
Ataxia
Sedation
Nystagmus (unusual eye movements) Low blood pressure Drooling Disinhibited |
Anxiety
Sleep disturbances Hypersensitivity
to noise, light, touch Feelings of unreality Memory impairment Headache Aches & pains Palpitations |
Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Agoraphobia Seizure |
| Opoids Heroin, Methadone, Codeine |
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| Intoxication | Mild to Moderate Withdrawal | Severe Withdrawal |
| Sedation
Pinpoint
pupils
Low
blood pressure
Slowed
pulse
Itching & scratching |
Lacrimination
(runny eyes) Rhinorrhoea (runny nose) Perspiration Yawning Restlessness Insomnia Dilated pupils Anorexia/nausea Weakness Gooseflesh Muscle aches, leg cramps Joint pain, back ache, abdominal cramps Diarrhoea Hot and cold flushes Fatigue Drug seeking behaviour |
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| A
m p h e t a m i n e s Dexamphetamine (Speed). Ritalin, MDMA (Ecstasy) |
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| Intoxication | Mild
to Moderate Withdrawal |
Severe Withdrawal |
| Agitation
Irritability
Grandiosity
Dilated
pupils
Fine
tremor
Sweating
Rapid speech & movement |
Anxiety Agitation Depression Fatigue Extended sleep Increased appetite | Psychosis Suicidal thoughts Existential crisis |
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While it is generally advisable to be drug-free during pregnancy (apart from the ones prescribed by a doctor), withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs while pregnant may carry risks. It is best to seek advice from a doctor or drugs specialist worker before either using or withdrawing from alcohol or other drug use while pregnant.
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| Much of this
material was adapted from: Frank L, & Pead J, (1995) New
Concepts in Drug Withdrawal: A Resource Handbook Monograph No 4
University of Melbourne and Department of Public Health and Community
Medicine, Parkville.
This excellent manual was developed as a part of the Services for Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal (SAW) Project in Victoria. Telephone (03) 344 4000 Fax (03) 344 5104 A valuable series of self-help books on stopping drug use and dealing with withdrawal called the Getting Through Withdrawal is available from Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre Inc. 54 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065. Ph (03) 9254 8050 Fax (03) 9416 3420 |
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Related Internet Links The following GP Information Supplements were developed by the NSW Central Coast Area Health Service and are located on the CEIDA web site in PDF format. Detoxification from Alcohol PDF 15 KB CEIDA Amphetamine Dependence & Withdrawal PDF 14 KB CEIDA Heroin Addiction (including intoxication & withdrawal information) PDF 17 KB CEIDA Cannabis Treatment & Dependence (including intoxication & withdrawal information) PDF 17 KB CEIDA Smoking Cessation PDF 15 KB CEIDA |
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