How To Recognise A Comedown As An Addiction Symptom

A comedown is the period after the peak effects of a drug, where the substance is leaving your bloodstream. The term comedown is most commonly used for stimulating drugs, like cocaine, speed or MDMA- but all drugs follow a trajectory of a peaking of effects, followed by the substance exiting your system, which causes you to feel the discomfort associated with a comedown.

Comedown and withdrawal are not the same thing – but there is an overlap in how they feel. We’re going to talk about withdrawals and comedowns – how they differ, what they mean, and if they’re signalling that you may have a problem.

Comedown versus withdrawal

From a clinical perspective, it is extremely important to know the difference between a comedown and withdrawal, as not knowing this can lead to misdiagnosis of substance dependence. An Australian study found that when assessing someone for ecstasy dependence, the acute after-effects, e.g. withdrawal, should be excluded from the process, as it could lead to diagnosing someone with ecstasy dependence when they were just suffering from a comedown.

The principal difference between a comedown and a withdrawal is the length of time and severity of the drug abuse preceding it and whether you have become dependent on it due to your body and brain adjusting to regular consumption of the substance. You can get a comedown from taking ecstasy just once – it feels unpleasant, but it isn’t withdrawal. Withdrawal happens when you have become dependent on the substance through prolonged use, and it is leaving your body.

Repeatedly taking a substance to prevent this sensation is the process whereby a comedown becomes a drug addiction symptom. If you are taking more of a substance to stave off a comedown, this is a warning sign to get help.

Comedown symptoms versus withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms will vary depending on the substance you’re taking. Often, they feel like the opposite of the effects of the drug – so coming down from alcohol and opioids can make you feel anxious and agitated while coming down from ecstasy can make you feel depressed and less sociable. Some common comedown symptoms include shaking, nausea, headaches, mouth ulcers, mood disturbances, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and changes to sleep and appetite.

Comedown symptoms can overlap with withdrawal symptoms, and once again, they vary depending on the substance. Common withdrawal symptoms also include shaking, nausea, sleep and appetite disturbances – but they can be much more serious. For some substances, withdrawals can be life-threatening.

The role of comedowns in the cycle of addiction

Repeated, severe comedowns, and taking more of a substance to avoid them, are clear signs of escalating dependence, and can easily lead to withdrawal. It’s a big driver of one of the most common addiction symptoms – feeling that you need to use a substance repeatedly. Chasing the high is one side of the coin, but avoiding comedowns and withdrawals is the other.

Coping strategies

Coping strategies for comedowns are as simple as getting rest, eating and drinking properly and being kind to yourself for a few days. Many people take supplements to ease comedowns for ecstasy.

Coping with withdrawals is a very different proposition. Withdrawals are more serious, more intense and can be dangerous. Withdrawals can also affect you for much longer. In the case of post-acute withdrawal syndrome, symptoms can persist for as long as two years. The symptoms are also much more varied and wide-ranging, including coordination problems, cognition issues like struggling with abstract thought and circular thinking, and long-term changes to sleep patterns.

For long-term withdrawal symptoms like mood disturbances, cravings and lack of concentration, similar coping mechanisms to comedowns can be employed. Looking after yourself is crucial during addiction recovery, and proper nutrition, water intake, sunlight, and gentle exercise can all help ease the discomfort associated with withdrawals. You’ll also want to consider meditation, deep-breathing exercises and learning relaxation techniques. Building healthy habits after a sustained period of heavy drug or alcohol use is important. You will need to reorient your life around recovery and look for a deeper purpose, so you’re better able to cope with the challenges of cravings, sobriety and withdrawal.

For acute withdrawal symptoms when you’re severely physically dependent, you may want to get professional help. The period of acute withdrawal is a sensitive time – it can feel awful, and you’re at high risk of relapse. Particularly intense alcohol addiction may lead to withdrawals that require medically assisted detox, as withdrawal seizures can be life-threatening.

Professional help

Withdrawing from a substance does not mean that you are no longer dependent on it – and you will likely need help afterwards. Severe cases of withdrawals are best approached within the confines of a dedicated detox and rehab clinic. If you feel you could use guidance or more information about drug or alcohol addiction, contact our team today.