there could be some underlying pain or trauma or anxiety, and when you find a chemical that obfuscates it, your brain goes "oh I like this new feeling", and you

there could be some underlying pain or trauma or anxiety, and when you find a chemical that obfuscates it, your brain goes "oh I like this new feeling", and you start using that chemical as a way to mute the negative, often without realizing it OR realizing those underlying issues even exist. then, the press secretary in your brain (the thing between your subconscious & conscious mind) goes into hyper-rationalization (denial) mode and you start to defend the amount and type of chemicals you use, even when they are literally killing you and those around you If you're asking about what physical or psychological withdrawal from a drug feels like, it depends on the person, the chemical, and other variables. The worst opiates (Suboxone / Methadone) have 6 month+ withdrawal symptoms, and the faster ones are ~7 days. Hellish times. However, while abstinence frees you from withdrawal symptoms, unless the underlying mental issues are addressed it's likely you'll go back to the very same substance that got you here.