Addiction Treatment Services

Alcohol withdrawal can develop if you stop using or significantly reduce the amount of alcohol you use and may be life-threatening. Acute withdrawal symptoms can last up to 5-7 days however some symptoms can persist for months. Symptoms of withdrawal include headache, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, excessive sweating, nausea/vomiting, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, high body temperature, mood swings (including suicidal thoughts), tremors, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, delirium, and death.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please go to the SLC VAMC emergency department or the nearest emergency room for evaluation. Medication for alcohol use disorder is available and can be helpful for managing cravings and reducing use.

Stopping or significantly reducing the amount of benzodiazepines you take can result in withdrawal symptoms, and may be life-threatening. Symptoms of withdrawal include, anxiety/panic, seizures, trouble sleeping, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, trouble concentrating, hallucinations, blurred vision, heightened sensory perceptions, mood swings (including suicidal thoughts), short-term memory loss, and death.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please go to the SLC VAMC emergency department or the nearest emergency room for evaluation.

Risks can include cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, seizures, infectious disease, extreme vitamin deficiency, dental disease, and insomnia. Stimulant use can also contribute to mood swings (including suicidal thoughts) and psychosis (audio/visual/tactile hallucinations).  There is also risk of cross contamination with fentanyl, xylazine, and other adulterants, which can increase risk of accidental overdose. VHA recommends having naloxone (Narcan) available if using non-prescribed stimulants to reduce risk of fatal overdose.

Risks can include developing neurological disease, including damage to peripheral and central nervous system. Effects of inhalants can be short and long term. Other risks include psychosis, cardiac arrest, suffocation, kidney and liver disease, and higher risk of accidents.

Risks associated with opioids include infectious diseases, kidney and liver disease, and respiratory distress/overdose. Kratom and 7 hydroxy Kratom (7-OH) carry similar risks due to opioid effects despite also having stimulant effects. VHA recommends having naloxone (Narcan) available if using non-prescribed opioids to reduce risk of fatal overdose. Medications for opioid use disorder can be helpful for reducing opioid, kratom, and 7-OH cravings and use.

Risks associated with cannabis include respiratory disease, psychosis, uncontrollable vomiting (hyperemesis), impaired executive functioning, and risk of developing addiction. Cannabis use can also prolong episodes of depression and chronic anxiety.

Risks include mood swings, impairment to sexual function, and cardiovascular disease.

Risks include cancer, heart disease/stroke, lung disease, type 2 diabetes, certain eye diseases, and problems with the immune system – including rheumatoid arthritis. Veterans can call 1-855-QUIT-VET (855-784-8838) or text VET to 47848 for nicotine cessation support. Ask any prescriber about medications to reduce cravings and use. If interested in a 6-week virtual group class, call 801-582-1565, ext. 5587 or ask any provider for referral.