Withdrawal symptoms vary by substance. Opioid withdrawal causes severe body aches, sweating, insomnia, and anxiety (peaks around day 3-5, lasts 7-10 days), while alcohol withdrawal can include tremors, anxiety, and in severe cases seizures (most acute symptoms last 5-7 days). Benzodiazepine withdrawal is similar to alcohol and can last weeks. The good news is that medical detox manages these symptoms with medications and support, making the process much more bearable than going it alone. Having a treatment team, staying hydrated, and knowing symptoms are temporary and treatable makes a huge difference in getting through it.