Quitting a substance “cold turkey” may seem like the quickest path to recovery, but for many, it can also be the most dangerous. Whether you’re considering stopping alcohol, opioids, or another drug without medical support, it’s important to understand how withdrawal works and why a safer, more structured approach often leads to better outcomes.
This guide breaks down the risks and symptoms of cold turkey withdrawal, as well as how to access the help you need to recover safely.
What is quitting cold turkey?
“Cold turkey” refers to the act of suddenly and completely stopping drug or alcohol use without tapering down gradually or using medical support. This approach is common among individuals who want to quit on their own, often due to frustration, urgency, or a fear of stigma.
While the desire to stop immediately is understandable, quitting cold turkey can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms, severe health complications, and a higher risk of relapse.
Are there benefits to quitting cold turkey?
Quitting cold turkey may offer the benefit of efficiency, as it removes the substance all at once. For some, this can create a sense of control or a clean break from their substance use.
However, this method often ignores the physical, psychological, and emotional complexities of withdrawal. Without proper support, the risks tend to outweigh the potential rewards, especially for substances that cause strong physical dependency.
Withdrawal risks and symptoms to quitting cold turkey
Withdrawal happens when the body, which has adjusted to the presence of a substance, must readapt without it. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening depending on the substance used, the length and intensity of use, and individual health factors.
Cold turkey withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety or panic
- Sweating and chills
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Tremors or shaking
- Intense cravings
- Depression or mood swings
- Hallucinations or delusions (in severe cases)
- Seizures
In certain cases, especially with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, quitting cold turkey without medical supervision can lead to complications such as dehydration, heart arrhythmias, or seizures.
Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal varies significantly by substance. Below are some of the most commonly misused substances and the symptoms typically associated with quitting them abruptly.
Opioids (including heroin and prescription painkillers)
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Runny nose and teary eyes
- Goosebumps and chills
- Intense cravings
These symptoms are extremely uncomfortable, but generally not life-threatening. However, the risk of relapse during opioid withdrawal is high without support, and returning to opioid use after a break can raise the risk of overdose.
For more insight, see our guide to withdrawal timelines.
Alcohol
- Shaking and tremors
- Irritability or agitation
- Insomnia
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Delirium tremens (DTs), including confusion, hallucinations, and seizures
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal in severe cases. DTs typically appear 48–72 hours after the last drink and require immediate medical attention.
Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin)
- Rebound anxiety or panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Muscle twitching or spasms
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Seizures
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is considered high-risk. Stopping suddenly can trigger seizures and psychotic symptoms. A medical taper is strongly recommended.
Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, ADHD medications)
- Fatigue and sleep issues
- Depression and low motivation
- Intense hunger
- Slowed thinking or motor function
- Drug cravings
Stimulant withdrawal tends to be more psychological than physical. The risk of suicidal thoughts or severe depression may increase in the early withdrawal phase.
How to safely withdraw from substances and stay on track
The safest and most effective way to stop using drugs or alcohol is through a structured, supportive treatment plan. This is especially important for substances like alcohol, benzos, and opioids, where withdrawal symptoms can be serious or even fatal.
BrightView offers comprehensive outpatient care, including medication assisted treatment for patients struggling with opioid or alcohol use. Medications like Suboxone, as well as alternative generic buprenorphine products, can significantly reduce cravings and symptoms during withdrawal.
Suboxone is a brand name of a buprenorphine/naloxone medication. Other brand names include Sublocade, Brixadi, and Subutex.
Support available at BrightView:
- Medical evaluation and ongoing monitoring
- Individual and group therapy
- Flexible scheduling and telehealth appointments
- Same-day intake and walk-ins accepted
- Treatment for patients with or without insurance
Learn more about our medication assisted treatment program.
Can you die from quitting cold turkey?
In some cases, yes. Withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines can lead to life-threatening complications like seizures, heart problems, or delirium tremens. Even when not fatal, withdrawal can cause extreme discomfort and distress, which may lead to relapse, overdose, or suicidal thoughts.
That’s why it’s never recommended to quit these substances abruptly without medical supervision.
What causes withdrawal?
Withdrawal occurs when the brain and body, which have become dependent on a substance, are forced to adjust after that substance is removed. Over time, drugs and alcohol change how neurotransmitters work. When use stops, the body goes into a state of imbalance, leading to a cascade of symptoms.
What are the risk factors for withdrawal?
Not everyone experiences withdrawal the same way. Some key factors that increase risk include:
- Long-term or heavy substance use
- Using multiple substances at once
- Underlying mental health conditions
- Poor nutrition or physical health
- History of seizures or heart conditions
- Previous withdrawal experiences
- What is the treatment for quitting cold turkey?
BrightView helps patients build a safer, more sustainable path to recovery. Instead of quitting abruptly, we focus on reducing withdrawal symptoms through:
- Medication assisted treatment (MAT)
- Therapeutic support: individual, group, and family counseling
- Case management and relapse prevention
- Long-term planning and connection to community resources
We recognize that every person’s recovery journey is different. That’s why our programs are individualized, trauma-informed, and built around what works best for the patient.
For symptoms that persist beyond the acute phase, patients may also experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). Learn more about PAWS and how to manage them.
What is the prognosis for someone in withdrawal?
With medical care and support, the prognosis is good. Withdrawal is temporary, and most symptoms begin to fade within a few days to a few weeks. For patients who stay engaged in treatment, long-term recovery is absolutely possible.
The most important step is starting with the right care, and BrightView is here to help.
You can do this, and you don’t have to do it alone
Trying to quit drugs or alcohol cold turkey can feel like a brave decision, but you don’t have to suffer through withdrawal alone. At BrightView, we help you navigate the hardest moments with dignity, medical support, and a team that treats you with respect.
Call us today at 888.501.9865, complete our online form, or walk into a nearby BrightView center. Same-day care is available, and treatment can begin in as little as four hours. Because everyone deserves a better tomorrow.