Help a Loved One
Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline and When It's Dangerous
What Are Withdrawal Symptoms, and When Is Withdrawal Dangerous?
Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and emotional effects that start when you stop or cut back on a substance your body has adapted to. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures and can be life-threatening, so never stop either one suddenly on your own: get medical help first. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but is very hard, and medication helps. SAMHSA lists 2,318 facilities that offer detox (October 2026).
What Withdrawal Symptoms Are
Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and emotional effects that start when you stop or cut back on a substance after using it heavily or for a long time. Your brain and body adapt to having the substance around. When it’s suddenly gone, they need time to readjust, and that adjustment is withdrawal.
Withdrawal is not a sign of weak willpower. It’s a predictable physical response, and it happens even with medicines taken exactly as prescribed. The FDA notes, for example, that physical dependence on benzodiazepines can develop in days to weeks of steady use.
How withdrawal feels, how long it lasts and how risky it is depend on the substance, how much and how long you’ve used, your health, and whether you use more than one substance. This guide covers each of the most common ones. If you’re thinking about stopping, the safest first step is a conversation with a clinician, or a call to SAMHSA’s free National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Alcohol and Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous
This is the most important safety rule on this page: don’t stop drinking heavily, or stop a benzodiazepine you take regularly, all at once on your own.
- Alcohol. NIAAA warns that when someone who has been drinking heavily for a long time suddenly stops, withdrawal can be painful or even life-threatening, with seizures among the possible symptoms. MedlinePlus calls alcohol withdrawal a serious condition that may quickly become life-threatening.
- Benzodiazepines. These include medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). The FDA warns that stopping them abruptly or lowering the dose too quickly can cause serious withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening.
Both need medical supervision. For alcohol, doctors can prescribe medicines that make withdrawal safer and less distressing. For benzodiazepines, the FDA says to work out a plan with your prescriber to lower the dose slowly. A medical detox program can manage either one safely.
Call 911 right away for a seizure, high fever, severe confusion, hallucinations or an irregular heartbeat.
Withdrawal Symptoms by Substance
This table summarizes what NIH, NIDA and FDA sources say about each type of withdrawal. Timelines vary from person to person.
| Substance | Common symptoms | Timing, as sources describe it | How risky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Shakiness, anxiety, sweating, nausea, rapid heart rate, insomnia; severe cases bring confusion, hallucinations, fever and seizures (delirium tremens) | Often within 8 hours of the last drink; peaks by 24 to 72 hours; some symptoms last weeks | Can be life-threatening; needs medical supervision |
| Benzodiazepines | Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, muscle pain and stiffness, panic attacks, tremors; seizures | Depends on the medicine and how quickly the dose drops | Can be life-threatening; taper only with a prescriber |
| Opioids (fentanyl, heroin, pain pills, methadone) | Anxiety, aches, runny nose, tearing, yawning, sweating, then cramps, diarrhea, goosebumps, nausea and vomiting | Within about 12 hours of last heroin use; about 30 hours after methadone | Rarely life-threatening, but very hard; high overdose risk afterward |
| Methamphetamine | Depression, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, cravings, trouble concentrating | Peaks 2 to 3 days after last use; may last a week; low mood can last months | Watch for depression and suicidal thoughts |
| Cocaine | Fatigue, low mood, increased appetite, vivid dreams, slowed thinking, strong cravings | A crash soon after use stops; craving and depression can last months | Risk of suicide or overdose |
| Cannabis | Irritability, anxiety, restlessness, poor appetite, insomnia, strange dreams, headaches | After stopping heavy or long-term use | Uncomfortable; usually not dangerous |
Alcohol Withdrawal
MedlinePlus explains that alcohol withdrawal symptoms tend to start within 8 hours of the last drink, though they can begin days later. They usually peak by 24 to 72 hours. Early symptoms include anxiety, shaky hands, sweating, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping and a fast heartbeat.
The severe form, delirium tremens, causes sudden confusion, fever, hallucinations and seizures. MedlinePlus says most people who go through alcohol withdrawal recover fully, but death is possible, especially with delirium tremens.
Where you go through it depends on how severe it is likely to be. People with moderate to severe symptoms may need a hospital or facility that treats alcohol withdrawal, with close monitoring and medicine. People with mild to moderate symptoms can often be treated as outpatients, but MedlinePlus says someone needs to stay with you and you’ll likely visit your provider daily until you’re stable.
Sleep problems, mood swings and tiredness can last for months. That’s normal, and it’s one reason ongoing treatment matters. The alcohol rehab guide covers what comes after withdrawal, including the three FDA-approved medicines for alcohol use disorder.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia and seizures. The FDA says physical dependence can develop when they’re taken steadily for several days to weeks, even as prescribed, and that withdrawal can be serious.
The FDA’s guidance is clear: don’t suddenly stop a benzodiazepine you’ve taken for weeks or months. Talk to your prescriber about a plan to lower the dose gradually. Even with a slow taper you may notice anxiety, insomnia, irritability, muscle stiffness, panic attacks or tremors. Contact your prescriber about severe symptoms such as seizures.
Benzodiazepines are especially risky combined with alcohol or opioids. If you use benzodiazepines that weren’t prescribed to you, or alongside alcohol or opioids, tell the clinician or detox program before you stop. They can plan for both.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal is the one most people dread. MedlinePlus lists early symptoms such as anxiety, muscle aches, a runny nose, watery eyes, yawning, sweating and trouble sleeping, followed by stomach cramps, diarrhea, goosebumps, nausea and vomiting. It usually starts within about 12 hours of the last heroin use and about 30 hours after the last methadone dose.
