Anyone who’s tried to quit drugs knows that it’s not easy. Drug addiction is a strong physical and psychological dependence that takes hold of a person’s life. And while there are many different ways to try quitting drugs, cold turkey is not the best option.
Prairie Recovery Center’s addiction treatment specialists have helped countless people struggling with addiction, and we’ve seen firsthand that quitting drugs cold turkey is not an effective long-term solution. Call us today at [Direct] and learn more.
What Does Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey Mean?
Quitting drugs cold turkey means to stop using drugs abruptly and without any help or tapering off. It’s considered the most difficult way to quit because there’s no gradual reduction in drug use, which can make withdrawal symptoms more intense and lead to relapse.
Cold turkey drugs are not a sustainable solution because it does not address the root cause of addiction. Addiction is a complex disease that requires professional treatment and support to overcome.
Can You Stop Drugs Cold Turkey?
While the answer is yes, you can stop using drugs cold turkey; it’s not recommended. Stopping drugs abruptly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience the same withdrawal symptoms or intensity of symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within the first few days of quitting and can last for weeks or even months. The most severe symptoms usually subside after a week or two. Still, some people may experience lingering symptoms (known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS) for months or even years.
Withdrawal From Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey
Acknowledging the risks of cold turkey drug withdrawal symptoms associated is vital for anyone considering this approach. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cold flashes
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Psychosis
As you can see, the withdrawal symptoms from quitting drugs cold turkey can be extremely difficult to deal with. And while some people may be able to power through them, most will find themselves quickly relapsing back to drug use to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.
Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey Is Not the Best Idea
Quitting drugs cold turkey may seem like the most straightforward way to stop using, but it’s important to understand the risks and dangers associated with this approach:
- Severe withdrawal symptoms — As we mentioned, one of the main reasons why quitting drugs cold turkey is not the best idea is because of the severe withdrawal symptoms that can occur. These symptoms can be so intense that they make it difficult to stick to your sobriety goals.
- High risk of relapse — Another reason why quitting drugs cold turkey is not the best idea is that it increases your risk of relapse. When you’re trying to quit without any help, it’s easy to give in to cravings and start using again.
- No support system — Trying to quit drugs cold turkey also means that you’re doing it alone without any support. This can be emotionally and mentally tough, making it even harder to stay sober.
While it may be tempting to try to quit on your own, going cold turkey is not the best solution. It can be life-threatening to go on cold turkey drugs without the proper supervision and then relapse back to drug use.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, know that there are other options out there besides quitting cold turkey. At Prairie Recovery Center, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment programs that can help you overcome your addiction and get on the path to recovery.
Seek Help at Prairie Recovery Center
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we urge you to seek help at Prairie Recovery Center. Our addiction treatment specialists can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and situation.
We offer a variety of evidence-based addiction treatment modalities, including individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and more. We also have a strong focus on aftercare planning to help you transition back to your life after treatment and avoid relapse.
Reach out to us today at [Direct] and get the help you need.