Substance use has far-reaching physical and mental health effects, sometimes leading to life-threatening complications that require immediate medical attention. Annually, millions of Americans experience drug- or alcohol-related emergencies such as overdose, withdrawal, psychosis and organ failure. In these moments, a hospital is the safest and most appropriate setting for stabilization, detoxification and the start of meaningful recovery.
At Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat, we provide hospital-based, medically supervised treatment for people with complex substance use issues. Here’s why hospitalization is often necessary – and even life-saving – when substance use disorders become severe.
Why People With SUDs May Need Hospitalization
Hospitalizations for substance use disorders happen for various reasons, depending on the substance involved, the severity of use and the presence of co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances – and also one of the most dangerous to withdraw from.
- Delirium tremens: People experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal can develop DTs, a condition marked by confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat and seizures. Left untreated, DTs can be fatal.
- Liver failure or pancreatitis: Chronic alcohol use can result in severe liver damage or acute pancreatitis, which may require emergency intervention.
- Intoxication or accidents: High levels of alcohol in your bloodstream can impair your judgment, motor skills and coordination, leading to accidents, falls or injuries that necessitate medical attention.
Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers)
Opioids carry a high risk of overdose and death, especially with the growing presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply.
- Overdose: Opioid overdose can slow or stop breathing, which requires immediate medical intervention and the administration of naloxone.
- Severe withdrawal: While opioid withdrawal isn’t typically fatal, symptoms like dehydration, insomnia and muscle pain can become unmanageable without clinical support.
- Co-occurring infections or injuries: People who inject opioids are at risk for skin infections, heart infections and sepsis, all of which require hospital care.
Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
Stimulant abuse often results in serious physical and psychological effects.
- Cardiac events: Cocaine and meth can cause heart attacks, stroke and dangerously high blood pressure.
- Psychosis: Stimulant-induced psychosis may involve paranoia, hallucinations and aggression, which can be dangerous for you and anyone around you.
- Overheating and dehydration: Stimulants raise body temperature and impair judgment, which can lead to heat stroke and organ damage.
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
Benzodiazepine dependence can result in a uniquely dangerous withdrawal profile.
- Seizures: Abruptly quitting benzodiazepines can lead to seizures and severe anxiety.
- Confusion or memory loss: Long-term use can affect cognition and increase fall risk, especially in older adults.
- Combined use with alcohol or opioids: Pairing these substances is particularly dangerous and a common cause of overdose-related hospitalization.
Marijuana and Hallucinogens
While often perceived as lower-risk substances, cannabis and hallucinogens can still lead to medical emergencies.
- Cannabis-induced psychosis: Marijuana can trigger episodes of paranoia, delusions or hallucinations in heavy, long-term users, especially those with a family history of mental illness.
- Accidents or self-harm during hallucinations: Substances like LSD or psilocybin may distort your perception to the point of injury or reckless behavior.
Why Hospital-Based Care Is Crucial
Hospitalization allows trained, licensed professionals to manage medical complications and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as they arise.
Clients at Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat benefit from:
- 24/7 medical supervision to monitor vital signs and respond to emergencies
- Access to lifesaving medications for seizures, psychosis, nausea, cravings and withdrawal
- Diagnostic testing to evaluate organ function and identify co-occurring conditions
- A controlled, structured environment that removes the triggers and risks associated with outpatient detox or attempting to quit alone
Trying to detox at home without medical support can be dangerous and potentially deadly. Hospitalization is especially critical during the first days of sobriety, when you are medically fragile and vulnerable to complications.
Your Recovery Begins Here
Substance use disorders are complex medical conditions that require expert care. If you decide to seek help after an overdose, mental health crisis or the realization that your substance use is out of control, our CARF-accredited, hospital-based program offers the safest and most effective path forward.
If you struggle with addiction and have experienced serious health concerns, don’t wait. Contact us today to learn how our comprehensive, medically supervised treatment can help you stabilize, heal and achieve lasting recovery.