MedlinePlus says these symptoms are very uncomfortable but usually not life-threatening. That doesn’t make going through it alone safe. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, and trying to withdraw on your own is very hard.
The bigger danger comes after. Withdrawal lowers tolerance, and MedlinePlus warns that most opioid overdose deaths happen in people who have just detoxed, because a much smaller dose can now be deadly. Keep naloxone nearby.
Medicine makes opioid withdrawal far easier. Buprenorphine and methadone relieve withdrawal and can continue as long-term treatment, which protects against overdose. Lofexidine and clonidine ease symptoms such as anxiety, aches and sweating. MedlinePlus says people who go through withdrawal over and over should be treated with long-term methadone or buprenorphine. See medication for opioid use disorder, Suboxone doctors and methadone clinics.
Stimulant and Cannabis Withdrawal
Methamphetamine. NIDA says withdrawal symptoms peak 2 to 3 days after the last use and may last about a week: depression, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, cravings and trouble concentrating. Low mood, anxiety and cravings can continue for several months.
Cocaine. MedlinePlus describes a crash soon after use stops, with fatigue, low mood, more appetite, vivid unpleasant dreams and strong cravings. There are often no visible physical signs like the shaking of alcohol withdrawal. Cravings and depression can last for months.
The main risk with stimulant withdrawal is mood. MedlinePlus notes that cocaine withdrawal can bring suicidal thoughts in some people. If you or someone you love has thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 any time.
There’s no FDA-approved medicine for stimulant use disorder, according to NIDA, but behavioral treatment works. Contingency management, which offers small, tangible rewards such as vouchers or prizes for staying off the drug and in treatment, is the best-studied approach for methamphetamine.
Cannabis. NIDA says stopping heavy or long-term cannabis use can cause irritability, anxiety, restlessness, poor appetite, trouble sleeping, strange dreams and headaches. There’s no FDA-approved medicine for cannabis withdrawal, but NIDA says behavioral treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective for cannabis use disorder.
Where to Go Through Withdrawal Safely
The right setting depends on the substance, your health and how severe withdrawal is likely to be. SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov lists (October 2026):
- 2,318 facilities that offer detox;
- 574 hospital inpatient programs;
- 2,541 residential programs.
Medically supervised detox is the safest choice for alcohol, benzodiazepines, or several substances at once. Staff watch your vital signs and give medicine as needed. The detox guide explains medical versus social detox and what happens day to day.
Outpatient withdrawal management can work for milder cases, with daily check-ins and someone at home with you.
Opioid withdrawal can often be handled by starting buprenorphine or methadone right away, at a clinic, a prescriber’s office or an emergency department.
Search the treatment finder by ZIP and filter for detox, or find options on your state page. To check what your coverage pays for, try the Can I Pay for Treatment? checker.
After Withdrawal: Why Detox Is Only the Start
Getting through withdrawal is a real achievement, but it isn’t treatment for addiction on its own. MedlinePlus says most people need long-term treatment after detox, such as counseling, outpatient or intensive outpatient care, residential treatment, or support groups.
The levels of care tool compares your options, and the guides to outpatient rehab and inpatient rehab explain each in detail. If you’re worried about a family member going through this, read how to help someone with addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Detox From Alcohol at Home?
Only with a clinician's plan. MedlinePlus says people with mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal can often be treated as outpatients, with someone staying with them and daily visits to a provider. Moderate to severe withdrawal may need a hospital or facility. Never stop heavy drinking on your own without medical advice.
How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
It depends on the substance. MedlinePlus says alcohol withdrawal usually peaks by 24 to 72 hours, and NIDA says methamphetamine withdrawal peaks 2 to 3 days after last use and may last a week. Sleep problems, low mood and cravings can linger for weeks or months.
Why Is Overdose Risk Higher After Withdrawal?
Withdrawal lowers tolerance. MedlinePlus warns that most opioid overdose deaths happen in people who have just detoxed, because a much smaller dose can now cause an overdose. Carry naloxone and ask about medication to prevent a return to use.
Is There Medicine for Opioid Withdrawal?
Yes. Buprenorphine and methadone relieve opioid withdrawal and can continue as long-term treatment. Lofexidine and clonidine ease symptoms such as anxiety, aches and sweating. A prescriber decides what fits; see medication for opioid use disorder.
Can a Baby Go Through Withdrawal?
Yes. Babies exposed to opioids before birth can have withdrawal after delivery, called neonatal abstinence syndrome. SAMHSA says symptoms usually appear within 72 hours. If you're pregnant, don't stop opioids suddenly: SAMHSA notes withdrawal during pregnancy can raise the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Talk to a prescriber about methadone or buprenorphine.
What Should I Do if Someone Has a Seizure During Withdrawal?
Call 911. MedlinePlus says to go to the emergency room or call 911 for seizures, fever, severe confusion, hallucinations or an irregular heartbeat during alcohol withdrawal. Stay with the person until help arrives.
More on Help a Loved One
- Helping SomeoneWhat helps, what to say and support for families
- Signs of AddictionWarning signs in behavior, health and daily life
- DetoxWhat medical detox involves, how long it takes and where to find it
- Inpatient RehabHow residential treatment works, short and long-term programs
- Outpatient RehabTreatment while you live at home, and who it suits
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP)IOP and PHP schedules and how they compare
This guide explains treatment options in plain language from official sources. It isn't medical advice; a clinician can assess what care fits your situation.