What Are The Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal?
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Poor concentration
- Poor memory
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms peak between one to four days after the last dose. This phase, known as “acute detox,” is often considered the most difficult and the most crucial time that individuals should be monitored by medical
Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines may begin within approximately 24 hours after the last dose, depending on the medication type and pattern of use. Symptoms can persist for several weeks or longer in some individuals. Early in the withdrawal process, people may notice the return of symptoms that the medication was originally prescribed to treat, such as anxiety or sleep disturbance.
Symptoms commonly reach their highest intensity between one and four days after the final dose. This period is often referred to as the acute withdrawal phase and may involve increased discomfort or medical risk, which is why clinical monitoring is recommended during this stage.
After roughly ten days to two weeks, many withdrawal symptoms gradually decrease. For individuals who used long-acting benzodiazepines or who have a history of extended use, symptoms may continue for three to four weeks before improving. Healthcare professionals can help determine the appropriate duration and level of monitoring during detoxification.
Benzo Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
Some PAWS symptoms can include but not be limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Poor cognitive function
These symptoms may persist for several months after benzodiazepine detoxification in certain individuals. Participation in a structured addiction treatment program can help individuals learn strategies to manage lingering symptoms and support long-term recovery from substance use.
What Happens During Benzodiazepine Detox?
During detox, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms when appropriate. Individuals may also participate in therapeutic activities such as individual or group counseling while medical staff monitor vital signs and general stability throughout the detox process.
Managing Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
To reduce withdrawal-related discomfort, treatment plans may include a gradual tapering strategy. Tapering involves lowering benzodiazepine doses step by step rather than stopping the medication abruptly, which can help the body adjust more safely to decreasing levels of the drug.
Additional medications may also be used to address specific symptoms that occur during withdrawal. These medications can include:
Buspirone
Flumazenil
Individuals who have a history of anxiety disorder and substance abuse are frequently prescribed buspirone. This drug doesn’t cause dependence and is known to help with some of the emotional symptoms related to detox. It can take people a few weeks to start seeing any of the positive effects of taking this medication.
Flumazenil works by attaching itself to the same receptors in the brain as benzos. It blocks the effects of benzos and can help relieve some of the more severe symptoms related to benzos. Flumazenil has also been used to treat the causes of benzodiazepine overdose.
What Are Benzodiazepines? (Benzos)
Different benzodiazepines vary in onset time, duration of action, and clinical use. For example, diazepam (Valium) acts relatively quickly and remains in the body longer than some other medications in the class. While these medications may be effective for short-term treatment, extended or high-dose use can lead to physical dependence.
Benzodiazepines have been used in clinical practice since the mid-20th century as sedative medications. Commonly prescribed examples include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), and temazepam (Restoril). As with many medications that affect the central nervous system, side effects and risks may vary among individuals.
Long-Acting Benzodiazepines
Short-Acting Benzodiazepines
These types of benzos stay in your system longer than other types. This means they may cause more side effects over time. Examples and commonly prescribed dosage:
- Alprazolam (Xanax) – 1 mg once per day
- Clonazepam (Rivotril) – 0.5mg twice per day
- Diazepam (Valium) – 5 mg every 4 hours
- Lorazepam (Atavan) – 2.5 mg every 6 hours
- Oxazepam (Serazet) – 10 mg every 8 hours
- Temazepam (Restoral) – 15 mg every night
Short acting benzos are usually prescribed for only one week at a time. Some examples include:
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) – 25 mg 3 times per day
- Flurazepam (Dalmane) – 30 mg every night
- Halcion (Triazolam) – 0.25 mg every 6 hours
- Klonopin (Clonazepam) – 0.5 mg every 4 hours
- Quazepam (Doral) – 7.5 mg every 4–6 hours
- Trazadone (Desyrel) – 50 mg every morning
- Zaleplon (Sonata) – 10 mg every night
- Zolpidem (Ambien) – 10 mg every 4 hours
How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Benzos?
