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Benzo Withdrawal & Detox

Benzodiazepine (benzo) withdrawal can be difficult and even dangerous without professional medical help. Although benzos are prescribed to help with anxiety, they can be addictive and lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. These symptoms can include everything from headaches and nausea to seizures and hallucinations. Detoxing from benzos cold turkey can also be potentially fatal. That’s why it’s so important to have a professional medical team help you through the withdrawal process.

What Are Benzodiazepines? Why Are They Prescribed?

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs. The most common benzodiazepines include:

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)

Benzos work by depressing the central nervous system, which has a calming effect.

benzo withdrawal

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs. The most common benzodiazepines include:

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)

Benzos work by depressing the central nervous system, which has a calming effect.

They are typically prescribed to treat:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Panic disorders
  • Status epilepticus and acute seizures

Benzos are also sometimes used to relieve muscle spasms or to sedate patients before surgery. Benzodiazepines can be very effective at treating these conditions, but they can also be addictive and lead to benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. That’s why it is important to take them only as prescribed and to never take more than the therapeutic doses.

What Are the Effects of Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines can have several side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, and impaired motor skills. In addition, benzos can be addictive, and withdrawal from them can be difficult. It is important to be aware of the risks before taking them.

The effects of benzodiazepines can include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteadiness
  • Confusion
  • Memory problems
  • Changes in mood
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Constipation

What Are the Signs of Benzodiazepine Dependence?

Benzodiazepines can be addictive, and abuse can lead to physical and psychological symptoms.

Behavioral symptoms of benzo addiction include:

  • Building a tolerance to benzodiazepines and needing more of the drug to achieve the desired effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug, such as anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and seizures
  • Taking benzodiazepines for non-medical reasons, such as to relieve stress or relax muscles
  • Using benzos in combination with other drugs or alcohol
  • Feeling unable to function without taking benzodiazepines

People who are dependent on benzodiazepines or addicted may display physical symptoms like:

  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • Muscle weakness and coordination problems
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Impaired judgment and decision-making ability

What Are Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal from benzos can vary depending on how long and how much of the drug you’ve been taking. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is often compared to alcohol withdrawal in terms of its severity. The experience of withdrawal can be so uncomfortable that many people feel they have no choice but to continue taking benzos. That’s why it’s important to go through benzo withdrawal under the care of a medical professional.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Tremors
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Impaired memory

Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline

The benzo withdrawal timeline depends on factors like:

  • How severe your addiction is
  • Your physical health
  • Whether you have any co-occurring disorders
  • How long you’ve been taking benzodiazepines
  • The type of benzodiazepine you take

You may experience withdrawal symptoms as early as a few hours after the last dose. The worst of benzo withdrawal symptoms typically peak within three to five days. These may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Nausea

More severe symptoms can include:

  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis

While the most bothersome benzo withdrawal symptoms usually go away in a week, many people experience protracted withdrawal. This is also referred to as post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These are lingering drug withdrawal symptoms that can last for weeks or months. Some include benzo rebound effects. This is when the symptoms that benzos were treating, like insomnia, come back, often stronger. Common protracted withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia

What Are the Risks of Benzo Withdrawal?

When you take benzodiazepines for a long period of time, your body becomes used to the drug and starts to rely on it. If you suddenly stop taking them, you may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. In some cases, these symptoms can be severe enough to require hospitalization. In rare cases, benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to seizures or delirium.

For these reasons, it is essential to only stop taking benzodiazepines under the supervision of a medical professional. Abrupt withdrawal can be dangerous. If you are considering stopping benzos, speak to your doctor first so they can create a safe taper schedule. This means gradual dose reductions to help you taper off the drug slowly and minimize the risks of benzo withdrawal.

Do You Need Medical Detox for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Withdrawing from benzos can be tricky when you have a physical dependence on the drug. There is always a chance you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures or hallucinations. A medically supervised detox program like the one at Vogue Recovery Center offers a safe and well-supported environment in which to withdraw from benzodiazepines. Doctors and nurses closely monitor your condition and provide 24/7 support. They also make sure you are comfortable and as relaxed as possible during detox. Only a healthcare professional knows the safest taper schedule and what medications can help ease your symptoms of benzo withdrawal during detox.

Quitting benzos cold turkey without a doctor can be dangerous. You can suffer severe drug withdrawal symptoms, and you’re at an increased risk of relapse. Many people who try to

from drugs on their own end up using the drugs to stop their symptoms of withdrawal.

What Is Benzo Detox Like in a Treatment Center?

Detox at an addiction treatment facility or drug detox center begins with a physical exam and assessment. A physician will assess your health and use of benzos and other substances. They will create a detox plan that is the safest and most effective for your individual situation and health.

Typically, you’ll have your own room or share a room with another person in detox. Nurses will monitor your vitals and comfort level regularly. They’ll administer medications as appropriate to ease symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal and keep you medically safe.

How Can You Get Help for Benzo Withdrawal & Detox?

At Vogue Recovery Center we understand the unique challenges that come with overcoming benzo abuse. Whether you’re struggling with substance abuse yourself or you’re supporting a loved one through recovery, we can provide the resources and support you need to build a foundation for lasting sobriety.

Following benzodiazepine detox, our team of experienced behavioral health professionals will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We offer outpatient and inpatient treatment options and a range of therapies that address the underlying reasons behind addiction and help you develop healthy coping skills.

Some of our approaches include:

If you’re ready to take the first step on the road to recovery, we encourage you to reach out to us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

References

  1. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma10-4554.pdf
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5896864/

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