Detoxing and going through withdrawals from any substance of abuse can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience. In fact, the challenges faced during the withdrawal process are one of the many reasons why it is recommended that it be done under the care and supervision of trained medical professionals.
Benzos, or Benzodiazepines, are no exception.
While benzos are often commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other medical conditions, those taking them, even only as medically directed, can find themselves growing dependent on the drug making it difficult, and even dangerous to stop taking them “cold turkey”.
Because benzos are so common in our society, knowing the signs of benzo withdrawal is crucial for not just getting you or your loved one the help they need to properly treat and manage withdrawal symptoms, but also keep the symptoms from escalating and possibly turning deadly.
Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms of benzo withdrawal and how Acqua Recovery can help you or a loved one overcome their benzo addiction or dependency.
Understanding Benzodiazepines and Their Effects
Before we get into the effects of benzo withdrawal, it’s important to understand what exactly Benzodiazepines are and how they work.
As we touched on in the introduction, benzos are commonly prescribed to treat a number of different ailments including anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders. Common examples of Benzos are Xanax, Ativan, and Valium.
Benzos work by enhancing the overall effects of GABA in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms brain activity, creating a sedative effect that helps to ease symptoms.
While benzos have proven to be very effective in managing these conditions, thus the reason why they are so popular and so commonly prescribed, they are meant to only be prescribed for short-term use. However, many people who are prescribed benzos do not take them only for a short period of time. As a result, it is not uncommon for those prescribed benzos to find themselves building up a tolerance and ultimately becoming dependent on the drug as the brain continues to crave and need those calming effects that benzos produce.
What Causes Benzo Withdrawal?
This, in turn, leads us to withdrawals. As is the case with any substance or activity that the brain and body become dependent on, withdrawals occur when the brain stops getting something that it deems it needs to function properly. In the case of benzos, this is the added boost of GABA.
When benzos are suddenly removed, the brain and body struggle to adjust, resulting in a range of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary in both occurrence and intensity based on a variety of factors including dosage, frequency of use, overall health, and the specific benzodiazepine used. Short-acting benzos tend to cause withdrawal symptoms sooner, while longer-acting benzos may take longer for symptoms to appear.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
While benzo withdrawal affects everyone differently there are often common signs and symptoms of benzo withdrawal to keep an eye out for if you or someone you know is taking benzos. That being said, benzo withdrawal symptoms are typically broken down into two categories: physical and psychological.
Let’s take a look at the common symptoms of benzo withdrawal for each category:
When not addressed properly, the physical symptoms of benzo withdrawl can often be uncomfortable and can even lead to the development of more serious issues. That’s why you should always consult with a doctor or treatment professional before you stop taking benzos.
Some common physical symptoms include:
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Sweating
- Chills
- Tremors and shaking
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heart palpitations
These symptoms often vary in duration and intensity, but they usually peak within the first few days after stopping the drug and begin to subside over time.
While they may not be as easy to spot, the psychological symptoms associated with benzo withdrawals can be just as intense, if not more intense, than the physical symptoms.
Some psychological symptoms you may experience include:
- Anxiety and/or panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Cognitive issues
These symptoms are part of the brain’s process of learning to self-regulate after being dependent on the effects of benzodiazepines.
Acute Withdrawal vs. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be long-lasting and are often divided into two phases: acute withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also known as PAWS.
Acute withdrawal begins as soon as you stop taking benzos and is often marked by many, if not all of the physical and psychological symptoms listed above. Depending on the person and factors such as age, overall health, dosage, and frequency of use, acute withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days and a few weeks.
PAWS, on the other hand, can linger for months or even years after the initial withdrawal. The symptoms associated with PAWS are often psychological including anxiety, depression, mood swings, and insomnia.
How Long Does Benzo Withdrawal Last?
We mentioned it earlier, but the intensity and even the length of benzo withdrawal is dependent on a number of factors including the dosage, the duration of use, and the person’s overall health. However, the type of benzo can also play a role in how a person experiences benzo withdrawal.
With short-acting benzos, withdrawal symptoms can appear within 24 hours and last from a few days to a week. Someone taking long-acting benzos though may not begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms for several days and may continue to experience them for several weeks.
Keep in mind as well that this is just the timeline for acute symptoms. Those suffering from PAWS as it relates to benzo withdrawal may continue to suffer from psychological symptoms for months or even years.
Dangers of Quitting Benzos Cold Turkey
We mentioned it briefly in the introduction but it is important to mention it again. Due to the severity of benzo withdrawal symptoms, attempting to quit taking benzos “cold turkey” can be incredibly dangerous.
When you stop taking benzodiazepines, the brain experiences a “rebound” effect, where symptoms like anxiety and insomnia return more intensely than before.
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. Often they will administer a tapering-off plan as well as medically monitor you to minimize the dangers of withdrawal symptoms and treat any of the more severe symptoms as they pop up.
Medical Detox for Benzo Withdrawal: What to Expect
Another way to safely withdraw from benzos is to enter a medical detox program. Detoxing in the process in which your body naturally rids itself of all the harmful substances that are in it so that it can begin the healing process.
Detoxing can be done at a local medical facility, a dedicated detox center, or a treatment center that also offers medical detox services. As part of a medical detox program, you will have access to around-the-clock medical care and monitoring as well as access to medications designed to help alleviate or even treat some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient medical detox is often the first step in the overall addiction treatment process and is particularly advised for those who plan on entering a treatment program after the completion of detox.
Coping Strategies for Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
In addition to medical detox, coping strategies can help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms as well.
Examples of effective coping strategies include:
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation
- Exercise
- Healthy sleep habits
- Social support from friends, family members, loved ones, or support groups
Finding healthy ways to cope with withdrawal symptoms can make the process more manageable and improve overall well-being during recovery.
The Importance of Professional Help During Benzo Withdrawal
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. That’s why seeking out professional help when the time comes to stop taking benzos is so crucial.
While from a physical perspective doctors and treatment professionals can monitor your progress and provide medications that may help make things more comfortable, therapists and counselors are also an important part of the process as you work through some of the psychological side effects of benzo withdrawal.
Working with a therapist or counselor during withdrawal can be particularly beneficial as it can allow you to address and work through the mental health issues that resulted in your getting the benzo prescription in the first place.
Preventing Relapse and Maintaining Long-Term Recovery
While you may not realize it, preventing relapse after benzo withdrawal goes far beyond just simply no longer taking the medication. Long-term recovery requires ongoing support and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of relapse, such as:
- Ongoing therapy
- Developing healthy habits
- Participating in support groups
By building a strong foundation for long-term recovery, you can reduce the risk of relapse and sustain a fulfilling, substance-free life.
Learn More About the Signs of Benzo Withdrawal and Get the Help You Need at Acqua Recovery
At Acqua Recovery, we understand the difficulties associated with benzo dependency, addiction, and withdrawal. That’s why we offer a number of treatment plans designed to safely withdraw from benzos and get the overall treatment that you need.
If you or a loved one is suffering from benzo dependency or addiction and are looking for a way to safely withdraw from the drug, contact us today.
