Abstinent syndrome: what it is, what is dangerous, how it manifests itself

It is known that after a period of intoxication in alcoholics or drug exposure in a drug addict, a severe condition occurs. The person experiences psychological and physical torment. He has a very strong desire to take a new dose of drugs or alcohol. This condition is called withdrawal syndrome. The stronger the addiction, the more severe it manifests itself. Let's consider the manifestations of withdrawal syndrome. Why does this condition arise and what is its danger?

How does withdrawal syndrome arise

With alcohol abuse, the biochemistry of the brain changes. Opioid, cannabinoid and other receptors begin to work with disorders. Serotonin and dopamine, the pleasure hormones, are produced significantly less. Alcohol gives excessive stimulation to the central nervous system. When its action stops, the receptors in the brain begin to work very weakly. Therefore, the person feels depressed, anxious and irritable, depressed state. There may be bursts of restlessness and activity, the desire to go somewhere, to perform some actions. There are also disturbances in the central nervous system:

• The person doesn't sleep well.
• Seizures and tremors, nervous tics.
• Regulation in the nervous system is disturbed, the mechanisms of inhibition and excitation do not work properly.

Intoxication for a long period of time leads to such symptoms:

• Headaches.
• Aches and pains in the joints and muscles.
• Disturbances in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems.
• Intestinal distress and vomiting. This is how the body removes toxins.

Danger of withdrawal syndrome

When a person gets a new dose of alcohol, some unpleasant symptoms pass because of the stimulation of receptors in the brain, as well as the anesthetic effect of alcohol. There is an increase in tone. It seems to the person that alcohol affects him positively. However, in fact, after the action of alcohol, the person's well-being becomes even worse. This is the hidden danger of withdrawal syndrome. A person does not stop abusing alcohol, but perceives it as a cure for his serious condition. He does not realize that alcohol is the cause of his serious condition or is ready to deliberately aggravate it for the sake of temporary relief.

The withdrawal syndrome already indicates that the body systems are seriously affected. Their normal work is disturbed, there is a strong intoxication. With withdrawal syndrome, vital organs can fail:

• Liver, kidneys.
• Because of the excessive strain on the cardiovascular system, heart attack, stroke. There may even be a lethal outcome.

Since a person in withdrawal syndrome experiences sharp changes in emotions, fear, aggression, irritability, he often shows rudeness to others. He can physically harm others, so it is especially important for him to be in a calm environment without provocative situations.

With withdrawal syndrome, the help of a narcologist and other medical specialists is necessary. Self-medication, uncontrolled intake of drugs can lead to a worsening of the condition and even to danger to life.