Things to Avoid (or Use Extreme Caution With) During Withdrawal

Many people in withdrawal report increased sensitivity to substances that affect the central nervous system. Use caution with adding any of the following as they are known to cause issues: 1. Substances That Directly Impact the CNS Alcohol • Highly destabilizing to the central nervous system • Can worsen anxiety, depression, insomnia, and symptoms • Often causes delayed setbacks (next-day or multi-day crashes) Nicotine (Cigarettes, Vaping, Nicotine Replacement) • Stimulates the nervous system • Can increase anxiety, heart palpitations, and agitation • Withdrawal from nicotine itself can complicate symptoms Recreational Drugs • Cannabis (THC in particular) • Cocaine • MDMA (Ecstasy) • Amphetamines (non-prescribed) • Psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin) Why avoid: Unpredictable effects on a sensitized brain; may trigger severe anxiety, depersonalization, or setbacks. 2. Psychiatric & Neurologically Active Medications • Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) • Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone) • Antihistamines with sedating properties (e.g., diphenhydramine) • Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, methylphenidate) • Antipsychotics • Mood stabilizers • Gabapentinoids (gabapentin, pregabalin) Why: The nervous system is trying to recalibrate—adding new CNS-active drugs can worsen instability or create new dependence. 3. Caffeine & Stimulants Caffeine (major trigger for many) • Coffee • Energy drinks • Strong tea (black, green in high amounts) • Pre-workout supplements Effects: • Increases cortisol and adrenaline • Can worsen anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and “wired but tired” feeling Other Stimulants • Guarana • Yerba mate • High-dose B vitamins (especially B6, B12 in some people) 4. Supplements That Can Aggravate Symptoms Even “natural” doesn’t mean safe during withdrawal. Common Problematic Supplements • 5-HTP • St. John’s Wort • SAM-e • GABA supplements • L-theanine (can be calming for some, activating for others) • Ashwagandha (can overstimulate some) • Rhodiola (stimulating adaptogen) • Ginseng • Tyrosine / DLPA Why avoid or be cautious: • Can alter neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA) • May trigger anxiety, agitation, or mood swings • Effects are unpredictable in a sensitized CNS 5. Over-the-Counter Medications Use caution with: • Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) • Cough medicines (especially those with dextromethorphan) • Sleep aids (diphenhydramine, doxylamine) • Motion sickness meds (some are anticholinergic) Why: • Many affect the brain directly • Can worsen confusion, anxiety, or insomnia 6. Foods That Can Aggravate the Nervous System Not everyone reacts the same—but many in withdrawal become sensitive. Highly Stimulating or Triggering Foods • Excess sugar (blood sugar spikes → anxiety) • Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose) • MSG (monosodium glutamate) • Highly processed foods High Histamine Foods (important for sensitive individuals) • Aged cheeses • Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha) • Processed meats • Alcohol (also listed above) • Vinegar-heavy foods Other Potential Triggers • Chocolate (contains caffeine + theobromine) • Spicy foods (can increase adrenaline response) • Large, heavy meals (stress on body) 7. Hormonal & Metabolic Stressors Fasting / Skipping Meals • Can destabilize blood sugar • Leads to adrenaline spikes → anxiety Extreme Diets • Keto (can be too stressful for some; others do find it helpful) • Very low-carb diets (can affect mood stability) 8. Environmental & Lifestyle Stressors These aren’t substances, but they strongly impact the CNS: • Sleep deprivation • Overexertion (physical or mental) • Intense exercise (especially early in withdrawal) • Emotional stress / conflict • Excessive screen time • Loud environments / sensory overload 9. Antibiotics & Certain Medications (Use Caution) Some are known to affect the CNS: • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g. Cipro, Levaquin) • Steroids (prednisone) • Certain antivirals Why: • Can cause anxiety, insomnia, or neurological symptoms • May trigger setbacks in sensitive individuals 10. Sudden Changes of Any Kind This is one of the most overlooked triggers. • Starting/stopping supplements abruptly • Changing diet drastically • Rapid medication changes • Travel, time zone shifts Why: The nervous system in withdrawal prefers consistency and predictability. Key Principle to Remember: “When in withdrawal, less is more.” The central nervous system is in a hypersensitive, healing state. Substances that were once tolerated can now cause exaggerated reactions. Stability, simplicity, and consistency are the safest approach. Please Note: Not everyone will react to all of the items listed above. If symptoms worsen after introducing something new, consider removing it and returning to a stable baseline. Disclaimer: This information is based on lived experience within psychiatric drug withdrawal communities and is not medical advice.