Can Withdrawal Kill You? 3 Substances That Pose Serious Risks

What Benzo Withdrawal Looks Like

Early benzo withdrawal symptoms might seem manageable at first. You might feel anxious, have trouble sleeping, or notice hand tremors. But these can be warning signs that more serious complications are coming.

Seizures can happen anywhere from 1–10 days after stopping, depending on which medication you were taking. Short-acting benzos like Xanax cause withdrawal faster, while long-acting benzos like Klonopin have a delayed but potentially longer withdrawal period.

Other dangerous symptoms include: 

• Severe confusion
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Catatonia (being unable to move or respond) in extreme cases 

Some people experience what feels like electric shocks through their body or become hypersensitive to light and sound.

Benzo Withdrawal Takes Time

Unlike alcohol or opioids, benzo withdrawal can last weeks or even months. This extended timeline is why medical supervision is so important. You need a slow, careful tapering schedule that gradually reduces your dose over time.

Doctors typically reduce your dose by small amounts every week or 2, giving your brain time to adjust. This withdrawal process might feel frustratingly slow, but it’s the safest way to avoid life-threatening complications. Rushing the process can trigger seizures even weeks into your taper.

3. Opioid Withdrawal: Usually Not Fatal, But Still Dangerous

Withdrawal from opioids (like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl) typically isn’t life-threatening, but some describe it as feeling like the worst flu they’ve ever had. While rarely fatal on its own, opioid withdrawal does carry some serious risks that make medical supervision important for your safety and success.

The main fatal risk during opioid withdrawal is severe dehydration. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea can cause dangerous fluid and electrolyte imbalances. This risk is highest in settings without adequate medical care, such as when you’re attempting detoxification alone at home.

Research shows that deaths during opioid withdrawal are rare but usually result from complications of dehydration, especially when combined with underlying heart conditions. People with existing health problems or co-occurring disorders may face higher risks during drug withdrawal.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can start within 8–24 hours after your last opioid use, depending on the specific drug. Short-acting opioids like heroin cause withdrawal symptoms sooner, while longer-acting drugs like methadone have a delayed onset but longer duration.

Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Severe muscle aches
• Restless legs
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Intense cravings
• Chills 
• Runny nose 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Mood changes 

These symptoms peak around 72 hours and gradually improve over 5–10 days.

The psychological discomfort of withdrawing from opioid dependence often proves more challenging than the physical symptoms. Intense cravings and feelings of hopelessness can be enough to drive many people back to drug use. Studies show that over 90% of people who attempt opioid detox without medical support relapse within the first week.

Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin withdrawal follows a similar pattern to other opioids but tends to be more intense due to its rapid onset and short duration. Heroin withdrawal symptoms typically last 4–10 days for the acute phase, though some people experience lingering effects for weeks or months.

After heroin withdrawal, many people struggle with post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This includes ongoing mood changes, sleep problems, and cravings that can last for months. Knowing this ahead of time can help you set realistic expectations for recovery.

Withdrawal Risks of Other Substances 

Not every drug has fatal withdrawal risks, but that doesn’t mean going it alone is a good idea. Let’s talk about what to expect from other common substances.

Stimulants: Cocaine and Methamphetamine

The good news is that stimulant withdrawal won’t cause seizures or put you in the hospital. The bad news is that it can make you feel deeply depressed and exhausted.

When you stop using cocaine or meth, your brain’s reward system essentially crashes. You might sleep for days, feel no pleasure in anything, and experience intense cravings. The biggest danger isn’t physical—it’s the risk of severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Prescription Medications

These risks depend entirely on what you’re taking. Antidepressants can cause “brain zaps” and flu-like symptoms. Some blood pressure medications can cause dangerous spikes if stopped suddenly. Even seemingly harmless medications can have withdrawal effects.

Never stop prescription medications without talking to your doctor first. They can create a safe tapering plan or switch you to an alternative.

Polysubstance Abuse (Dependence on Multiple Substances)

Dependence on more than one substance makes withdrawal less predictable and more dangerous. When your body is trying to adjust to losing multiple drugs at once, the interactions can be complicated.

Maybe you mix alcohol and benzos, or use heroin and cocaine together. Each substance affects your body differently, making withdrawal medically complicated. This is a process that’s best handled by professionals.

