Drug Side Abuse

There are many different drugs that can cause side effects while they are used and during the withdrawal process. Once someone has an addiction, quitting can cause side effects. Drug side effects can be potentially dangerous, so it is important to go through detox at a professional treatment center.

What Drug Side Effects Are Dangerous?

Drug side effects can vary, but many common drugs can cause unwanted symptoms. Opiates can cause side effects in the short term and long term. When someone is using opiates like heroin or morphine, they may experience respiratory depression, nausea, drowsiness or paranoia.

Respiratory depression is an extremely dangerous symptom. It means that the body is not getting enough oxygen to support itself. Left untreated, this side effect can be deadly. Long-term effects of opiates include life-threatening symptoms like brain damage and liver damage.
While it may be legal, it can lead to severe side effects. Within the first day of quitting, patients can develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens, seizures and irregular heartbeats.

Unfortunately, all of these drug side effects can cause potentially dangerous complications. Delirium tremens cause symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, confusion and a fever. Up to 5 percent of patients who do not get professional treatment for delirium tremens may die from them. Irregular heartbeats and seizures can also be potentially deadly.

Getting Medical Support

Because of the many dangerous symptoms associated with withdrawal, it is important to get professional treatment. At a treatment center, patients can get help managing withdrawal symptoms. They can also get rehab help through options such as:

- Community integration
- Sober living arrangements
- Individual therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family sessions
- Outpatient