Rohypnol Withdrawal Symptoms
Once the high of addiction to Rohypnol begins to dissipate, users feel distressing Rohypnol withdrawal symptoms, which are similar to those of alcohol and other benzos, commonly known as comedown effects.
Typically, the withdrawal effects show up around 10-26 hours after the last ingestion, with varying intensities, depending on factors like the individual’s psychological state, age, the timeframe of use, and drug dependency.
Although Rohypnol is usually taken on its own, some people like to combine it with other drugs to enhance or reduce their effects. The common combinations include alcohol, heroin, other opiates, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Hence, people that use various drug combinations may experience different or paradoxical Rohypnol withdrawal symptoms.
Since Rohypnols is a type of benzodiazepine, detoxing from Rohypnol will have users experiencing severe effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Benzo withdrawal syndrome and barbiturate or alcohol withdrawal are mostly similar, and thus, you can prevent the symptoms associated with detoxification with appropriate Rohypnol withdrawal treatment. However, the main difference between other benzodiazepines and Rohypnol is that it is not fast-acting, and so, the withdrawal symptoms may not show for several days after your last use.
Rohypnols signs and symptoms may include stiffness, weakness, fatigue, and insomnia. The patient can also feel Rohypnol symptoms day after with muscle tremors, anxiety, paranoia, or depression. They may also have flu-like symptoms, light or sound sensitivity, and temporary hearing loss. Sudden loss of appetite and gastrointestinal issues may lead to their unexplained weight loss.
Rohypnol Withdrawal Timeline
Days 3-4: Acute Withdrawal Stage
- Flu-Like symptoms
- Rebound anxiety-related issues
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Increased blood pressure
Days 10-14: Protracted Withdrawal Stage
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Depression
- Shakiness
- Cravings
- Weight loss
If the users have been abusing Rohypnols for the long-term, the Rohypnol withdrawal symptoms may also extend to impairment in the neurological, cognitive, and intellectual functions. Such severe symptoms can last for several months but can dissipate after a year.
Sometimes, Rohypnol hangover symptoms can be too severe and mimic schizophrenia or mania. In any case, you should seek the advice of medical professionals when trying to detox from Rohypnol.
Rohypnol Withdrawl Symptoms: Long-Term Consequences
You may face severe repercussions of long-term Rohypnol abuse, from injuries due to skewed motor coordination or driving under the influence of drugs, you can potentially harm yourself and others. When you have Rohypnol symptoms, next day, it could lead to reduced inhibitions and compromised judgment, and you make poor choices like having unprotected sex.
Long-term Rohypnol abuse can cause mental, emotional, and physical health issues like mania, paranoia, depression, insomnia, impaired sexual function, heart collapse, respiratory problems, and organ failure. With Rohypnol administration routes like injections, people are more at risk of contracting infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and similar bloodborne viruses.
Teenagers who start abusing Rohypnols while they are still in school may develop antisocial behaviors, homicidal intentions, or suicidal thoughts. Their performance in education or sports keeps decreasing, and they may isolate themselves or even harm their friendships or their own physical appearances.
How long a user continues the drug can decide the severity and duration of their Rohypnol withdrawal symptoms. If the severity and dependence are high, it will be so much more challenging to get rid of Rohypnol addiction without proper medical intervention.