Benzo Withdrawals
Have you ever felt overly anxious about something, such as having to take a plane ride across the country? Your doctor may have prescribed you a benzodiazepine, or benzo for short, to help you cope with the anxiety. As effective as benzos can be at managing the symptoms of anxiety, they can also have dangerous effects.
In Arizona in 2021, 7.6 percent of non-fatal opioid overdose events also involved benzodiazepines. While these substances can be prescribed safely by doctors for short-term use, some people misuse them for their mood-boosting effects. Not only is there a risk of overdose, but also benzos can have dangerous interactions when mixed with other substances.
Wolf Creek Recovery offers comprehensive treatment services for individuals experiencing dependence on benzodiazepines. With an emphasis on structured routines, healthy indoor and outdoor activities, and natural coping methods, we help individuals find long-term solutions to managing their substance use and anxiety. Let’s learn more about benzodiazepines, what to expect when going through benzo withdrawals, and how to move forward in your life with healthier ways of coping.
What Is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal refers to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when you have been using benzos and either reduce or stop taking the medication abruptly. These symptoms can be severe and vary in intensity depending on how long you’ve been taking the medication, the dosage of medication you’ve been using, and other individual factors.
Causes of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
The primary cause of benzodiazepine withdrawal is the body’s dependence on the substance, which develops over time with regular use. Benzos are typically prescribed for short-term use, such as treating anxiety following a traumatic experience or panic due to an upcoming event. Long-term use, on the other hand, can lead to dependence.
When benzos are used regularly, they can change the brain’s chemistry and function. The brain then adapts to the presence of benzodiazepines, leading to tolerance. Furthermore, benzodiazepines enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for inhibiting brain activity and promoting calmness. Eventually, the brain compensates for the enhanced GABA activity by reducing its own GABA production.
When benzodiazepine use is suddenly stopped or reduced, there is an immediate decrease in GABA activity. This can lead to an overexcited state in the brain, causing heightened excitability of the nervous system and the onset of withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, agitation, and seizures.
Dangers of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzo withdrawals can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially if you’ve been using the substance for a long time or in high doses. The severity of withdrawal symptoms varies, but it is possible to mitigate them with the right support. The main concern is the risk for seizures, which can occur due to the brain’s sudden imbalance that leads to overactivity. Seizures can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Other issues that can occur during benzo withdrawal are hallucinations, delusions, acute confusion, severe anxiety and panic attacks, deep depression, and suicidal thoughts. Because these withdrawal symptoms can be severe, it’s advised to detox under medical supervision. With the right support, these symptoms can be monitored and managed.
Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can produce a broad range of symptoms that typically occur within 24 hours from the last dose. Acute symptoms may last for several days to a week, though some symptoms can last for several months. While this can feel overwhelming, keep in mind that you are not left on your own to deal with these symptoms. Support is available in the form of medications, therapies, and treatments.
Psychological Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
The psychological effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be distressing, but the process is made easier with appropriate medical supervision, gradual tapering, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle adjustments. The most common psychological withdrawal symptoms include:
- Heightened anxiety and panic attacks
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Confusion and cognitive impairment
- Agitation and restlessness
- Depersonalization and derealization
- Paranoia
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
Physical Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical symptoms can also occur with benzodiazepine withdrawal. Their intensity can vary based on the duration of use, dosage, and individual differences. When the body becomes dependent on benzodiazepines and sudden cessation or reduction occurs, it disrupts the body’s equilibrium, causing physical symptoms, such as:
- Tremors
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive perspiration
- Heart palpitations
- Sleep disturbances
- Convulsions
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
- Rapid breathing
- Ringing in the ears
- Flu-like symptoms
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline for benzodiazepine withdrawal varies among individuals but does follow a rather predictable pattern. Generally, withdrawal symptoms can be categorized into three phases: early withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal.
- Early withdrawal (6 hours to a few days). For short-acting benzos like alprazolam and lorazepam, symptoms begin around 6-12 hours after the last dose. The main symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, and physical symptoms like tremors and sweating. Long-acting benzos, such as diazepam and clonazepam, typically have symptoms that start later, usually within 2-7 days from the last dose.
- Acute withdrawal (1-4 weeks). Acute withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 1-2 weeks after the onset of withdrawal. Symptoms include panic attacks, anxiety, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle pain and stiffness, and headaches.
- Protracted withdrawal (weeks to months). Some symptoms can linger for several weeks or months after the acute phase has ended. It’s even possible for some people to develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which includes persistent anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and ongoing cognitive issues.
When Is Medical Detox Necessary for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
Medical detox is often necessary for benzodiazepine withdrawal due to the potential for severe side effects. Not only does medical intervention make the benzo detox process safer, but also it can treat symptoms to make recovery easier and more attainable.
However, there are specific situations when medical detox is a must, such as if you’ve used these medications long-term or in high doses, you have a history of severe physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms, you have a co-occurring mental health or substance use disorder, or you have tried to taper off benzodiazepines gradually without success.
Get Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction in Prescott, AZ
Treating a benzodiazepine use disorder involves a comprehensive approach that includes medical supervision, behavioral therapies, support groups, and long-term follow-up care. Medical detox is recommended in most cases to mitigate the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. This usually involves gradual tapering to minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent severe reactions.
After detox, you can start benzo rehab where you will receive behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as peer support, an introduction to the 12 steps, and holistic and complementary therapies. Co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or polysubstance use, can be treated at this time as well for a complete recovery.
Wolf Creek Recovery is committed to helping individuals change their lives for the better. When you start your recovery at our program, you will be welcomed by staff who are also in recovery and have access to supportive peers, evidence-based and holistic therapies, and fun activities like disc golf, pickleball, tennis, and basketball. Build a life you love. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 to start your journey to healing.
FAQs About Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Why does benzo withdrawal occur?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal occurs because of the physical and psychological dependence that develops with prolonged use of these medications.
What are the psychological symptoms of benzo withdrawal?
The psychological symptoms of benzo withdrawal include heightened anxiety and panic attacks, feelings of hopelessness, paranoia, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and increased irritability and mood swings.
What are the physical symptoms of benzo withdrawal?
The physical symptoms of benzo withdrawal include tremors, muscle pain and stiffness, fatigue, headaches, nausea and vomiting, sweating, and sleep disturbances.
How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms last?
The acute symptoms of benzo withdrawal usually peak within the first week and last for 4-14 days. Symptoms can start later if you’re taking longer-acting benzodiazepines. Some symptoms, especially psychological ones, can last for months or longer.
Is there any medication to help benzo withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, there are various medications that can alleviate benzo withdrawal symptoms, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihistamines, beta blockers, sleep aids, and even long-acting
benzodiazepines (for tapering).