In addition, there are two common ways that people abuse benzodiazepines:
Long-Term Use: Long-term use refers to taking benzodiazepines for more than four weeks without appropriate medical oversight. Continued exposure may lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. Dependence may also develop, meaning the body relies on the medication to function normally and withdrawal symptoms occur when use stops.
Using the Drug Recreationally: Recreational use involves taking benzodiazepines without a prescription or for non-medical purposes, such as in social settings. In these cases, individuals may not have a clinical need for the medication but use it for its sedative or calming effects.
Both patterns of benzodiazepine misuse may result in significant withdrawal symptoms if the drug is discontinued without medical supervision.
Treatment Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Comprehensive treatment programs may include services such as individual counseling, group therapy, and peer support programs. These approaches can help individuals develop coping strategies, address emotional factors related to substance use, and prepare for recovery outside of structured treatment settings.
- Inpatient Treatment Programs
- Outpatient Treatment Programs
Our inpatient rehab near Houston, Texas offers comprehensive medical supervision and therapy. Inpatient programs give individuals the time and support to fully focus on addiction recovery. Some facilities provide residential programs, where patients live together in a structured, supportive environment, while others offer outpatient options, allowing patients to reside in sober living homes or halfway houses while attending treatment.
Outpatient treatment programs typically involve weekly sessions with counselors, where patients review their progress and set goals for continued recovery. Some programs may also offer daily meetings to help patients build and maintain healthy habits.
The choice between inpatient and outpatient treatment depends on recommendations made after your medically supervised detox. Medical professionals may strongly suggest attending a specialized program, such as a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program, to address your substance use. It’s important to remember that medical detox is only the first step in a comprehensive recovery journey.
Benzo Detox Near Houston, Texas
Seeking professional assistance for benzodiazepine withdrawal can be an important step toward recovery. Individuals interested in treatment services can contact the center to learn more about the admissions process and available levels of care.
Benzo Detox Center Near The Woodlands
- The Woodlands, TX
- Spring, TX
- Tomball, TX
- Humble, TX
- Aldine, TX
- Atascocita, TX
- Huntsville, TX
- Jacinto City, TX
- Cloverleaf, TX
- West University Place, TX
- Bellaire, TX
- Galena Park, TX
- Channelview, TX
- Katy, TX
- Conroe, TX
Take the next step and help yourself or a loved one to recover from benzo addiction now. Learn more about our admissions process today and request a free insurance verification.
FAQs
Mental health professionals can work with you determine the best protocol for your detox process. It is not uncommon for individuals in detox to suffer from mental health conditions and there are many treatment plans that available to get the help you need. Contact a certified addiction professional today to learn more.
If you think you may be addicted to benzos, ask yourself some questions.
- Do you find yourself thinking about using benzos even when you aren’t planning to use them?
- Have you ever tried to quit benzos without success?
- Do you experience anxiety or panic attacks when you try not to take benzos?
- Does it seem like you’re having trouble controlling your thoughts while you’re trying to avoid benzos?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be addicted to benzos. You should contact treatment provider to learn more.
No, you don’t have to go to rehab afterward, but attending a residential treatment or outpatient program will help you overcome the underlying issues surrounding your addiction issues. You are less likely to relapse by getting the help you need. After attending a medically assisted detox, the medical staff will likely recommend a program that will work best for you.
Benzo detox should not be done at home due to dangerous and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. It is best to be supervised when detoxing to ensure you remain safe throughout the process.
There’s no harm in checking out a few options before deciding where to go for medical benzodiazepine detox. In fact, many individuals may prefer a detox center like Magnolia City Detox. We offer a comprehensive program that includes everything you need to overcome drug addiction in a supportive and helpful environment.
Yes, you should be able to function normally after you’ve gotten through the withdrawal process. Benzos affect neurotransmitters in the brain, and they may cause longer-term protracted withdrawal symptoms, however, over time those should fade.
