Withdrawal symptoms from the abuse of drugs and alcohol can often times mimic one another or be completely different. The abuse of these substances is incredibly hard on the body. The detox from them can be equally as difficult. That is why people should consult with a medical professional or detox center to be guided in a safe and effective manner.

There are some substances that can actually kill someone if they try to quit on their own. The two we are going to focus on today are the effects of alcohol and “benzos”. I can’t tell you how many times we have gotten phone calls at our detox center from patients and their families that they say to us “Well, he/she is just drinking”. The detox from alcohol without the proper medical staff and medications is very dangerous. There is a myth out there that (especially since the opiate epidemic) that heroin withdrawal is the worst of the bunch. Don’t misunderstand me, heroin, pain medications, and fentanyl are very uncomfortable. It’s extremely difficult if it is done on your own, but it wont kill you. You may feel like you’re going to die, but you won’t. Alcohol withdrawal can kill you.

With alcoholics, quitting on your own makes you susceptible to seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). DTs are a horrible and scary symptom. They often times make the person hallucinate, paranoid which in turn leads to increased heart rate to the point of having a stroke or heart attack. Going to a hospital or drug and alcohol treatment center are the places to turn to help you. These facilities will use certain medications to control these uncomfortable feelings. They will put you on a taper schedule so that in 5-7 days you are physically safe.

Signs and Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal
Behavioral: Agitation, Restlessness, Irritability
Gastrointestinal: Nausea and Vomiting, stomach pain
Mood: Anxiety and nervousness
Also Common: Elevated heart rate, tremors, disorientation, headache, insomnia

For the last ten years or so we have all heard of the opiate/fentanyl/heroin epidemic. Rightly so too. It is killing over 100,000 Americans every year. There have been millions of overdoses of addicts that have been saved with the use of NARCAN. Benzodiazepines are also widely abused. These drugs are also coming in counterfeit pills that are “stamped” by drug dealers. They look exactly what they look like when you get them from a drug store. The problem is, these pills often times contain fentanyl and people overdose and die from taking them. Benzos like alcohol are very dangerous to come off of on your own. Just like alcohol, this detox can kill you without being monitored and medicated properly. They require a longer period of treatment than any other drug. Often times people can take up to a month to physically detox from them. It is vital that you seek medical attention at a detox center to eradicate drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium from your system.

Signs and Symptoms Of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Sleep disturbance, tremors, panic attacks,
Joint and muscle pain, hallucinations, overwhelming anxiety
Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or benzo addiction please call us at The Malibu Wellness Ranch. We will assist you immediately with help to find the right care for you. Please don’t do this on your own.