Benzodiazepine users often develop a tolerance to these medications after taking high doses for extended periods. As their tolerance becomes stronger, the users require higher doses of Benzos to feel the same effects. When someone dependent on these drugs stops taking them, withdrawal symptoms occur. These symptoms can be highly uncomfortable to the point where the person may continue drug use just to avoid them. If you or someone you care about is currently struggling with Benzo abuse, our Clearbrook rehab locations offer detox for Benzo addiction that can help.
Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
When people who have used benzodiazepines for a long time decide to stop taking them, they may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms that appear gradually. The initial phase frequently starts within the first few days of quitting, and it is marked by minor symptoms that may get more severe over time. As it establishes the tone for the succeeding phases of withdrawal, this initial stage is critical.
People may experience worsening withdrawal symptoms over the first week, which can be extremely upsetting. During this phase, physical and psychological consequences may intensify, which could result in more pain and emotional difficulties. Most people have a plateau phase after the initial phase, which normally lasts for the first two weeks. Withdrawal symptoms may be consistent or fluctuate during this stage, making adjustment difficult for those going through it.
The length of each stage might vary from person to person, and the schedule for Benzodiazepine withdrawal is not set in stone. While the procedure may take several weeks for some people, it may take months or even longer for others who may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms. Expert medical advice and support must be sought due to the possible severity of withdrawal to ensure a safe and successful transition during this challenging time.
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Benzo Detox Symptoms
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are sedatives or tranquilizers prescribed to individuals with disorders that include anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. As depressants, benzos interact with a chemical called GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces nerve activity in the brain.
Common side effects of Benzos include sedation, drowsiness, and relaxation. As effective as they are, however, doctors are hesitant to prescribe benzos for long-term use due to their potential for abuse and addiction, as well as the potential for withdrawal symptoms.
Benzo withdrawal symptoms are physically and emotionally challenging to manage and can even be life-threatening if the user attempts a cold turkey approach. What’s more, benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms are highly variable and often come and go even after the person has stopped using these drugs for a while. The most common withdrawals, otherwise referred to as rebound symptoms, usually reflect the symptoms of the condition the medication was originally prescribed to treat.
Symptoms of Benzodiazepine detox usually begin within one to four days after discontinued use, depending on the benzodiazepine used, the amount of use, and the frequency of use.
Withdrawal symptoms usually last for ten days and include:
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive sweating
- Hand tremors
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Irritability
- Muscular stiffness or discomfort
- Panic attacks
- Tension
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
- Unsteady legs
More severe symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Memory loss
- Increased risk of suicide or suicidal behavior
- Psychosis
- Seizures
There’s also the possibility of long-term withdrawals when people detox from benzos, otherwise referred to as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS may also occur for six months or longer after ceasing benzo use and may include symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Chronic insomnia
- Depression
- Loss of sex drive
- Poor concentration and ability to complete tasks
- Poor problem-solving
Because benzos normally interact with a chemical in the brain to reduce or depress certain functions, the sudden reduction in benzo use can cause these once suppressed functions to reactivate, which may manifest in various physical and psychological symptoms. Our detox for benzo addiction includes the administration of medicine to help with benzo withdrawal in addition to 24-hour support, making the completion of recovery and treatment easier and more likely.
Why Medically Supervised Detox is Important for Benzo's Recovery
The first essential step in overcoming benzodiazepine addiction is safely removing the drug from the individual’s system. Attempting to quit cold turkey without medical supervision can be extremely dangerous, and in some cases, even fatal. Having a supervising physician is vital to monitor for life-threatening symptoms and to manage any complications, such as seizures or suicidal thoughts.
Detoxing without professional care not only increases the risk of serious health complications but also heightens the difficulty of managing cravings during treatment. Without the support of medical professionals, the discomfort and intense cravings can often lead to relapse in the early stages of recovery, making it harder for individuals to return to treatment and stay on the path to sobriety.
How Treatment for Benzo Detox Works at Clearbrook
At our Northeast addiction treatment centers, we follow a comprehensive inpatient benzodiazepine detox protocol. This includes 24-hour medical care and support to ensure that clients are as comfortable, safe, and healthy as possible throughout the detox process. Our experienced medical team carefully administers medication when needed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent any complications.
Our Benzo detox program not only reduces the risk of life-threatening reactions but also significantly improves the chances of successfully completing treatment and achieving long-term sobriety. Medically assisted detox is a critical first step in recovery and should never be skipped.
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Finding Benzo Detox Near Me
Both our drug rehab centers in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts offer specialized detox programs for benzo addiction, alongside a variety of other substance use treatments. We strongly recommend medical detox as the first step for anyone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.
Following detox, the next phase of treatment is our residential Benzo addiction program, which provides 24-hour support and offers comprehensive psychotherapy and counseling, including individual and group therapy, family therapy, and aftercare planning. These therapeutic approaches target the psychological and behavioral factors underlying addiction, ensuring clients receive ongoing support even after completing their program.
For more information about our Benzo detox center or other addiction treatment programs, contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today or call us today to get started at (800) 582-624.
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