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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:

  1. Death from overdose while relapsing due to reduced tolerance
  2. Death from suicide if drug use is a primary coping mechanism if supports and underling social/pathology are not managed (eg coping with depression, family violence)
  3. Child and partner abuse from anxiety induced withdrawal symptoms.

 

Contents

Drug Symptoms Chart (Intoxication & Withdrawal)

Alcohol
Tranquillisers
Opoids
Amphetamines
Drugs & Pregnancy

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Drug Symptoms Chart

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
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
Perceptual disturbance

Feelings of unreality

Memory impairment

Headache

Aches & pains

Palpitations

Depression,

Suicidal thoughts,

Agoraphobia

Seizure

Opoids
Heroin, Methadone, Codeine
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
 
A m p h e t a m i n e s
Dexamphetamine (Speed). Ritalin, MDMA (Ecstasy)
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

Drugs and Pregnancy

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

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

Benzodiazepine

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

 

Other DrugNet Pages in this Subject Heading

Introduction ] Treatment Steps ] Brief Intervention ] Raise the Issue ] Motivational Interviewing ] Intoxication ] Relapse ] Harm Reduction ] Referral ] [ Withdrawal ] Treatment Options ] Involuntary Clients ] Self-help ] 12 Steps AA/NA ] Overdose ] NIDA Publications ] Adolescents ]

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