Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms and Why Supervision is Key

Benzodiazepines, often called benzos, are a type of highly addictive drug. Doctors prescribe them for the treatment of insomnia because they work to calm a person. They can also sedate people, making them ideal for a person seeking to self-treat anxiety or high stress levels.

Many people try to stop using benzos on their own. This proves very difficult due to the intense symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.

What Happens During Benzo Withdrawal?

Trying to benzo detox at home is not only likely to fail, but it is also highly risky. These drugs interact with the central nervous system, depressing it to control seizures, anxiety and insomnia. When you try to remove this type of drug quickly or without medical supervision, the body can enter a state of shock. In some cases, this can create life-threatening symptoms such as seizures, suicidal thoughts, depressed respiration and sudden cardiac death.

A person who cannot stop using these drugs without feeling withdrawal symptoms has a chemical dependency. This indicates the body has become dependent on the drug in some form. If the amount of benzo is decreased or not available, it causes the body to exhibit numerous symptoms. Over a period of time, the body must readjust to the lack of the drug.

What Are Common Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?

The benzo withdrawal symptom timeline varies for each person. Some people begin to see withdrawal symptoms develop within a few hours of not taking the drug. Some may also see withdrawal symptoms last for days or weeks. The severity of the symptoms depends on how much of the drug is being used as well as how long the dependency has been present.

Common symptoms of benzo withdrawal include the following:

Most people will experience some of these symptoms immediately after no longer taking the drug.

What Are Severe Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?

Some people may experience severe symptoms of withdrawal within just a few hours of not having access to it. These include:

In a controlled environment, your doctor is able to minimize risks to you should severe complications occur. Keep in mind that even your doctors do not know if you will experience severe symptoms. Some people who take even small amounts of benzos can experience complications within a short period of time.

What Will You Feel During Benzo Withdrawal?

Aside from these physical symptoms, there is also an emotional impact when withdrawal occurs. The pain experienced, for example, can create mental anguish and difficulty concentrating.

Many people are afraid, exhausted and overwhelmed. Some become unable to sleep for days; others experience feelings of depression and anxiety. It is possible to develop chronic depression and anxiety during the withdrawal process. This may not go away for some time without treatment.

Why Do Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms Make Detox Failure Common?

The intensity of the symptoms you feel coupled with the intense emotional trauma the process can create often leads to detox failures when attempted outside of a clinical setting. Without benzo withdrawal help, most people fail the process and turn back to the drug to soothe these symptoms.

What Is the Benzo Withdrawal Timeline?

Every patient is different. Benzo withdrawal duration depends on the type of drug used, the amount and the length of time. Commonly, the following can occur:

• Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours of the last use of the drug.
• They can continue from the most intense symptoms to the least intense over a period of several months.
• The highest risk for severe reactions during withdrawal is from 24 hours up through the first week of stopping the drug.

Drugs with a shorter life cycle in the body, such as Xanax, may create withdrawal symptoms within 10 to 12 hours. Other drugs, such as Valium, remain in the body in smaller amounts for longer periods. Here, you may not notice symptoms for two days or more.

Also, the method of using the drug can also play a role. Those used to ingesting pills may experience a delay in symptoms. Those who snort or inject the drug, which sends it directly into the bloodstream, may see withdrawal symptoms very quickly.

Typical phases of withdrawal from benzos may include the following.

Early Withdrawal

Early withdrawal may happen within a few hours of not taking the drug. A sense of anxiety may develop early on. Fear of what is to come is common. Feelings come back.

Acute Withdrawal

A few days later, people may begin to feel more intense physical symptoms of withdrawal. This includes tension, nausea and blurred vision. This is also when seizures can occur. Some people experience hallucinations; others struggle with a lack of concentration. Cravings are strong in this phase.

Protracted Withdrawal

Many people will get through the acute withdrawal stage within two weeks, but it can take several months. Beyond this timeframe, though, a protracted withdrawal can occur. Here, a person may never truly feel “normal” again due to the lasting impact of the drug. You may suffer chronic depression or anxiety, have some concentration or memory issues and experience muscle pain for years after you’ve stopped taking the drugs.

Getting Benzo Withdrawal Help Can Improve Outcomes

Seeking benzo rehab in Florida could be the best decision for you for several reasons. First, you’ll be in a safe setting where doctors can monitor your health. They can also provide you with medications to relieve some of your symptoms. By making withdrawal easier for you, you’re more likely to be successful in the process.

At home, benzo detox is possible only in a limited way. You may be able to see some results by meditating or taking over-the-counter pain medications. However, this rarely offers much improvement. Instead, it’s best to work with a doctor who can provide long-lasting improvement.

FHE Is Here to Help You

No matter where you are located, FHE can provide you with the support you need to get through benzo withdrawal. With a full detox facility that provides medical treatment for physical symptoms, you can overcome the pain and emotional trauma caused by withdrawal.