Illicit Substance Withdrawal: Under What Circumstances Can These Be Lethal?

Overcoming addiction can be a long, difficult road. In many cases, though, the first few steps are the most arduous. Admitting there's a problem and making the decision to break the cycle certainly fall into that category. Of course, withdrawal also comes into play. After the body and mind become accustomed to the presence of an illicit substance, suddenly taking it away can be an uncomfortable, mentally and emotionally trying, and downright painful experience.

Under certain circumstances, withdrawal can even be deadly. Though it's not always life-threatening, some instances can certainly be incredibly dangerous. That's particularly the case if the withdrawal process isn't closely monitored and carefully managed. Read on to learn more about cases in which withdrawal from illicit substances can lead to serious complications and potentially death.

Opioids

For many people, opioid withdrawal symptoms can be stressful and physically excruciating. Though withdrawal from heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, and other opioids isn't usually lethal on its own, some of the symptoms can take a dangerous turn. Those include complications from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by severe vomiting and diarrhea. Those symptoms can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and other life-threatening issues if they're not monitored and treated.

Depressants

Depressants, like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates, can cause potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms. Abruptly stopping these substances, especially after heavy long-term use, can cause seizures, delirium tremens, and cardiac arrest. Seizures and DTs can significantly affect the brain and hamper the body's ability to regulate vital functions. During cardiac arrest, a person stops breathing and can lose consciousness. All these symptoms can be deadly without medical intervention.

Stimulants

In most cases, withdrawal from stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine isn't deadly. That being said, the psychological effects of withdrawal, such as severe depression and paranoia, can lead to suicidal tendencies and cause people to harm themselves. That greatly increases the risk of death if the person experiencing withdrawal isn't under medical supervision.

Hallucinogens

When withdrawing from hallucinogens, such as LSD and PCP, the resulting physical symptoms aren't typically lethal. That being said, withdrawal from these drugs can cause seizures, which may be dangerous. Additionally, the mental and emotional symptoms can be dangerous. Those may include hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and depression. They may increase the risk of self-harm whether intentionally or inadvertently.  

Withdrawing From Multiple Drugs

When people abuse multiple illicit substances, withdrawal becomes much more serious. Ridding the body of more than one substance simultaneously can intensify the symptoms of withdrawal and cause unpredictable physical and mental reactions. As such, the potential dangers are compounded.  

Underlying Health Issues

People with preexisting health conditions, especially heart or respiratory issues, face higher risks of death during withdrawal. Withdrawal places extreme stress on the body, so it may exacerbate underlying medical conditions. That, in turn, can lead to life-threatening complications. Those medical conditions can be dangerous on their own, but when combined with withdrawal, they're often even more concerning.

Safely Withdrawing From Illicit Substances

It's important to point out that withdrawal-related deaths are rare when compared to the number of people who successfully detox without severe complications. They're also far less common than deaths stemming from continued drug or alcohol use. Bear in mind that withdrawing alone at home is particularly dangerous. It's best to detox in a controlled environment with constant medical supervision and support. That greatly decreases the risks involved as well as the chances of relapse.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

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• Weekend Binge Drinking: 4 Signs You Might Be a "Weekend Alcoholic"

• Road to Recovery: Understanding Addiction and the Journey of Healing