Many drugs of abuse can cause physical dependence, which results in withdrawal when a person stops using the substance. Abuse of alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids can cause physical dependence, and the withdrawal symptoms which accompany these substances can be life-threatening. Some dangerous withdrawal symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, and stopped heart or breathing.
Inpatient drug and alcohol detox programs allow a person to safely rid their body of such substances, while gaining medical and personal support. Once a person has completed detoxification, he or she can move on to treatment. Many inpatient drug and alcohol rehab centers offer customized, inpatient programs to immediately follow the detox program.
Drugs Which Cause Dependence And Withdrawal
Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and opioids can all lead to physical dependence and withdrawal. Dependence occurs when a person’s body comes to rely on the effects of a drug, causing withdrawal symptoms when a person isn’t using it or attempts to stop using it.
Withdrawal symptoms, which include persistent, intense cravings as well as a number of physical symptoms, are often responsible for a person’s continued substance abuse and the reason medically supervised detox programs are necessary.
