Understanding the benzodiazepine (benzo) withdrawal timeline and the potential dangers one can encounter during that period is crucial to recovery and staying free from addiction for a lifetime. Whether you take benzos as prescribed or misuse them recreationally, withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous if you suddenly stop using them. Therefore, it is vital to speak to a medical professional about quitting benzos safely.
Contact Retreat of Atlanta to begin benzodiazepine detox in Atlanta, Georgia, today.
Details on Benzodiazepines (Benzos) + Addiction
There’s no denying that benzodiazepine dependence has skyrocketed in America over the past 20 years. These highly addictive pills, commonly known as benzos, are widely available and easy to obtain, making them ripe for misuse. Understanding the benzo withdrawal timeline can help a person know what to expect during their recovery journey.
With increased benzo dependence comes the increased need for addiction recovery. However, recovering from benzodiazepine addiction is not easy. Benzo withdrawal symptoms and the adverse effects they have on a person are challenging.
First discovered and made available in the 1960s, benzos have become one of America’s most widely distributed and commonly used drugs. Doctors nationwide prescribe millions of benzodiazepines, like Xanax, each year to help ease anxiety symptoms.
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How Do Benzos Work?
Benzodiazepines activate the neurotransmitters in the brain that produce calm and relaxation. It’s no surprise that benzodiazepine drugs (such as the popular Xanax) have become one of the most prescribed drugs nationwide.
GABA, short for gammoaminobuytric acid, is a neurotransmitter that helps to block activity in the nervous system, such as anxiety. Low GABA activity and anxiety disorders are closely linked, so benzodiazepines such as Xanax work well. They help increase the brain’s GABA activity so the individual will experience calm instead of stress.
Recommended: How to Treat Anxiety Without Xanax?
What Do Benzos Treat?
Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that treat anxiety disorders like panic and generalized anxiety.
Benzodiazepines also have depressant properties that lower brain activity. As a result, they treat mental health conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. Interestingly, benzodiazepines are also used by treatment centers to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms under close medical supervision.
Benzos are typically only prescribed for short-term use since they are so habit-forming. There are other medications more suitable for long-term anxiety treatments. However, when used as prescribed short-term, benzos can help those with anxiety issues by helping even out the GABA activity in the brain.
While benzodiazepines have been able to help millions of people with anxiety disorders, abusing benzos is dangerous. Getting off of benzos brings uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can be alarming and long-lasting.
Recommended: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Symptoms During the Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
Unfortunately, Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms are inevitable as one commits to ending a Benzo addiction. But how long does Benzo withdrawal last? First, it’s important to acknowledge that some of the withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous if left unsupervised. Medical treatment is crucial when detoxing from benzos.
Benzo withdrawal symptoms may include:
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Difficulty concentrating
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Headaches
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Perceptual changes
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Increased tension
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Anxiety
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Panic Attacks
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Sweating
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Tremors
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Nausea
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Paranoia
These withdrawal symptoms can range in severity depending on how long an individual has been misusing the drugs and elements unique to the type of benzo used. A benzo withdrawal timeline is based on these factors.
Timeline for Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Now that we know the symptoms of Benzo withdrawal, you may be wondering: how long do Benzo withdrawal symptoms last? The average person typically starts experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms around the first 24 hours of last use. The symptoms will peak from there during the first 1-4 days.
The timeline for benzo withdrawals varies depending on the type of benzo, the amount used, and the length of use. For example, based on these factors, one could experience major withdrawals between a few days and several months.
Is Benzo Withdrawal Dangerous?
With the correct medical supervision, the risks of benzodiazepine withdrawal are reduced. However, detoxing solo without a professional support system and proper supervision can be extremely dangerous.
Quitting “cold turkey” can be dangerous, and this method often triggers the most intense withdrawal symptoms plus the most severe physical and psychological reactions.
The unpredictability of the withdrawal process can lead to dangerous and sometimes lethal situations.
How to Safely Detox From Benzos
Taking on the detox process alone is not a good idea and can lead to tragedy. Those seeking the proper supervision and support during this trying time will likely see the highest success rates and long-lasting sobriety. A solid, supervised withdrawal plan will offer the best chances for a safe and successful relapse-free recovery.
Medical supervision ensures qualified staff will manage any complications. Chances of relapse significantly decrease when the detoxification process is done using safe and appropriate methods for withdrawal.
Finding the proper support system to detox from benzo could mean the difference between a life of recovery and tragedy.
Contact Our Benzo Detox to Safely Withdrawal in Atlanta, GA
At Retreat Atlanta, we want to help as many people recover from the disease of addiction as possible. We are here 24 hours a day to help you detox from drugs and alcohol. Our compassionate and professional staff is waiting with open hearts and no judgment to give you the tools and support necessary to overcome your benzodiazepine dependence for good. Located in Eatonton, GA, we offer a relaxing and comfortable environment where you can confidently undergo benzo detoxification and rehabilitation.
Now is the time to regain control of your life and beat your dependency on benzos. What are you waiting for? Connect to our admissions page today and take that first step into a lifetime of recovery.