The term “withdrawal” can be quite intimidating, especially if you’re wondering, “Can you die from withdrawal?”
Although most drug withdrawals are not that extreme, some are indeed serious or can easily become life-threatening if there isn’t any medical support.
The symptoms and severity of drug withdrawals vary widely and depend mostly on the substance and your overall health.
In this guide, we will look into the basics of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol, highlighting some of the most dangerous types while showing how sufficient support makes the difference in a safe recovery process.
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The Basics of Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal is your body’s response to stopping a substance it has grown dependent on.
When you’re in the cycle of addiction, your brain and body adapt to the presence of drugs or alcohol, creating a dependency.
So, when you quit, your body reacts, often leading to a range of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.
Alcohol withdrawal is especially intense and is considered by many to be one of the most dangerous types of withdrawal.
Most experience symptoms such as anxiety, shaking, and nausea, but in extreme cases, some may experience seizures or delirium tremens-a condition that results in confusion, racing heartbeat, and hallucinations.
This is exactly why medical attention is often needed when it comes to withdrawing from alcohol.
Drug withdrawals do tend to vary widely depending on the particular drug of use.
Though generally not life-threatening, opioid withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable, like the worst flu ever.
Stimulants like cocaine produce fatigued and depressive states of mind, and benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to dangerous symptoms such as seizures.
All things considered, a safe, supportive environment can enhance the safety of detoxification and form a key foundation in recovery.
Withdrawal Symptoms by Substance
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of different substances, with details on symptom severity, key signs to watch for, and how long withdrawal may last.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Mild Severity: Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea, sweating (Duration: 1-2 days)
- Moderate Severity: Tremors, confusion, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure (Duration: 3-7 days)
- Severe Severity: Seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs) (Duration: 1-2 weeks)
Opioids Withdrawal Symptoms
- Mild Severity: Muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, yawning (Duration: 1-3 days)
- Moderate Severity: Agitation, increased anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting (Duration: 4-10 days)
- Severe Severity: Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, intense cravings, abdominal cramps, diarrhea (Duration: 1-2 weeks)
Benzodiazepines Withdrawal Symptoms
- Mild Severity: Restlessness, irritability, anxiety (Duration: 1-4 days)
- Moderate Severity: Muscle pain, sweating, nausea, sensory hypersensitivity (Duration: 1-2 weeks)
- Severe Severity: Panic attacks, seizures, hallucinations, severe anxiety (Duration: Weeks to months)
Stimulants Withdrawal Symptoms
- Mild Severity: Fatigue, sleepiness, increased appetite (Duration: 1-3 days)
- Moderate Severity: Depression, restlessness, irritability, insomnia (Duration: 3-7 days)
- Severe Severity: Suicidal thoughts, intense cravings, severe depression (Duration: 1-2 weeks)
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
- Mild Severity: Irritability, frustration, increased appetite (Duration: 1-2 days)
- Moderate Severity: Insomnia, difficulty concentrating, mood swings (Duration: 1-3 days)
- Severe Severity: Intense cravings, anxiety, depressive symptoms (Duration: 1-2 weeks)
Could Withdrawal Cause Death?
As discussed, the presence and intensity of withdrawal symptoms depend on the drug type.
For example, alcohol and benzodiazepines are known to be responsible for extreme and life-threatening withdrawal effects once their usage is terminated.
In this sense, withdrawal is much more than an extremely painful process with symptoms that can very easily become dangerous—such as seizures, delirium tremens from alcohol, or even lethal complications resulting from the cessation of benzodiazepines.
These can be lethal in cases of extreme withdrawal that is not well handled.
This underlines the importance of medical support during withdrawal from some substances.
While withdrawal from most drugs may not cost your life, in the case of alcohol and benzodiazepines, among others, a medical expert must be present for your safety.1
Quick Tip: Building a Safe and Effective Recovery Plan
Ensure you have a comprehensive treatment plan with medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and reduce complications. This approach gives you a safer, smoother start to recovery.
Alcohol Withdrawal vs. Drug Withdrawal
While some symptoms may be similar between alcohol and drug withdrawals, there are many differences.
Most notably, alcohol withdrawal is generally more dangerous, given serious complications such as seizures and DTs.
Symptoms of drug withdrawal vary greatly with a particular drug used.
For example, the classic opioid withdrawal symptomatology often presents with severe flu-like symptoms, while withdrawal from stimulants may be dominated by deep fatigue and major depression.
The severity and nature of the symptoms depend not only on the substance but also on the individual factors of a person’s health, how much he/she has been using it, and duration.
