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It may seem like you\u2019re on a rollercoaster when you stop using substances. Suddenly stopping or drastically reducing your intake of alcohol or drugs can be very challenging, because your mind and body are learning to adjust to living without something you were dependent on for a long time. Withdrawal can lead to physical discomfort as well as life-threatening health conditions. But remember, you were strong before your addiction and can triumph in your recovery. The first withdrawal stage typically lasts for a few days up to 2 weeks.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Instead, the following symptoms can develop slowly over time, especially during the first year of recovery. Learning the symptoms of dry drunk syndrome as well as a few strategies to better cope can help you or someone you love to move past this stumbling block toward lasting recovery. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n