Gamma hydroxybutyrate is a GABAB agonist, and withdrawal can initially be treated with high doses of benzodiazepines; refractory cases have responded to pentobarbital, chloral hydrate, and baclofen. By building a strong foundation for long-term recovery, you can reduce the risk of relapse and sustain a fulfilling, substance-free life. Before we get into the effects of benzo withdrawal, it’s important to understand what exactly Benzodiazepines are and how they work. PAWS isn’t as intense as acute withdrawal, but it can make sustained recovery difficult without proper support. Symptoms are at their worst during this time and may require medical supervision.

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These symptoms can overlap with other health issues and are frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed, especially if a patient has concurrent alcohol or stimulant history. It’s essential to share your full benzodiazepine use, including any use of diazepam, temazepam, or triazolam, with a qualified physician or clinic. At Sullivan Recovery, we assess these physical symptoms during outpatient detox, helping manage discomfort with personalized care, proper medicine, and therapy interventions. To cope with physical discomfort during benzodiazepine withdrawal, individuals may benefit from engaging in relaxation exercises, massage therapy, and physical activity such as yoga or swimming.

Who Is at Highest Risk?

• Tree House Recovery in Wilmington, NC, offers safe, compassionate, evidence based benzodiazepine withdrawal management.
• The benzo withdrawal timeline varies for each benzodiazepine medication, depending on its particular half-life.
• Benzodiazepine dependence is a significant concern, especially given the widespread prescription of these drugs for anxiety and sleep disorders.

Flumazenil is thought to act by “resetting” GABA/benzodiazepine receptors (See Chapter I) so that they are more receptive to the inhibitory actions of GABA. The response to flumazenil also shows that benzodiazepines can cause longer-lasting pharmacological effects than previously believed. A number of unpleasant bodily sensations may persist after withdrawal including tingling, “pins and needles” or patches of numbness in the trunk, face, limbs and fingers. These may be accompanied by burning pain or aches that sometimes seem to originate deep in the muscles or bones.

The importance of setting boundaries in recovery

Clinical intervention, therapy, and proper medication management are essential for reducing the risk of long-term benzodiazepine use disorder and improving patient outcomes. Withdrawal symptoms can occur after as little as one month of use, even on small, therapeutic doses. Among people taking benzodiazepines for longer than six months, about 40% experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when they quit suddenly. Librium is considered highly addictive and, like all benzodiazepines, can result in physical and psychological dependence. Even after only using Librium for a short amount of time, individuals can still experience undesirable withdrawal symptoms. Sleep disruptions, such as trouble falling or staying asleep, are common during benzodiazepine withdrawal and may continue for weeks as your system learns to regulate its CNS and sleep cycle without medication.

The Onset of Withdrawal from Benzos

• Over time, you might need higher doses to get the same effect (that’s called tolerance), or you might find it hard to cut back even when you want to.
• When you’re feeling calm and clearheaded, your team will refer you to an addiction treatment program for counseling and education sessions to help you preserve sobriety.
• Therapy sessions also address fear, confusion, and motivation, helping the patient stay focused on recovery and reduce the long-term risk of prescription drug addiction.
• We said it before and we will say it again, attempting to quit taking benzos “cold turkey” or all at once can be dangerous and even potentially life-threatening.

Those who took short-acting benzos will have withdrawal symptoms sooner than those who took long-acting benzos. Some short-acting benzos are more potent than the long-acting benzos so the withdrawal in those cases will be even stronger. Stopping benzos abruptly increases the likelihood of severe withdrawal, including life-threatening seizures. Medical supervision drug addiction treatment is strongly recommended to avoid these adverse outcomes. This page explores what’s involved with benzo withdrawal and what causes it.

However, understanding the general phases of the benzo withdrawal timeline can help individuals push through the weeks of discomfort and find hope and recovery on the other side. This process is most effective with the right support from loved ones and medical professionals. In some cases, individuals experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, a condition known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. These symptoms, such as intermittent anxiety, depression, or sensitivity to stress, may linger for months or even a year after discontinuation. Protracted withdrawal is more common in individuals who used high doses or took benzodiazepines for more extended periods. Patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal may have numerous potentially life-threatening medical problems, which should be identified and treated along with their withdrawal.

Benzo detox for some involves symptoms that subside within days to more severe symptoms that can impact physical and mental health. Benzo withdrawal can be aggravating and unpredictable, but recovery is achievable with the proper support. At Tree House Recovery, we offer detox services to help you taper off benzodiazepines slowly, and we also provide emotional care to help you transition from detox to ongoing outpatient treatment. The estimated global prevalence of withdrawal in adults for heavy episodic alcohol use is 18.4.%, for daily tobacco smoking is 15.2%, amphetamine 0.77%, opioids 0.37%, and cocaine 0.35%. North America was found to have the highest rates of opioid and cocaine dependence. Therefore, unless the withdrawal is complicated, it will unlikely be called into the poison center.

A multitude of factors interplay in the benzodiazepine withdrawal process, making each individual’s experience unique. Recognizing and addressing these risk factors is pivotal in ensuring a safe, manageable, and effective transition off benzodiazepines. By being proactive, informed, and vigilant, both patients and caregivers can navigate the complexities of benzo withdrawal with confidence and care. Benzodiazepines come in various formulations, each designed to address specific medical needs. Some benzos, such as Valium (diazepam), have a long-acting formulation, making them suitable for treating conditions like generalized anxiety disorder. On the other hand, shorter-acting benzodiazepines like Ativan (lorazepam) are beneficial for acute anxiety episodes or panic attacks.

Medical detox

You can learn more about our comprehensive medication-assisted treatment services. At National Addiction Specialists, we’ve made this process as accessible as possible through our telemedicine-based Suboxone treatment. You can receive personalized treatment plans from the comfort and privacy of your own signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal home. No crowded waiting rooms, no judgment from others – just expert care delivered with dignity and respect. Withdrawal is temporary, and with proper medical support, you can get through it safely.

• If you’re currently taking medications that can cause dependence – like certain pain relievers, anti-anxiety medications, or sleep aids – and you want to stop, the key is never going it alone.
• There are three possible phases for benzo withdrawals, each with an estimated timeline.

Why Medical Detox Is Required for Benzo Withdrawals?

The duration of benzodiazepine withdrawal varies depending on the type of drug, length of use, and individual health factors. Acute symptoms typically last 1–4 weeks, but protracted withdrawal can persist for several months. Symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, or cognitive issues may linger without ongoing treatment or support. The physical symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can vary depending on the individual and the type of benzodiazepine used. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms while others may experience more severe symptoms. Common symptoms include muscle tension, tremors, headaches, digestive issues, and heart palpitations.