Last Updated:

June 5th, 2025

Seizures Caused by an Addiction

There are some addiction symptoms you can ignore for a while but an alcohol or drug induced seizure is one of the most terrifying wake-up calls you can experience. Seizures can hit when you’re using, when you’re detoxing or when your body is overwhelmed by the stress of drug or alcohol addiction. Some seizures are frighteningly sudden but others can hit you more quietly and can be mistaken for something else entirely. But drug and alcohol seizures should never be ignored because the consequences could be life-threatening.

woman-suffering-Seizures

What are seizures?

A seizure happens when your brain experiences a sudden surge of electrical activity that interrupts how it normally works. Your brain relies on precise, coordinated signals to control everything from your movement to your speech to your breathing. But during a seizure, those signals fire out of sync, causing a short circuit in the system.

Seizures don’t always look the same. Some involve full-body convulsions where your muscles jerk uncontrollably and you may fall or lose consciousness. Others are quieter, freezing you in place and rendering you briefly unresponsive. Some people get over a seizure relatively quickly but they can also leave you feeling confused or physically drained for hours.

In many cases, seizures are linked to underlying medical conditions, mental health issues, head injuries or neurological disorders. However, seizures can also be triggered by certain medications or substances, including drugs and alcohol.

How can addiction cause seizures?

Drug and alcohol addiction can lead to seizures in several ways, including their direct effects on your brain, withdrawal symptoms or as a result of long-term damage to your nervous system. When your brain is repeatedly exposed to powerful substances, especially those that alter how it communicates, that system can eventually become unstable. And when your nervous system can’t cope with the pressure, seizures are sometimes the result.

One of the most well-known examples is an alcohol withdrawal seizure. For people who have been drinking heavily, quitting suddenly can trigger seizures within 6 to 48 hours after the last drink. This happens because the brain has become reliant on alcohol to stay calm, and when it’s taken away too quickly, your nervous system rebounds with dangerous levels of overactivity.

Drug-induced seizures are also common with stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA. These substances flood your brain with energy and overload the circuits. A large dose, a contaminated batch or combining drugs can all tip the balance into seizure territory without warning.

Opioid withdrawal typically doesn’t cause seizures directly but mixing opioids with other substances, especially benzodiazepines or alcohol, can increase the risk. Benzodiazepines themselves are also high-risk during withdrawal if you stop too quickly or without medical guidance during rehab treatment.

Common signs of seizures to look out for

Many of the warning signs of seizures can look like something else entirely, and this can stop you from getting the help you need. If you are struggling with substance abuse or supporting someone who is, it’s important to know what these signs might look like so you can spot a seizure early:

  • Sudden loss of awareness or blank staring
  • Jerking or twitching of muscles
  • Stiffening of the body
  • Sudden collapse or loss of muscle control
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Unusual movements or repetitive behaviours.
  • Confusion after a sudden episode

What are the different types of seizures?

Seizures come in many different forms, and not all of them look like dramatic convulsions. Here are the most common types linked to substance use, withdrawal or the strain addiction puts on your body:

Drug-induced seizure
A drug-induced seizure is triggered by a substance entering your body that disrupts the brain’s normal activity. This can happen after taking too much of a stimulant like cocaine or meth, using synthetic drugs like spice or ecstasy or combining multiple substances that overstimulate the nervous system. Some prescription medications like certain antidepressants, painkillers or antibiotics can also cause seizures, especially if misused or mixed with alcohol.
Alcohol seizures
As explained above, alcohol seizures are most commonly seen during withdrawal, particularly in people who have been drinking heavily over a long period. They are often part of Delirium Tremens, the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and people who have had one seizure are much more likely to have another.

Multiple alcohol withdrawal seizures in a short time can lead to a life-threatening condition called status epilepticus which is when your brain goes into a state of continuous seizure activity for more than five minutes or when seizures occur back-to-back without you regaining consciousness in between. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency and can cause permanent brain damage, coma or even death if not treated immediately.

