What Does it Mean to Quit Drugs Cold Turkey?

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2022.[1]

When you have an addiction, that means your brain and body are relying on the substance to function properly. If you stop using drugs or alcohol suddenly, you will experience withdrawal. As a result, it is best to attend a medical detox center where you can receive medications and treatments that keep you stable.

Unfortunately, some people decide to quit drugs “cold turkey.” To explain, quitting cold turkey is the act of stopping the use of a drug you are dependent on without any form of treatment. In other words, you just stop consuming the drug and experience all of the withdrawal symptoms without any assistance.

Quitting cold turkey is one of the easiest ways to experience a relapse. Not only that, but it puts you at risk of experiencing dangerous withdrawal symptoms depending on what substance you are quitting. For example, quitting alcohol cold turkey could result in delirium tremens (DTs), a condition that causes severe symptoms like hallucinations and seizures.

In this article, you will learn:

• What it means to quit drugs cold turkey
• Whether it is dangerous to abruptly stop using a substance
• What to consider when you are quitting a drug
• How a medical detox center can help you overcome drug addiction

What Does “Quitting Cold Turkey” Mean?

Quitting cold turkey is a term used to describe abruptly stopping the use of a drug you have been abusing. Most people who attempt this do it at home, where they do not have access to medical treatment or psychological support. As a result, the chances of relapsing or experiencing dangerous side effects of withdrawal are high.

Let’s say you have been abusing a prescription medication like Xanax for a year. One day, you decide you are ready to get sober. Instead of seeking treatment, you just stop taking it altogether.

This would be considered “quitting cold turkey.” Unfortunately, Xanax addiction is a chronic and progressive disease. You will experience intense cravings to consume it, making you extremely likely to relapse without the support of a medical detox center.

In addition to relapsing, you could experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. For example, Xanax withdrawal can lead to seizures.[2] For this reason, you should avoid quitting cold turkey and seek help from a detox program.

Is it Dangerous to Quit Cold Turkey?

It is extremely dangerous to quit a drug cold turkey, especially if you are addicted to it for an extended period. No matter what substance you are abusing, you should always receive support from a medical professional in a detox program.

The side effects you experience during withdrawal will depend on what substance you are dependent on. For example, untreated alcohol withdrawal can lead to delirium tremens (DTs), which includes symptoms like hallucinations and seizures.[3] On the other hand, trying to quit methamphetamine or another stimulant cold turkey could lead to psychosis.[4]

Some of the life-threatening symptoms you could experience from quitting drugs cold turkey include:

• Tremors and seizures
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Tachycardia
• Hyperthermia
• Seizures
• Coma

Things to Consider When Quitting Drugs

If you are still considering quitting a drug cold turkey, there are some things you should consider. Understanding the factors that can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms might motivate you to seek help from a professional addiction treatment program.

The factors you should take into consideration before quitting cold turkey include:

• Type of Substance – The drug you are addicted to will determine what type of withdrawal symptoms you experience. Examples of substances that can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms include alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, and more.

• Length of Abuse – Dependency and addiction worsen over time. The longer you have been abusing a substance, the more severe your withdrawal symptoms will be.

• Dosage – When you are taking high doses of a drug, it alters your brain and body chemistry at a more significant rate. Because of this, you should consider the dose you have been taking before quitting abruptly.

• Previous History – If you have a history of relapsing, you are more prone to returning to substance abuse after quitting cold turkey. Additionally, conditions like delirium tremens (DTs) are more likely to develop if you have experienced alcohol withdrawal in the past.

• Physical or Mental Health Conditions – Lastly, having co-occurring physical or mental health conditions can make withdrawal more difficult to cope with. You should always seek support from a medical detox center when you have pre-existing conditions.

How Can a Medical Detox Center Help?

Medical detox centers provide a variety of services to ensure that you overcome the symptoms of withdrawal safely and comfortably. Usually, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is used to manage your symptoms. This means you will be given medications that lessen withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings.

In addition to MAT, your vitals will be monitored by medical professionals consistently. If anything abnormal arises like high blood pressure, you will be treated promptly. This prevents you from experiencing any health emergencies during withdrawal.

Lastly, medical detox centers provide psychological support. It is never easy to quit a substance you are addicted to. Having mental health professionals there for you will ensure you receive the support you need to stay sober.

Get Connected to a Reputable Sober Living Program

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Once you complete detox and addiction treatment, you will need support and guidance to learn how to tackle sobriety independently. At New You Sober Living, we provide the assistance you need to maintain long-term recovery from addiction.

Contact us today for more information on the benefits of attending sober living.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data
2. Sage Journals: Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Catatonia, Delirium, and Seizures in a Patient With Schizoaffective Disorder
3. Medscape: Delirium Tremens (DTs)
4. Science Direct: Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis