Drugs With the Most Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms

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When someone begins the difficult process of getting off drugs or alcohol, symptoms of no longer using substances typically occur. The reality is that dangerous withdrawal symptoms can happen to anyone. This proves especially true when going through detox for alcohol and benzodiazepines. This is a big reason why going to rehab and getting professional treatment is so important. A medical staff skilled at helping people go through detox will help prepare for any possible withdrawal symptoms and recognize them if they occur. From there, they can provide medical and psychological support that keeps the individual safe and eliminates any unnecessary discomfort and suffering.

Are Withdrawal Symptoms Dangerous?  

A stereotype exists that the most dangerous drugs to detox from include street drugs like heroin and cocaine. However, the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms commonly occur in relation to alcohol and benzodiazepines. The risk of medical events like seizures or delirium tremens can put someone in physical jeopardy. Furthermore, psychological symptoms, such as hallucinations and suicidal urges, can put a person in jeopardy of acting in an irrational, unsafe manner.

What compounds the danger of these symptoms is when a person attempts to detox on their own. This can be especially true when they attempt to give up substances cold turkey – all at once, without slowly tapering down. The safest way to give up alcohol, benzos, and any other substance is under the supervision of addiction treatment specialists who can provide any medical or psychological care needed immediately. Not only does this keep the person safer, but it reduces or eliminates many of the withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable rather than dangerous. 

Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

When anyone who abused alcohol for a long time stops drinking, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. While some are merely uncomfortable, some can be downright dangerous, especially when someone tries to detox alone. This makes undergoing the early stages of giving up alcohol while being medically supervised so important. 

One of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms related to alcoholism is delirium tremens, often referred to as the DTs. Delirium tremens can begin as quickly as 48 hours after the person’s last drink and can be deadly without proper medical intervention. In fact, it proves fatal for approximately 37% of people who develop it and do not receive immediate medical treatment. 

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms 

Common withdrawal symptoms when detoxing from alcohol include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Insomnia
  • Fever
  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens

Dangers of Benzo Withdrawal

Someone going off benzos after a period of addiction usually experiences withdrawal symptoms. Because some of them are dangerous withdrawal symptoms, no one should attempt to detox alone. For example, someone who begins to have seizures is unlikely to be able to call for medical help. Having medical staff present round-the-clock for the initial stages of recovery helps keep a person getting off benzos stay safe. 

Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms

Common withdrawal symptoms when detoxing from benzos include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Racing heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light and touch
  • Muscular pain
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Shakiness
  • Seizures 
  • Hallucinations

How to Safely Overcome Dependency on Alcohol and Benzos 

The only safe way to overcome dependency on alcohol and benzos is by seeking treatment from a facility that specializes in this service. They employ experienced staff trained to treat substance use disorders. The medical and psychological treatment provided includes help preventing some dangerous withdrawal symptoms from starting and assistance overcoming the ones that do. 

Many treatment facilities specialize in treating adults only, while others focus on adolescents. In both cases, the hallmark of treatment focuses on a variety of therapies designed to help people overcome addiction. During initial detox, which is usually a five to ten-day process, much of the focus is on getting the individual through any withdrawal symptoms they experience. From there, they can segue into things like individual, group, and family therapy. 

The intensive, effective treatment provided by addiction facilities doesn’t just keep a person safe while they are in the program. They help teach them effective, healthy new coping skills that aid in combating triggers and temptations to start using alcohol or benzos again. This helps the person stay safe as they move into other types of treatment and eventually learn to take care of themselves.

Begin Treatment for Alcohol & Benzo Addiction in Phoenix

Do you have an addiction to alcohol or benzos and want to get help but are afraid of dealing with dangerous withdrawal symptoms? When a person is addicted to alcohol and benzos, getting off them can prove especially tricky if the person tries to go it alone. Zenith Behavioral Health in Phoenix employs a staff of medical experts who know how to treat withdrawal symptoms while keeping the person’s safety in focus. We offer medications to help reduce and eliminate many withdrawal symptoms, making detoxing more comfortable for the individual. This also helps keep people safer.

If you want more information on treatment for alcohol and Benzo addiction for both adults and adolescents, we’re happy to explain our program to you. Visit our admissions page now and find out how to get started.