But when you start removing benzodiazepines from your system, suddenly your clogged neurons become an open freeway with no traffic lanes. All those extra chemicals flood your brain, and the excess activity causes symptoms like anxiety and sweating. Benzo withdrawal can be a stressful process, but it is often necessary for people trying to get themselves off benzodiazepine drugs. Medical detox involves tapering off the benzo drug under the supervision of a doctor. More severe reactions or withdrawals may also be more likely when taking strong drugs either for long periods or alongside other types of medications.
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- Benzodiazepine, or benzo, withdrawal happens when a person suddenly stops taking benzodiazepine drugs, which doctors do not recommend.
- Benzodiazepine detoxification duration varies significantly based on the specific type of benzodiazepine and individual usage patterns.
- Research showed that 40% of people taking benzos for longer than 6 months experienced moderate-to-severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Some individuals may experience mild symptoms while others may experience more severe symptoms.
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He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah. By building a strong foundation for long-term recovery, you can reduce the risk of relapse and sustain a fulfilling, substance-free life.
- Because of this, it is recommended that you consult with either your primary care physician, the doctor who prescribed you your benzos, or a treatment professional before you stop taking benzos.
- Psychotherapy can help you understand the root cause of your substance abuse problems.
- We disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided.
- You can overcome obstacles and reclaim your life with the right support.
The detox process
Some people, such as those with a history of complicated withdrawal, seizures, or severe mental illness, may be better suited for an inpatient setting. This can involve living at a detox facility or hospital for several weeks, where you can receive constant medical monitoring and psychological support. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will require inpatient care. Most people do okay with tapering their benzodiazepines at home with the help of their primary care doctor or psychiatrist. You should plan to stay in touch with your doctor regularly during the tapering process, either by phone or during office visits.
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- During the first week, you can also expect physical symptoms like headaches and hand tremors.
- People tapering off the same original dosage of medication can have drastically different tapering experiences.
- These drugs mimic the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).
- Opiate withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but it can be extremely uncomfortable.
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. GABA is responsible for reducing the activity of neurons in the brain, which helps to calm the nervous system. By enhancing GABA activity, benzodiazepines can produce a range of effects, including sedation, relaxation, and muscle relaxation. Maybe you’re a little more irritable, your sleep is off, and you can’t quite shake this feeling of unease.
- Quitting benzos proves a nightmare, and rehab is worse; do not even think about detoxification.
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- The onset of benzodiazepine withdrawal depends on the specific medication you are taking.
- Benzodiazepines have a sedative effect because of how they work in your brain.
- Outpatient programs can include partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and standard outpatient treatment options.
- Another way to cope with any form of anxiety is to remind yourself that you are safe.
- Typically, withdrawal effects manifest within 1 to 4 days after discontinuing the medication.
What is the most important information I should know about benzodiazepine withdrawal?
In addition, over half of the survey respondents said benzodiazepines’ side effects or withdrawal symptoms caused them to consider suicide. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can also lead to disturbances in mental function that persist for several months or years benzodiazepine withdrawal after onset of symptoms (referred to as post-acute-withdrawal syndrome in this form). The main cause of the symptoms of benzo withdrawal is the sudden reduction of dopamine in the brain.
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Your doctor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use and your pregnancy. Symptoms will be milder than acute withdrawal and they can disappear for weeks at a time. Learn coping strategies, build support networks, and create sober traditions. Engagement in comprehensive support programs post-detox can further enhance recovery outcomes.
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Medical supervision during the detox process is vital for safe management of symptoms and minimizing the risk of severe complications, such as seizures or hallucinations. 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. These activities can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, which can help to alleviate some of the physical symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. It is important to note that anxiety is a normal and necessary response to stress. However, during benzodiazepine withdrawal, anxiety may be heightened due to the brain’s dependence on the drug.
Improving sleep during benzos withdrawal can be a challenging process, but there are several strategies that may help. One of the most important is to engage in good sleep hygiene practices. This includes avoiding caffeine and alcohol, establishing a Alcoholics Anonymous regular sleep schedule, and creating a conducive sleep environment. When someone takes benzodiazepines for an extended period, their body and brain become accustomed to the presence of the drug. The brain adjusts its chemistry to accommodate the drug, and the body becomes reliant on the drug for normal function. Before delving deeper into the signs of benzo withdrawal, it is essential to understand how benzodiazepines work and how withdrawal occurs.
