Benzo Withdrawal: Quitting, Signs, Symptoms, & Timeline

Inpatient medical detox is often the first step in the overall addiction signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment process and is particularly advised for those who plan on entering a treatment program after the completion of detox. These symptoms are part of the brain’s process of learning to self-regulate after being dependent on the effects of benzodiazepines. Medical professionals can assess your condition and recommend the safest path forward—whether it’s tapering, inpatient detox, or outpatient care. These sensations return towards normal as withdrawal progresses, and some people are pleased with the new, seemingly extraordinary, clarity of their perceptions.

  • Stopping benzodiazepines suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including life-threatening conditions like seizures.
  • These symptoms occur as the calming influence of the GABAa receptor is lost, leading to an excess of excitatory stimulus in the nervous system.

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signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal

However, regular use can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and severe withdrawal symptoms that impact the brain, cognition, and overall health. Medical detoxification (detox) is the process of safely managing acute withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Detox can occur in an inpatient setting (24/7 monitoring, vital for severe alcohol/benzo withdrawal) or through outpatient care, like the convenient telemedicine services offered by National Addiction Specialists. This includes creating a safe environment, ensuring proper hydration and nutrition, providing necessary vitamin supplementation (like thiamine for alcohol withdrawal), and continuously monitoring your vital signs. The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible so you can focus on healing. Benzodiazepine (Xanax, Valium) withdrawal is similar to alcohol withdrawal and can be dangerous, requiring medical supervision due to the risk of seizures.

signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal

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Since alcohol and benzodiazepines share many similar effects and withdrawal signs, this drug can be used to ease a person off of their addictive substance. However, this process comes with varying success rates and should always be administered under the strict supervision of medical professionals. The severity and duration of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can also depend on the severity of addiction. Mild benzo addiction may result in withdrawal lasting up to seven days, while more severe cases can last up to three months or longer, especially when the withdrawal is not appropriately managed.

  • It’s essential to remember that, given the potential severity of some of these symptoms, any attempt at discontinuation should be made under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
  • The symptoms tend to develop 2 to 10 days after discontinuation of the agent and can last for weeks.
  • Their minds will suddenly conjure up a vivid memory of someone they have not thought about or seen for years.
  • The choice of benzodiazepine often depends on how quickly relief is needed, how long the effects should last, and the specific condition being treated.
  • Understanding withdrawal symptoms, the timeline, and available treatments empower individuals to make informed decisions.

Other drugs

signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal

The primary risk is severe depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts, making professional support crucial. This physiological process is why amphetamine addiction treatment withdrawal isn’t just “in your head”—it’s a real, measurable phenomenon requiring careful management. The specific symptoms and severity depend on the substance, duration of use, and individual health factors.

Medical detox

For example, in 2012, alprazolam was among the most prescribed medications in the U.S., according to IMS Health. These medications help stabilize blood pressure, manage muscle spasm, and reduce the risk of seizure and hallucination. At Sullivan Recovery, we create tapering plans in an outpatient setting, supported by therapy, meditation, and nutritional guidance. We also monitor changes in appetite, fatigue, and sleep to prevent relapse and support brain recovery.

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