Benzodiazepine withdrawal may seem daunting, but there are many ways to make it more tolerable. This overview covers benzo withdrawal, detox and addiction treatment.
Benzodiazepines are habit-forming prescription drugs used to treat several stress-related conditions, such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, epilepsy and even alcohol withdrawal. There are many different formulations of benzodiazepines, along with many different brand names. Often nicknamed “benzos,” these drugs can become highly addictive if they aren’t used properly.
Article at a Glance:
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal.
Physical symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal are slurred speech, impaired vision, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms.
Psychological symptoms are irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and memory loss.
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Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms start within one to six hours, and the drug can stay in the body up to 28 days.
The best way to detox from a benzodiazepine is under medical supervision and in the care of addiction specialists.
What Is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is when the body begins to rid itself of the drug, which can lead to a state of shock. Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can result if a person suddenly stops using benzos or drastically reduces use. This reaction is due tohow the drug actson neurotransmitters.
Benzodiazepines impact the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in particular. However, these receptors are not meant to respond to artificial GABA stimulants like benzos, so the brain may “believe” that it no longer needs to produce its own natural GABA. When a person stops taking benzos, their body is suddenly without this necessary acid that it became accustomed to.
Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Since benzodiazepines impact the mind and body, the drug’s withdrawal symptoms do as well. The severity of these symptoms depends on the duration of a person’s drug use, their dosage amounts, and the method of ingestion. Their levels of physical dependency and psychological addiction also come into play when determining the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline
Everyone has a different reaction during benzodiazepine detoxification. Some people may only go through detox for a few weeks, while others may have to go through the process for a few months. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and the process should not be rushed. In general, however, the benzodiazepine withdrawal timeline will occur as follows:
Days 1 – 3:
Days 4 – 7:
Days 8 – 14:
Days 15 – 28:
Duration of Withdrawal
The timeline of Benzo withdrawal lasts variable amounts of time and is dependent on several factors. These factors include:
- Dosage:Higher dosages are associated with longer detox periods, and lower dosages are associated with shorter detox periods.
- Length of addiction:Similar to dosage, long-term use usually leads to longer detox periods, and short-term use is associated with shorter detox periods.
- Individual chemistry:Some people are more heavily impacted by benzos than others. This has to do with an individual’s body and brain chemistry.
- Professional setting:The safest way to detox from benzos is to do so under the supervision of a team of medical professionals. While this can be done at a hospital, doctors at a detox center or rehab facility will typically have the most experience with benzo withdrawal treatment.
Benzodiazepine Detox Treatment Options
It is recommended to consult with a medical professional before beginningthe detox process. This is not only more effective for your recovery process but also safer.
A popular way to begin a benzodiazepine detox is through tapering, which involvesgradually weaning off of benzo usage. It is recommended to conduct this method alongside a doctor so that safe amounts are removed each week. This way, your body has a chance to rid itself of benzos slowly, and the withdrawal symptoms will not be as intense.
Another way that people attempt to detox is by quitting “cold turkey,” which is when benzo use is cut off altogether. This method can have more negative effects than positive ones. Stopping the drug so abruptly will cause a person to have very intense withdrawal symptoms that can occur very quickly.
The Detoxification Process
It is best to do a benzodiazepinedetox under medical supervisionand in the care of addiction professionals with established safety protocols. The experienced medicalstaff at The Recovery Villageoffers patients the resources needed for an effective detoxification process. At The Recovery Village, benzodiazepine addiction treatment involves three steps:
- Detoxification Abusing substances fills the body with toxins. Detoxification is the body’s natural process of removing toxic substances from its system.
- Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab Both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment have unique benefits and drawbacks. Learn the differences to decide which is best.
- Aftercare Aftercare and sober living programs promote self-efficacy, coping skills and relapse prevention in long-term recovery.
Benzodiazepine Detox Medications
Doctors may use certainmedications to manage drug cravingsand withdrawal symptoms during medical detox. The benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment guidelines at The Recovery Village allow some patients to be treated with medications. Though there are no specific medications designed specifically for treating benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, there are several drugs that help relieve the discomfort and/or pain of some withdrawal symptoms and assist in recovery.
Some commonly used detox medications are:
Buspirone:
Flumazenil:
Acamprosate:
Alternatives:
Benzodiazepine Detox Centers
Withfacilities locatedin Florida, Ohio, Maryland, Colorado, New Jersey, and Washington, The Recovery Village offers different programs to help treat benzodiazepine addiction and get you on the path to a drug-free life. The Recovery Village exists to assist you through each step of the detoxification process, as well as help you acquire the skills needed to continue living in sobriety.Contact ustoday to learn more about treatment plans and programs that can work well for your needs.