Absence seizure
An absence seizure doesn’t involve shaking or convulsions but causes a sudden, brief lapse in awareness. Symptoms include staring into space, blinking rapidly or, stopping mid-sentence and losing a few seconds. These seizures can easily be missed or mistaken for daydreaming or distraction. Although more common in younger people with epilepsy, stress or chemical imbalance from addiction can sometimes trigger an absence seizure.
Focal seizure
A focal seizure starts in just one part of the brain and depending on where it begins, it might affect movement, speech, emotions or awareness. Some people experience twitching in one limb, distorted vision, sudden déjà vu or intense emotions like fear or anger. Others may remain aware but unable to respond. Focal seizures can be mistaken for panic attacks or side effects of drug use. They may also develop into more generalised seizures if the activity spreads across your brain.
Non-epileptic seizures
Non-epileptic seizures look like typical seizures but are not caused by abnormal brain activity. Instead, they are triggered by overwhelming psychological stress, trauma or emotional overload, all of which are very common in people living with addiction. These episodes can involve shaking, collapsing or loss of awareness, and they are often mistaken for epileptic seizures. What makes them different, however, is that non-epileptic seizures don’t show up on brain scans.
Atonic seizure
An atonic seizure, sometimes called a drop attack, causes a sudden loss of muscle strength. You may suddenly go limp, slump over or fall to the ground without warning. These seizures are brief but can result in injury due to unexpected collapse. They are rare but dangerous, particularly in people already physically weakened from substance use or withdrawal.
Myoclonic seizure
A myoclonic seizure involves brief, shock-like jerks in a muscle or group of muscles. Some people experience them when waking up or falling asleep, but when linked to neurological strain like chemical imbalances from substance abuse, they can become more frequent or severe. Myoclonic seizures can occur alongside other types, particularly in more complex seizure disorders.
Anoxic seizure
An anoxic seizure is caused by a lack of oxygen to your brain due to respiratory arrest, cardiac issues, overdose or choking. This type is particularly dangerous and is often linked to overdoses, especially when opioids or depressants slow your breathing or stop it altogether. Recovery from an anoxic seizure can take time, and in severe cases, brain damage can occur.

What are the other dangerous implications of a seizure?

As well as the potentially fatal dangers explained above, the aftermath of a seizure can also be very dangerous. You can fall or hit your head and if it happens on stairs, in traffic or alone, the risk of injury or even death is high.

Seizures can also leave your brain starved of oxygen, especially if your breathing is interrupted. This can result in memory loss, speech problems or long-term issues with mood and concentration.

There is also the risk of repeated seizures. With addiction, for example, once your nervous system has reached the point of seizing, it is more likely to happen again and often more violently. Multiple seizures in a row can lead to permanent brain damage or death without urgent medical care.

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How to manage a seizure to reduce the dangers

If you or someone you know is having a seizure, you should seek emergency medical care. While you are waiting for professional help, here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of harm:

  • Stay calm
  • Make a note of all the substances that were taken in the period leading up to the seizure
  • Do not attempt to hold down or restrain the person in any way
  • Clear the area around the person of anything potentially dangerous that could cause them harm
  • If possible, roll the person onto their side to prevent vomit or mouth foam from obstructing their breathing
  • Place a pillow, cushion or something soft under their head
  • Don’t put anything in the person’s mouth
  • Stay within a safe distance of the person until the seizure passes

What should I do if I or a loved one experience an addiction induced seizure?

Seizures are unpredictable, dangerous and a clear sign that drugs or alcohol are taking a serious toll on your body. Whether you’ve had a single seizure or they are becoming more frequent, Addiction Helper can connect you with the support you need. Contact us today to begin real recovery before the damage becomes permanent.

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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seizure disorder considered a disability?
Yes, in the UK, seizure disorders can be classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if they have a long-term and substantial effect on daily life. This can include epilepsy or seizures linked to drug or alcohol use, especially if they continue after recovery.
What types of seizures are most commonly caused by drug or alcohol abuse?
Alcohol withdrawal seizures are some of the most common, typically happening within 6 to 48 hours after someone stops drinking heavily. Drug-induced seizures can also occur with stimulants like cocaine or meth or when different substances are mixed. Repeated use or withdrawal can also trigger non-epileptic seizures, which look similar but have different causes.
What should I do if my seizures have not subsided after addiction treatment?
If you are still experiencing seizures after addiction treatment, it is important to speak to a doctor or neurologist as soon as possible. Ongoing seizures may be a sign of lasting damage or an underlying condition that needs further care.

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