Which drug is most likely to cause withdrawal syndrome?

Asked by: Oliver Orn  |  Last update: September 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (35 votes)

Common withdrawal symptoms range from mild discomfort, such as those seen with caffeine and opioids, to severe, life-threatening conditions, particularly with alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Which drugs are more likely to produce withdrawal symptoms?

Some of the hardest drugs to quit are:
  • Heroin and prescription painkillers.
  • Cocaine.
  • Methamphetamine & Crystal Meth.
  • Benzodiazepines.
  • Nicotine.
  • Alcohol.

Which of the following is known to produce a withdrawal syndrome?

Following medically supervised detox from alcohol, opiates, marijuana, cocaine, benzodiazepines or other highly addictive substances, most people experience a short phase of physical discomfort, otherwise known as acute withdrawal.

What is withdrawal syndrome associated with?

Withdrawal syndrome, also known as discontinuation syndrome, occurs in individuals who have developed physiological dependence on a substance and who discontinue or reduce their use of it.

Which drugs cannot be stopped abruptly?

5 Drugs You Can't Quit Cold Turkey
  • Heroin. A longstanding heroin habit changes dopamine pathways within the brain. ...
  • Opioid Painkillers. Drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin work much like heroin. ...
  • Benzodiazepines. Valium, Klonopin, and other prescription benzodiazepines come with stark warnings about dosage. ...
  • Sleep Aids. ...
  • Alcohol.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Symptoms (561) 678-0917 Day 2 to Day 6 Seizures Shakes & Treatment

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What are the two worst blood pressure medications?

4 worst blood pressure drugs
  • Beta-Blockers: Limited Efficacy and High Adverse Effects. Efficacy Concerns. ...
  • High-Dose Thiazides: Increased Adverse Effects Without Mortality Benefit. Efficacy Concerns. ...
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Blood Pressure Elevation. ...
  • Antidepressants: Variable Impact on Blood Pressure.

Which drugs need to be tapered?

What Medications Should Be Tapered?
  • Opioids like OxyContin, Vicodin and Dilaudid.
  • Benzodiazepines like Ativan, Xanax and Valium.
  • Barbiturates like phenobarbital.
  • Antispasmodic medications like baclofen.
  • Blood pressure medications like clonidine, including beta blockers like metoprolol and propranolol.

What is the most severe form of withdrawal syndrome?

Delirium tremens (DTs), also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), is the most severe form of ethanol withdrawal. It should be considered a medical emergency with a high mortality rate, making early recognition and treatment essential. Profound global confusion is the hallmark of delirium tremens.

What is the most serious form of withdrawal?

Delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures are the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol misuse, American Addiction Centers is here to help.

What are 4 of the withdrawal symptoms?

If you are addicted to a substance, such as nicotine, drugs or alcohol, you can have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Addiction withdrawal symptoms can include cravings, sleep problems, headaches, nausea and feeling restless or agitated.

What is used to block withdrawal symptoms?

  • Methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms and helps with detox. ...
  • Buprenorphine (Subutex) treats withdrawal from opiates, and it can shorten the length of detox. ...
  • Clonidine is used to help reduce anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and cramping that are due to withdrawal.

What are the two types of withdrawals?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are two types of withdrawal: acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal. Acute withdrawal is the initial emergence of symptoms after suddenly discontinuing the use of a substance.

Which group of drugs tends to produce tolerance and withdrawal?

Psychoactive drugs are chemicals that change our state of consciousness. They work by influencing neurotransmitters in the CNS. Using psychoactive drugs may create tolerance and, when they are no longer used, withdrawal.

What drug slows down time?

Psychedelics such as LSD, DMT and mescaline produce a sense of timelessness. Prescription drugs can also distort time too. Pregabalin, a drug used to treat epilepsy and anxiety, and anti-anxiety drug Xanax, both slow the passage of time.

What is the golden rule for withdrawal?

The gist is that ideally you would spend 4% of your retirement portfolio each year in retirement, adjusted for inflation. For example, if you retired with $1 million in savings, you'd withdraw $40,000 the first year and a bit more each successive year, based on the inflation rate.

What is the 3 withdrawal rule?

The safe withdrawal rule is a classic in retirement planning. It maintains that you can live comfortably on your retirement savings if you withdraw 3% to 4% of the balance you had at retirement each year, adjusted for inflation.

What is an emergency withdrawal?

Students may request an Emergency Withdrawal when a non-academic emergency situation occurs that prevents them from completing their coursework (e.g., severe medical problems, traumatic events) and when the timing or nature of the emergency prevents them from voluntarily withdrawing from their classes.

Which brain area was most associated with withdrawal symptoms?

The extended amygdala plays a role in stressful feelings like anxiety, irritability, and unease, which characterize withdrawal after the drug high fades and thus motivates the person to seek the drug again. This circuit becomes increasingly sensitive with increased drug use.

What drug should not be stopped abruptly?

Drugs that can have severe withdrawal symptoms that can lead to a medical emergency or even death should never be stopped “cold turkey.” These drugs include: Alcohol. Prescription painkillers (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl).

How long does a withdrawal take?

The precise duration of withdrawal is influenced by which substance someone used as well as the magnitude of their dependence on the substance. It may take days, weeks, and—in some cases—months to reach complete resolution of all withdrawal symptoms, depending on various factors and individual differences.

What drug must be tapered off slowly?

You may need weeks, months or even longer to slowly and safely lower your dose and stop taking your opioid medicine. Stopping opioids can be difficult, but you can do it. You're much more likely to succeed if you partner with your healthcare team. Together you can plan your taper schedule and manage your symptoms.

What is the number one fruit to lower blood pressure?

The top fruits for lowering blood pressure include bananas, apples, pears, apricots, grapes, raisins, kiwis, mangoes, watermelon, pomegranate, plums, prunes, avocado, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, tomatoes, citrus fruit, berries, and more.