Abrupt discontinuation of cocaine in a heavy user is life-threatening.
False. Overdose on stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines can be fatal, but withdrawal is not fatal. Opioid withdrawal, while potentially very uncomfortable and painful, is also not life threatening. Hypnotic-sedatives, like alcohol and benzodiazepines, can be fatal both in overdose AND in withdrawal. Interestingly, there is still no clear evidence-based medical intervention for stimulant use disorder or stimulant withdrawal other than symptomatic support.
Publication reference : Sofuoglu M, Sewell RA. Norepinephrine and stimulant addiction. Addict Biol. 2009 Apr;14(2):119-29. doi: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2008.00138.x. Review. PubMed PMID: 18811678; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2657197. Reference URL:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657197/