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Have you heard about benzodiazepine use and its potential to cause substance dependence? Many people have not. Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University have said, “The opioid crisis has dominated headlines, yet benzodiazepines are an underrecognized and an important contributor to the public health crisis of drug overdose deaths.” When a person ends their benzodiazepine use, they will experience difficult withdrawal symptoms. Making it through these symptoms is possible with the right tools. Benzo addiction treatment is available and it can help individuals recover and thrive!
Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are depressants created to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Long-term benzo use can create dependence, a condition where a person’s body becomes accustomed to the presence of a substance. When a person stops taking the substance, they experience withdrawal symptoms. Benzo withdrawal is the process of a person’s body detoxing from benzo use and learning to feel normal without the presence of benzo.
Benzo withdrawal happens when someone who has developed a dependence on benzos ends their benzo use. Typically, if benzos are used for a short period as prescribed by a doctor, a person will not experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using benzos. However, if a person uses benzos for a long time, or if they misuse benzos, it is likely they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop.
Benzo withdrawal is not typically dangerous. However, there are rare instances where benzo withdrawal can cause life-threatening side effects like seizures. This is why, while it is possible to detox from benzo use alone, the safest option is detox at a licensed treatment center. At a treatment center, a person will be made comfortable, have less access to illicit benzos, and the staff at the treatment center can treat any symptoms of benzo withdrawal. In addition, a person’s benzo use is often gradually ended under supervision to prevent the most intense withdrawal symptoms while in detox.
Psychological Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Common psychological benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
The less frequent psychological benzo withdrawal symptoms are:
Benzo withdrawal comes with several physical symptoms, including:
Some less common physical symptoms are burning sensations, muscle twitching, and seizures.
Early withdrawal is a period of time that starts within 24 hours of benzo use ending. During this phase, a person often notices the return of symptoms benzo use was treating. For example, anxiety or insomnia are typical symptoms that return when benzo use ends.
Acute withdrawal occurs within a few days of discontinuation. It is common to require medical supervision during this stage to ensure a safe withdrawal period. Acute withdrawal lasts from 5-28 days.
10-25 percent of benzo users experience protracted withdrawal. Protracted withdrawal is the presence of withdrawal symptoms that linger for 12 months or longer. While less severe than symptoms, these symptoms can disrupt a person’s life. Protracted withdrawal is often treated with therapy and medication.
Medical detox is always recommended for benzo withdrawal. This is because, while rare, there are instances when benzo withdrawal can be life-threatening. When going through withdrawal in a licensed treatment facility, you will have experienced staff on hand who know what to do in the worst-case scenario. They can make you more comfortable regardless of the severity of your symptoms.
Benzo withdrawal symptoms may seem intimidating, but you don’t have to be afraid to seek help. The team at Serenity Lane is ready to help you find healing and recovery. Serenity Lane provides evidence-based and individualized services to help you or your loved one overcome benzo use.
For more information on how Serenity Lane treats benzo use, contact us today at 800-543-9905.
Is benzo withdrawal permanent?
Benzo withdrawal is not permanent. With time, benzo withdrawal symptoms will subside. Protracted withdrawal is when mild benzo withdrawal symptoms last 12 months or more.
Which benzodiazepine is most likely to cause withdrawal syndrome?
All benzos can cause withdrawal symptoms. Short-acting benzos typically result in withdrawal settings that are more severe and quicker at the onset. Long-acting benzos remain in a person’s body for longer and therefore can cause a delay in the start of withdrawal symptoms.
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