What Is a Come Down? Coping With Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’ve ever heard someone describe how they feel the next day after taking drugs or drinking heavily, you’ve probably heard the term ‘come down’ on more than one occasion. But what exactly is meant by the term ‘come down’? And why do they happen?
In this blog, we’ll breakdown everything you need to know about come downs, the science behind them, and what you can do if you or a loved one are struggling to cope with drug withdrawal symptoms.
What Is a Come Down?
Experiencing a come down is a common occurrence for many people who choose to consume substances or large amounts of alcohol.
A come down refers to the state of mind people experience after the effects of a substance have worn off, and the individual begins to return to their normal state of consciousness. It can occur after the use of a variety of substances, including alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and opioids, among others.
Whether it's the aftermath of a night of heavy drinking or a prolonged period of drug use, the symptoms can range from mild to severe, affecting both the mind and body, producing what many term a ‘come down’.
Why Do Come Downs Happen?
To understand why a come down happens, it's important to first understand how drugs and alcohol affect the brain chemistry and neurotransmitter systems.
Substances like alcohol and drugs increase the production of neurological chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. When the substance is consumed, it leads to an artificial boost in these chemicals, creating feelings of euphoria or greater contentment.
People often refer to this process as ‘getting high’, as it lifts the mood of the user.
However, once the effects of the drug wear off, these chemicals return to regular—or depleted—levels of production, leading to a lower state of mood by comparison: a feeling of ‘coming down’.
The Science Behind Come Downs
When a person uses a substance repeatedly, their brain becomes dependent on the artificial boost in neurotransmitters.
Over time, the brain's natural production of certain chemicals, like dopamine, can become reduced, making it difficult to experience pleasure without the substance.
This neurochemical imbalance leads to several symptoms during a come down:
- Dopamine Deficiency: After a stimulant or euphoric drug (like cocaine, meth, or alcohol), dopamine levels drop dramatically, causing feelings of depression, fatigue, and lack of motivation.
- Serotonin Depletion: Drugs like ecstasy or MDMA cause an artificial surge in serotonin levels. Once the drug is out of the system, serotonin levels can plummet, resulting in symptoms of irritability, low mood, and anxiety.
- GABA Imbalance: Alcohol and benzodiazepines enhance GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity, creating feelings of relaxation. Once alcohol leaves the system, the brain compensates by becoming hyperactive, causing symptoms like shaking, anxiety, and insomnia.
Common Symptoms of a Come Down
The symptoms of a come down vary depending on the substance used, how long it has been used, and the level of dependence. Common symptoms include:
1. Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue: One of the most common effects of a come down is feeling exhausted or drained. The body has been under stress during drug use, and it needs time to recover and restore energy levels.
- Headaches and Body Aches: Withdrawal often leads to dehydration, changes in blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, which can result in painful headaches and muscle aches.
- Nausea and Stomach Discomfort: The digestive system is impacted by the presence of the drug, and once it leaves the system, nausea and stomach discomfort are common.
- Sweating and Shaking: The body may become overactive as the nervous system tries to recalibrate, leading to excessive sweating or shaking.
2. Psychological Symptoms
- Depression and Anxiety: One of the most common symptoms that people experience during a come down is a lower mood and a feeling of depression or anxiety. This can also be referred to as a ‘crash’. As dopamine and serotonin levels drop, individuals may feel empty, unmotivated, and in a depressed state of mind.
- Irritability: The neurochemical imbalances caused by drug use can lead to increased feelings of irritability and frustration.
- Mood Swings: The emotional volatility experienced during a come down can feel intense, making it harder to regulate emotions or interact with others.
How to Manage Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
If you or a loved one experience come downs regularly, it may be a sign that you have an issue with drugs or alcohol and that your body is becoming dependent on the substance in question.
This is dangerous as alcohol or substance dependency is one of the first signs of addiction. Many individuals attempt to escape the feeling of a come down by taking more of the substance, or using another substance altogether to distract themselves and chase the feeling of elation.
The individual therefore becomes susceptible to a vicious cycle of come downs and drug consumption that can escalate quickly into addiction.
It’s important to note that whilst there are temporary solutions for managing a come down, the only long-term solution is to quit the substance altogether.
This is easier said than done, so if you think you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, and you want to stop the tumultuous effects of drug withdrawal symptoms, reach out to New Leaf Recovery for support today.
Contact New Leaf Recovery for Professional Support Today
Here at New Leaf, we offer bespoke care programmes designed to help you or a loved one overcome drug or alcohol dependency so you can live a happier, substance-free life:
- Detox Programmes: For individuals struggling with significant addiction or severe withdrawal symptoms, a medically supervised detox is essential. Here at New Leaf Recovery, our detoxification programmes provide round-the-clock support when you need it most, helping to ease the withdrawal symptoms from drugs gradually and safely.
- Therapy and Support: Professional therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other counselling techniques, can help manage the psychological aspect of withdrawal, such as anxiety and depression. Here at New Leaf, we offer a range of rehabilitative therapies, including CBT, 1:1 counselling, and group therapy to help individuals better come to terms with their alcohol or drug habits and replace them with healthier habits so they can lead happier, substance-free lives.
So if you’re ready to free yourself from the perils of withdrawal symptoms or help guide a loved one towards a happier, more fulfilling future, contact New Leaf Recovery today.
Conveniently located in the heart of the West Midlands, our residential rehabilitation clinic in Birmingham is easily accessible by motorways and other transport routes.
We’ll be able to provide you with the dedicated support you need to conquer drug or alcohol dependency and put in place the healthier building blocks necessary to stave off the perils of addiction.
Get the professional support you need to quit alcohol or substances for good today, and turn over a New Leaf with New Leaf Recovery.