Improperly detoxing can kill you in several different ways, so it is important to ensure you are in good general health and have a doctor supervising you before you begin.
Improperly detoxing can cause death in several ways, including cardiac and pulmonary complications, dehydration, seizures, and trouble regulating blood sugar and body temperature.
When someone has a physical dependence on a drug, stopping the drug suddenly leads to a set of symptoms known as withdrawal. This occurs as the body detoxes from the drug and begins to function again without it. This can happen when quitting alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates, or other drugs.
Detox Can Be Deadly in Several Ways
The symptoms of detox and withdrawal vary depending on the type of drug. Each has its own side effects and possible complications. Alcohol detox, for example, is known for causing DTs (delirium tremens). Alcohol detox can kill you by causing complications related to your heart and breathing. Like detoxing from other types of drugs, a major danger of alcohol detox is dehydration.
For many people, vomiting and diarrhea frequently occur in the first few days of detox. Without proper monitoring, this can contribute to dehydration, low blood sugar, and other deadly complications.
Depending on the drug and your history of use, it may be a better idea to taper use gradually instead of quitting cold turkey. This is a conversation you should have with your doctor or a doctor from a detox facility, and never something you should try on your own.
Drug Detox and Withdrawal Often Requires Medical Supervision
It is often in your best interest to detox under the watchful eye of a doctor, if not in an inpatient facility. This allows medical professionals to monitor you for complications, and they may even offer you medications to help limit some of the most severe symptoms.
However, it is imperative to do your research and choose only a highly recommended detox program with respected doctors and close monitoring. Some detox programs do not have properly trained staff or a program in place to ensure you get emergency medical care if necessary.
A doctor should evaluate you to ensure you are healthy enough for detox before admission, and nurses should take your vital signs and monitor your symptoms every few hours.
Improper Detox May Support a Medical Malpractice Claim
If your loved one attempted to detox from alcohol, opiates, or another drug, but the medical professionals tasked with their care failed to monitor them properly, your family may be eligible to pursue compensation. If you lost a family member during detox, the medical malpractice lawyers from Pintas & Mullins will review your case at no cost to you.
We can determine the strength of your case and help you move forward with a medical malpractice case. You may be eligible to recover damages including:
- Medical bills and related costs
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Funeral and burial costs
- Other related losses and expenses
- Wrongful death damages
Our attorneys can build a strong case and go after the payout you deserve.
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