What to Expect in the Stages of Withdrawal

Withdrawal typically happens in stages. Knowing what’s coming can help you prepare mentally.

Acute Withdrawal

This is the intense phase most think about when they hear “withdrawal.” Depending on what you’re coming off of, acute withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Your body is doing the heavy lifting of physical adjustment during this time. This phase usually feels the worst, but keep in mind that it’s temporary, and a monumental step toward reaching your goal of staying sober.

Post-Acute Withdrawal

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a set of symptoms that are not as intense as acute withdrawal, but can last much longer. Not everyone experiences PAWs, but for those who do, it can interfere with their sleep, mood, and energy levels for months after quitting substances. This can also affect people in addiction treatment and early recovery. 

Fortunately, most rehab programs have supports in place to help you manage symptoms and rebalance your systems so you can get the most out of your treatment program experience. Some people say IV drip thearpies like NAD⁺, for example, help their bodily systems repair faster after substance abuse. 

When You Should Get Immediate Medical Attention for Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

Some withdrawal symptoms mean you need medical attention right away—not tomorrow or after you “see how it goes.” These symptoms require immediate medical care: 

• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe confusion
• Fever over 101°F
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there

Making Withdrawal Safer: Your Options for Support

Withdrawal doesn’t have to be as painful as it may seem. There are proven ways to make the process safer and more comfortable—and make you much more likely to succeed.

Medical Detox Programs

Medical detox isn’t just for people with severe substance use disorder. These programs provide 24/7 medical supervision, medications to ease symptoms, and emotional support when you need it most.

Detox center teams know exactly what to watch for and can intervene before complications become more serious. Some centers even provide therapy to help support your emotional and mental health throughout the process. While some residential treatment centers have detox facilities on-site, other facilities can refer you to treatment after you complete detox. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment

There’s no shame in using medication to help with withdrawal. Doctors have safe, effective medications that can eliminate or significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms.

For alcohol, medications like naltrexone can reduce cravings. For opioids, buprenorphine or methadone can stop withdrawal symptoms completely. These are evidence-based medical tools that give your brain time to heal.

Comprehensive Care for Lasting Recovery

Getting the support you need to successfully get through withdrawal is hugely important to your healing process. But detox is just the beginning, not the finish line. Getting the substances out of your system is step one; learning to live without them is the real work.

Most people who successfully recover connect detox to ongoing treatment like rehab, therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Professional programs make this process more comprehensive and can smooth out the transitions between each stage.

Look for a detox center near you to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward changing your life.

FAQs

Q: Can withdrawal symptoms be life-threatening?

A: Yes, withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be fatal due to complications like seizures and cardiovascular problems. Opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal but can cause dangerous dehydration. Always seek medical supervision for any substance withdrawal.

Q: What is the most serious withdrawal symptom associated with alcoholism?

A: Delirium tremens (DTs) is the most dangerous alcohol withdrawal complication. It includes severe confusion, high fever, rapid heart rate, and can be fatal in 35% of cases without medical treatment. DTs typically occur 48–72 hours after stopping alcohol.

Q: How could someone die during opiate withdrawal?

A: While opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal, death can occur from severe dehydration caused by excessive vomiting and diarrhea. This risk is highest when attempting withdrawal without supervision by medical professionals or in settings like at home or in jails where adequate medical care isn’t available.

Q: What are heroin withdrawal symptoms?

A: Heroin withdrawal symptoms include severe muscle aches, restless legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intense cravings, goosebumps, runny nose, and insomnia. Symptoms typically begin 8–24 hours after last use, peak around 72 hours, and last 4–10 days for the acute phase.

Q: What are the stages of withdrawal?

A: Withdrawal occurs in 2 main stages: acute withdrawal (the intense physical symptoms lasting days to weeks) and post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS (longer-lasting mood and sleep issues that can persist for months). The timeline varies by substance and individual factors.

Q: How bad do withdrawals hurt?

A: Withdrawal discomfort varies depending on the substance you’ve been using. Opioid withdrawal is often described as feeling like severe flu symptoms. Alcohol and benzo withdrawal can include painful symptoms and even life-threatening complications. Medical supervision can ensure safety by monitoring symptoms and providing medications to reduce pain and psychological discomfort.