Can You Die From Withdrawal?
Going through detox and withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs can be extremely difficult and even deadly. Knowing your risk factors and how to safely manage withdrawal symptoms can be the difference between a successful detox and a life-threatening situation.
Author Lauren Geoffrion, MD
Can Drug Or Alcohol Withdrawal Be Deadly?
Going through detoxification and withdrawal from certain substances can be deadly if it is not done carefully. When a person engages in chronic use of alcohol or drugs, the body makes adjustments to function normally in the presence of the drug. These adaptations can lead to tolerance and physical dependence upon those substances.
When a person abruptly discontinues the use of the substance, the body has difficulty quickly adjusting to its absence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. As the brain and body readjust, critical organ systems may not function as they should and may cause deadly symptoms.
The Most Dangerous Drugs To Withdraw From
Not all substances produce life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, but some, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, do have a risk of death from withdrawal.
Other withdrawal syndromes may put a person in a vulnerable state that could make them more likely to have other life-threatening experiences. Successful detox, which includes getting through withdrawal symptoms, is often accomplished with medical support.
Alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs in four different stages that increase in severity. Stage I of alcohol withdrawal is known as uncomplicated withdrawal, which is not life-threatening. But, stages II, III, and IV produce dangerous symptoms that could result in permanent brain damage or death if untreated. The risk of complicated withdrawal increases if a person has previously experienced severe withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms by stage usually progress on the following timeline:
- 6–12 hours after last drink: Stage 1—uncomplicated withdrawal
- 8–12 hours after last drink: Stage 2—alcoholic hallucinosis
- 12–24 hours after last drink: Stage 3—alcoholic seizures
- 24–72 hours after last drink: Stage 4—delirium tremens
If you or a loved one may be at risk for complicated alcohol withdrawal, getting help with detox could save your life.
Benzodiazepines
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines is similar to alcohol withdrawal and can produce life-threatening symptoms. However, there are many types of benzodiazepines, and the onset of withdrawal symptoms depends on the type of benzodiazepine, frequency and dose of use, and other personal factors.
To avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms, physicians usually prescribe a taper of benzodiazepines. It can take several weeks before completely detoxing from a benzodiazepine.
Can You Die From Other Types Of Drug Withdrawal?
No other drugs directly produce life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, but they can produce symptoms that make it more likely for a person to unintentionally be in life-threatening situations.
For example, untreated severe vomiting or diarrhea from opioid withdrawal could cause dehydration. In people with certain conditions, or if care is not taken to correct dehydration, a person may find themselves in critical condition. Alternatively, withdrawal from stimulants, such as methamphetamine, can cause severe depression, which can lead to suicidal behaviors.
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Dangerous Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Though different substances produce a variety of withdrawal symptoms, some symptoms of life-threatening withdrawal include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Severe increase in heart rate
- Severe increase in blood pressure
- Severe increase in body temperature
- Coma
- Severe depression with suicidal thoughts
People with a history of certain medical or mental conditions may be at a greater risk for particular dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Before attempting detox, you should to talk to your healthcare provider.
Withdrawal Complications And Death
Unforeseen complications can occur during withdrawal from any drug, potentially leading to death. Additionally, undergoing withdrawal from multiple substances at once could cause unpredictable symptoms, making it more difficult to manage.
Another risk of detoxing without professional help is the danger of relapse. Without proper support to maintain abstinence after detoxification, many people struggle with relapse. However, after detox, the body cannot tolerate the same doses as before, and if a person takes the same amount of a substance that they did before detox, they may overdose.
In addition, if a person has gone through detox and withdrawal multiple times, they are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms that could lead to death.
How To Withdrawal And Detox Safely
Enrolling in a medical detox program at a treatment center can significantly increase the chances of going through withdrawal safely and successfully. Depending on the substance a person is withdrawing from, a provider can prescribe certain medications.
Some medications may slow down the detox process to make it safer, while others may treat symptoms that occur, thus increasing the patient’s safety and comfort. All detox programs provide symptom monitoring to ensure that new or dangerous symptoms are caught before they become unmanageable.
In addition, medical detox programs can help you arrange ongoing addiction treatment to minimize the risk of relapse and ensure your best chance at long-term recovery.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with substance misuse or addiction, you can take your first steps toward recovery by undergoing medical detox.
Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options.
