Many believe opioid withdrawal is merely uncomfortable but not life-threatening. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Opioid detox won’t kill you, you’ll just WISH you were dead.” However, this isn’t entirely accurate.
The reality? Opioid withdrawal can be deadly—& with today’s unpredictable drug supply, it’s riskier than ever. It’s not just about coming off fentanyl or heroin anymore; it’s about the unknown substances mixed in. Depending on these adulterants “cuts,” withdrawal can become more dangerous & even life-threatening.
Let’s explore why opioid withdrawal isn’t just “a rough few days” but can actually be fatal, if not managed properly.
1. Withdrawal Symptoms Can Escalate Quickly
When your body is dependent on opioids & suddenly doesn’t receive them, it reacts intensely. Symptoms can include:
• Severe anxiety and agitation
• Intense muscle aches
• Vomiting and diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration
• Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
• Seizures in some cases
A major overlooked danger is dehydration. Continuous vomiting, sweating, & diarrhea causes rapid fluid loss. Without proper hydration, this can lead to kidney failure, heart complications, & even death.
2. Fentanyl Withdrawal: Longer & More Severe
Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, leading to a more intense & prolonged withdrawal process. Its high lipid solubility means it accumulates in fatty tissues, causing it to linger in the body longer than other opioids. This results in withdrawal symptoms that can last longer & be more severe.
Individuals detoxing from fentanyl often experience:
• More intense cravings than with other opioids
• A faster onset & more painful withdrawal process
• A higher risk of relapse & overdose
Many relapse to alleviate the intense discomfort, but with reduced tolerance, the risk of fatal overdose increases.
3. The Unpredictable Drug Supply Increases Risks
In the past, individuals withdrawing from heroin or prescription opioids had a clearer understanding of what they were actually using. Now, the street drug supply is highly unpredictable. Each batch can contain different substances, making withdrawal more complicated & dangerous.
Common adulterants in today’s drug supply include:
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax): These are sometimes mixed with opioids to enhance effects. However, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening, causing seizures, extreme agitation, & even death.
• Xylazine (“Tranq”): A veterinary sedative not approved for human use, xylazine is increasingly found in illicit drug supplies. Its presence complicates withdrawal, as traditional opioid treatments like buprenorphine or methadone don’t address xylazine withdrawal symptoms.
Xylazine withdrawal symptoms include:
• EXTREME anxiety
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Severe rebound insomnia
• Intense body pain & cramping
Most individuals are unaware they’ve consumed these substances until withdrawal begins, making the process more severe than anticipated.
4. Why Medical Supervision is Essential
Given these complexities, opioid withdrawal isn’t something to face alone. Detox centers, treatment programs, & medical professionals can help manage symptoms, ensure proper hydration, & prevent life-threatening complications.
The belief that “opioid withdrawal isn’t deadly” is outdated. With potent substances like fentanyl & unpredictable adulterants such as benzodiazepines & xylazine, withdrawal can be fatal. If you or someone you know is considering quitting, please seek medical assistance. You don’t have to do it alone, there are a few options you can take, including traditional detox facilities, or a MAT clinic, like Grasonville Health Services.
For support & resources, consider contacting the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), a free, confidential, 24/7 service for individuals facing substance use disorders.
Also feel free to give us a call! If you’re ready to stop the daily grind, & start living your life- there’s no reason not to start! We’ll walk you through the process, & help every step of the way.
