Drug and alcohol abuse can have a profound effect on your emotional, physical, and social health. The effects of addiction can be severe and long-lasting.
Repeated or heavy substance abuse can change how your brain and body work. These changes can make it very difficult to stop using addictive substances without help.
Some people attempt to quit using drugs or alcohol on their own. They may try to quit “cold turkey.” But what does this mean–and what are the risks?
This article will explore what it means to quit drugs cold turkey. You will learn:
- The risks of quitting drugs cold turkey
- What happens to your body when you stop using drugs
- The dangers of trying to detox on your own
- What treatment can help you manage detox safely
- Where to find treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggle with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at the Costa Mesa Detox to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to set up an intake appointment.
What Does Quitting Cold Turkey Mean?
When someone quits using an addictive substance abruptly, people may refer to this as quitting “cold turkey.” The term “cold turkey” refers to the goosebumps and chills people may experience during drug or alcohol withdrawal.
Many people with substance use or addiction attempt to stop using them on their own. For example, someone may attempt to stop smoking cold turkey. Giving up tobacco products can be very challenging, and many people are unable to remain tobacco-free for the long term.
People who smoke may choose to taper their nicotine gradually by using nicotine patches or gum. This may help to eliminate some of the cravings that can make it so challenging to abruptly stop smoking.
Abruptly quitting addictive substances, including illicit and prescription medications, can be very challenging. People typically experience withdrawal symptoms that increase the risk of relapse. Some withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable or even life-threatening. People require comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment to manage their symptoms and avoid relapse during detox.
Is it Dangerous to Quit Drugs Cold Turkey?
When someone abuses drugs or alcohol for long periods, it can change how their body and brain work. People may become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. This means that their bodies cannot function without using the substance.
When someone with a physical addiction to a substance suddenly stops using it, they can experience serious or dangerous side effects.
Here is an overview of some of the significant risks of detoxing cold turkey.
Mental health symptoms
Quitting drugs cold turkey can be tough on your mental health. People may experience new or worsening mental health symptoms as their body detoxifies. Common mental health symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Depression
People may have mental health symptoms that prevent them from functioning. They may develop thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Mental health treatment and support are essential during the detox process.
Dangerous withdrawal symptoms
Detox can cause dangerous, even life-threatening, withdrawal symptoms. People may struggle with withdrawal symptoms like:
- Elevated blood pressure
- High body temperature
- Hallucinations
- Extreme nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
People are at higher risk of stroke or seizures during the detox process. People withdrawing from alcohol may develop a lethal condition called delirium tremens (DTs). This condition can be fatal if people do not receive immediate treatment.
People in withdrawal must have supervision and treatment 24 hours a day to ensure safety.
Relapse
Withdrawal symptoms can make people incredibly uncomfortable throughout the detox process. People may have intense nausea, insomnia, body aches, chills, constant cravings, and other symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can make people feel so awful that they relapse (use drugs or alcohol after a period of abstinence) before detox is complete.
A relapse may be dangerous. People are more likely to have life-threatening overdoses after relapsing. It is critical to have supervision, access to treatment, and support during detox to avoid a deadly overdose.
What Treatment is Available During Detox?
The support of a medical detox program can help people stay safe and on track throughout the detox process. A medical detox program may include:
- Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
- Round-the-clock supervision
- A secure, supportive environment
- Mental health treatment, including behavioral therapies, medication management, and counseling
- Education and support for friends and family members
Some medical detox programs use a gradual tapering program to help people safely reduce their substance use. Each person follows a tailored treatment plan to help them reach their goals in early recovery.
Find Treatment and Support Now
If you or a loved one are among the millions of people in the United States living with addiction, treatment is available at the Costa Mesa Detox. Contact our intake team to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake appointment.
(714) 881-8931
