No one chooses to develop an addiction to a drug, and often, people don’t realize they’ve done so until something happens to make the knowledge unavoidable. Substance use disorders (SUDs) put people at risk in several ways. Being dependent on any drug comes with dangers to body and mind, but withdrawal—the first step in recovery—can be risky, too. Once you commit to recovery, you can withdraw safely under the medical and psychiatric supervision of professionals in a drug detox center. Despite the potential dangers of withdrawal, the dangers of addiction are far more significant.
It’s important to understand the drugs with the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms to make an informed decision about your withdrawal process. To learn more about detox, reach out to The Right Step Houston today. We can explain the ways our caring and professional staff mitigate risks and discomfort during the detox process. Call 1.844.768.0169 to get answers to your questions about all the stages of recovery.
5 Dangerous Drugs to Detox From
The five drugs with the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms are alcohol, benzodiazepines (benzos), opioids, methamphetamine (meth), and cocaine.
1. Alcohol
Many people are surprised to learn that the most dangerous substance to detox from is alcohol. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, especially for the 5%–10% of people who develop DTs, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Finding a medical detox to protect your health during alcohol detox is critically essential.
2. Benzos
Another of the most dangerous class of drugs to withdraw from, benzos are sedatives that include prescription medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Psychosis
- Seizures
The most significant risk of benzo detox is seizures, which can be life-threatening. This means medical professionals highly recommend managing detox for those recovering from benzos.
3. Opioids
The class of drugs called opioids includes morphine and heroin, derived from the opium poppy, or any synthesized opioid such as oxycodone and fentanyl. Many people find their addiction to opioids began because of a prescription for pain relief after surgery or an accident. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Intense cravings
Opioid detox is rarely fatal, but severe dehydration, relapse, and overdose due to relapse are serious risks.
4. Meth
More than other addictive drugs, this stimulant drug has risks of permanent, long-term effects on the brain. It also has lingering physical and psychological impacts. The symptoms of withdrawal from meth include:
- Anxiety
- Inability to think clearly
- Chills
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Intense cravings
- Suicidal ideation
The risks involved in meth withdrawal primarily have to do with the psychological impact of depression, psychosis, paranoia, aggression, and suicidality. These ongoing symptoms put people recovering from meth at risk long after physical detox. Being under the care of doctors and therapists in a rehab setting mitigates these risks.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988.
5. Cocaine
Another stimulant, cocaine addiction, typically involves cycles that include a lengthy binge followed by a crash. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms often include:
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Intense cravings
- Depression
- Hostility
- Paranoia
The dangers of cocaine withdrawal are less than opioids or alcohol, but relapse and thoughts of suicide are significant risks better managed in a safe detox center under medical supervision.
Schedule a Tour of the Drug Detox Center at The Right Step Houston Today
Despite the risks of withdrawal from alcohol and certain drugs, approved medications can safely manage detox and alleviate discomfort. The Right Step Houston offers a medically managed detox program in a safe, secure setting, supervised by a medical staff that includes mental and physical health specialists.
Learn more about how we usher you safely through detox and toward a lifetime of recovery, well-being, and mental health. Call 1.844.768.0169 or complete our easy online form to connect with one of our staff today and schedule a tour.