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Can Drug Or Alcohol Withdrawal Cause Death?

Drug and alcohol withdrawal can be a very dangerous process, and in some cases, withdrawal can cause death. Knowing how to manage withdrawal symptoms ensures a shorter recovery time and a lower likelihood of relapsing.

What is Drug Withdrawal?

Drug withdrawal is a physical and psychological experience that someone goes through when they stop taking drugs. It’s a process that can vary from person to person, but it usually includes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and muscle aches. Drug withdrawal also has the potential to cause hallucinations and seizures.

Who is Affected by Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs most often in people who have been drinking alcohol for a long time. Those who have been drinking for a prolonged period of time are more likely to experience alcohol withdrawal than those who drink less often.

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may occur when someone first stops drinking or after they have stopped for a period of time. However, the symptoms may return if you resume drinking. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in people who are alcohol dependent might be worse in those who have a family history of alcohol-related problems.

Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol and drug withdrawal syndrome is a medical condition that results from the sudden and complete cessation of the use of alcohol or drugs. If you have been drinking alcohol regularly or using drugs for some time, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and drug withdrawal symptoms may occur after you stop using.

The symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal can be divided into two phases: the acute and the prolonged withdrawal phase.

Acute withdrawal symptoms may include a feeling of agitation, depression, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, panic attacks, confusion, memory lapses, muscle weakness, insomnia, seizures, and hallucinations.

Prolonged withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Aggression
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Impaired memory
  • Sleep problems

Can Withdrawal Cause Death?

Withdrawal can be a dangerous process for both the person withdrawing and those around them. Withdrawal can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and seizures. If a person suffers from seizures, they may go into cardiac arrest or even die.

In short, withdrawal can cause death when you aren’t taking detox seriously. You need to consider finding a medical detox program to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

Most Dangerous Drugs to Withdrawal From

When it comes to withdrawing from drugs, there are a few that pose the most dangerous risk. When trying to quit any drug, it is important to speak with a physician or addiction specialist about the safest way to go about quitting.

The following are among the most dangerous drugs to withdraw from: 

  • Benzodiazepines: These medications include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. They can cause seizures and death in people who use them improperly or abruptly stop taking them. Benzodiazepines are also known to cause brain damage.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant drug and can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and blurred vision. Alcohol also increases the risk of heart and liver damage.
  • Opioids: Opioids include heroin, morphine, Oxycontin, and fentanyl. They are addictive drugs that can cause respiratory depression and death in people who misuse them.
  • Stimulants: Stimulant drugs include methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack. They affect the central nervous system and can cause confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
  • Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens are drugs that alter a person’s perception of reality.
  • Cocaine: Cocaine is a stimulant drug, which has a high potential for abuse and dependence. It affects the central nervous system and can cause decreased activity in the body, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, hallucinations, paranoia, and panic attacks.

How to Safely Withdrawal from Drugs and Alcohol

When coming off of drugs or alcohol, it is important to be safe and do it the right way. Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional about it beforehand so that you can make the safest choice for yourself. 

It is critical to seek professional support during the withdrawal process in order to manage intense cravings and symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. Medically supervised detox services are highly recommended because the withdrawal period is safely supervised and much more comfortable.

Drug and Alcohol Detox in Nashville, TN

Drug and alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, but it doesn’t have to be. At Brentwood Detox Center in Nashville, TN, we specialize in medical detox in a supervised setting to make the process of detoxification much easier on your body and mind. Call us today or visit our admissions page to learn more.

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