See an illustrated chart below comparing alcohol and drug withdrawal, including severity levels, leading symptoms, and influencing factors.2
| Category | Alcohol Withdrawal | Drug Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Severity | Often more dangerous, with high risks of seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) | Varies by substance; opioid withdrawal can cause intense flu-like symptoms, while stimulants may lead to severe fatigue and depression |
| Symptom Variability | Primarily includes seizures, DTs, and other serious symptoms | Symptoms vary widely based on the drug: opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, etc., each with unique withdrawal challenges |
| Influencing Factors | Dependent on individual health, duration, and amount of alcohol consumed | Dependent on individual health, substance type, duration, and frequency of use |
Most Dangerous Withdrawals by Substance
When considering drug withdrawals, it is the drugs that prove to be dangerous need to be known.
You may even ask, “What withdrawals can kill you?”
The risks really depend on the drug type you are taking.
The deadliest among the drugs to withdraw from include alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids.
For instance, alcohol withdrawal may cause a life-threatening condition referred to as delirium tremens or DTs.
Among these problems, benzodiazepine withdrawal has a high risk of seizures, while opioid withdrawal may not be generally lethal but can indeed cause serious dehydration and other complications without being well taken care of.
It is often documented that medical supervision greatly reduces such risks, thereby reinforcing the importance of professional detox assistance.
The following sample helps better illustrate the withdrawal risks of these substances.
| Substance | Withdrawal Risks | Medical Support Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Can lead to delirium tremens (DTs), which may be fatal without treatment | Greatly reduces the risk of DTs and potentially fatal outcomes |
| Benzodiazepines | High risk of seizures and other severe symptoms | Decreases risk of seizures and stabilizes withdrawal symptoms |
| Opioids | Severe dehydration and complications, though rarely fatal | Manages hydration and minimizes risk of complications |
Staying Strong Through Withdrawal and Relapse
The journey to getting clean can be incredibly challenging, bringing both the physical pain of withdrawal and an overwhelming rush of emotions.
Together, these can sometimes make relapse feel like the easiest way out.
The discomfort and strong desires may tempt you to return to using just to find a bit of relief, even for a moment.
That’s why seeking support, whether through counseling, support groups, or medical care, is not only extremely important but really can make all the difference.
See, by finding healthier ways to cope with the symptoms, you have a stronger chance to stay on track and move forward on your journey to recovery.
How to Safely Recover from Addiction
Recovery from addiction is usually a multistep process, and detox is just one of these steps.
Although going into detox is often a necessary first step, it addresses only the physical aspect of the addiction, not the emotional challenges that, more often than not, make you turn back to the substance.
Attending a treatment program after detox can build on the foundation established in detox and allow you to pursue long-term sobriety.
Here are some of the continued treatment options available here at Cornerstone:
Our holistic approach supports you in working through emotional and psychological challenges and facing some of the toughest revelations while learning the necessary tools for recovery that will last.3
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most serious form of withdrawal?
The most dangerous type of withdrawal is from alcohol, specifically delirium tremens (DTs). These cause extreme confusion, hallucinations, and rapid heart rate and blood pressure changes; medically unattended, it may be fatal.
Is addiction recovery lifelong?
Yes, addiction recovery is lifelong. It requires ongoing effort and support to maintain sobriety, improve mental health, and lead a better life. You have to make an unwavering commitment to the road to recovery.
What are the withdrawal effects?
Physical withdrawal symptoms may manifest themselves as nausea, trembling, and anxiety. It can also lead to psychological problems, such as depression or strong cravings for the substance, which can be difficult to manage without support.
What is one of the first signs of withdrawal?
Anxiety and irritability are usually some of the initial withdrawal signs. These feelings surface at the same time when your body is reacting to the absence of the substance it grew so used to.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Withdrawals are the body's reaction to the absence of a substance and can affect both physical and mental health.
- Alcohol withdrawal is among the most dangerous forms of withdrawal and may require medical intervention.
- Certain withdrawals, such as those from benzodiazepines and opioids, can be life-threatening without proper care.
- Medical supervision is key for managing withdrawal symptoms and minimizing risks.
Taking the First Step: Finding the Right Support
If you’re worried about facing severe drug withdrawals or wondering things like, “Can you die from withdrawal?” then seeking medical consultation might be an important first step.
Detoxing in a supervised setting can help reduce risks, providing a safer way to navigate the difficult process.
While we may not offer detox services at Cornerstone Healing Center, we are happy to assist in placing you with a facility that meets your needs.
After detox, we can set you up in one of our many addiction treatment programs, whichever best suits your needs.
Taking the first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most important—and you don’t have to take it alone.
