Withdrawal symptoms can include mood changes, tremors, and nausea—and can vary depending on the substance being stopped. Always talk to a doctor before stopping or reducing your substance use to ensure safety. Withdrawal happens when you suddenly stop using addictive substances like alcohol and nicotine. Withdrawal can cause symptoms that affect your emotional and physical health. Talking to a. Alcohol withdrawal causes a range of symptoms when a person with alcohol use disorder stops or significantly decreases their alcohol intake. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the most severe being life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging for those recovering from addiction or medication dependence. Learn about causes, timeline, and treatment options here. Withdrawal happens when a person stops or reduces intake of an addictive substance. Common symptoms of withdrawal are sweating, headaches, irritability, and loss of appetite. Withdrawal symptoms can last from several days to months depending on the substance used. Learn the general drug withdrawal symptoms and timelines for major drugs and substances of abuse. Learn what to expect when experiencing withdrawal and if detox can help. Learn about alcohol withdrawal, including common symptoms, how long it lasts, why it happens, and the treatment options that support safe recovery.