Dangerous Withdrawals: When You Need Medical Help

Need help now? SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential and open 24/7 in English and Spanish: 1-800-662-4357. In a mental health crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.

Withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines and barbiturates can cause seizures and delirium and can be fatal. If you drink heavily every day, or take benzodiazepines or barbiturates regularly, do not stop suddenly on your own. Talk to a doctor or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 to find supervised detox. Call 911 for a seizure, confusion or hallucinations.

Withdrawals that can be life-threatening

Substance	Why it’s dangerous	What to do
Alcohol (heavy, regular drinking)	Seizures can occur, and a severe form called delirium tremens (DTs) can begin about 48 to 72 hours after the last drink. The VA warns that people with DTs can die and need treatment right away.	Get medical advice before stopping. Medical detox can prevent and treat severe withdrawal. Read the Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline, Alcohol Withdrawal Day 3, Alcohol Withdrawal Day by Day and Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium and others)	The FDA warns that stopping suddenly or reducing the dose too quickly can cause withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening. Dependence can develop after days to weeks of steady use, even as prescribed.	Never stop suddenly. A prescriber should set a gradual, personal taper plan. Read the Benzo Withdrawal Timeline, Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium, Restoril and Halcion timelines.
Barbiturates (such as butalbital and phenobarbital)	StatPearls notes that barbiturates such as butalbital can cause withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, and that withdrawal risk rises with dose and how long they were used.	Only stop under medical supervision. Read Fioricet (Butalbital) and Barbiturate Withdrawal.

Withdrawals that are usually not life-threatening but still need care

Opioids (fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, methadone, Suboxone, kratom / 7-OH): withdrawal is very hard but rarely deadly by itself. Dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea can become serious, and the biggest danger is overdose if you use again after your tolerance drops. Medicines like buprenorphine and methadone help. Start with the Opioid Withdrawal Timeline: Short-Acting vs Long-Acting, then see Fentanyl, Suboxone, Methadone, Tramadol, Nucynta (tapentadol) and Kratom and 7-OH.
Antidepressants, gabapentin, pregabalin and other prescriptions: talk to your prescriber about a taper. See the Zoloft, Lexapro and Effexor timelines and our brain zaps guide. The FDA label for gabapentin warns that stopping abruptly or quickly may increase the risk of seizures and says to taper over at least 1 week (see the Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline).
Prednisone and other corticosteroids: after longer use, the FDA label says stopping too quickly can cause adrenal insufficiency that may persist for up to 12 months. Your doctor will reduce the dose gradually. Read the Prednisone Withdrawal Timeline.
Stimulants (cocaine, meth, Adderall, Vyvanse): withdrawal isn’t usually physically dangerous, but the crash can bring severe depression, and MedlinePlus warns of a risk of suicide or overdose after cocaine. See Cocaine, Meth, Adderall, Vyvanse.
Any withdrawal that brings thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now.

More timelines that need medical help

Each of these articles explains its own risks and when to get help. Talk to a doctor before you stop.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Not yet reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review.