Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Detox, Rehab & Withdrawal Support

A medically supervised tapering process is recommended to reduce dosage over time and minimize withdrawal symptoms safely. The benzodiazepine withdrawal process is impacted by factors such as the dosage, the duration of use, and whether the drug was stopped suddenly or tapered slowly. For individuals who have used benzodiazepines at high doses or over an extended period, withdrawal symptoms are usually more severe and prolonged.

• When benzodiazepines are taken for longer than a few months and/or in high doses, the brain may start to depend on the influence of the drugs.
• Generally, prolonged use of benzodiazepines leads to greater physical and psychological dependence.
• Just like with opioids and alcohol, using benzos can lead to physical dependence.
• Your doctor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use and your pregnancy.
• As a very rough guide, a person taking 40mg diazepam a day (or its equivalent) might be able to reduce the daily dosage by 2mg every 1-2 weeks until a dose of 20mg diazepam a day is reached.

Definition and symptoms

• Access to these resources can significantly enhance the recovery process, helping individuals successfully navigate the complexities of withdrawal.
• When combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as opioids or alcohol, benzodiazepines can heighten the risk of overdose.
• This type of therapy can help you challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs and behaviors and replace them with more productive ones.
• In some cases, medications are prescribed to relieve withdrawal symptoms and improve comfort during detox from benzodiazepines.

However, medical opinions differ and, even if complete withdrawal is not advised, it may be beneficial to reduce the dosage or to take intermittent courses with benzodiazepine-free intervals. When benzodiazepines are taken for longer than a few months and/or in high doses, the brain may start to depend on the influence of the drugs. In addition to the immediate health risk, benzodiazepine withdrawal can seriously affect your quality of life.

Example Benzo Tapering Schedule

• In severe cases, intravenous fluids and supplements may be given to prevent or improve deficiencies.
• Understanding these symptoms is crucial for individuals and healthcare providers to prepare for and navigate the withdrawal process effectively.
• Our benzo addiction treatment center offer a nurturing environment conducive to recovery.
• Side effects of withdrawal may also range in duration and intensity, which may be directly related to the level of dependency.
• If you stop taking them “cold turkey,” or all at once, you may experience severe, even life threatening, withdrawal symptoms.
• Whether it takes 6 months, 12 months or 18 months is of little significance if you have taken benzodiazepines for a matter of years.

Cognitive difficulties, such as trouble concentrating, may also occur during this phase. While physical symptoms subside in most cases, emotional and psychological effects can persist. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines is a result of the body’s reliance on the medication, which develops over time. Upon suddenly decreasing their dose or stopping them altogether, the nervous system reacts to the absence of benzos, causing Sober living house a process of adjustment. The last phase, protracted withdrawal, is thought to affect less than 15 percent of those in benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The risk of misuse and the problems that come with it show why you need to be cautious with long-term benzo therapy. Managing dependence requires careful consideration and oversight, particularly when tapering off to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. In regard to clonazepam specifically, the half-life range varies widely from person to person and can be anywhere from 20 hours to 50 hours. This would typically mean withdrawal symptoms could begin as soon as one to two days (when stopping abruptly).

Psychological & Holistic Therapy

Here is what you need to know and what is the timeline of the detox symptoms to ensure a safe and effective detoxification experience. People may self-medicate using benzodiazepines to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or stress. They may not realize the potential risks of prolonged use, as these medicines are initially intended for short-term treatment. As a very rough guide, a person taking 40mg diazepam a day (or its equivalent) might be able to reduce the daily dosage by 2mg every 1-2 weeks until a dose of 20mg diazepam a day is reached. From 20mg diazepam a day, reductions of 1 mg in daily dosage every week or two might be preferable.

Approaching Treatment

As explained in Chapter 1, long-term benzodiazepines take over many of the functions of the body’s natural tranquilliser system, mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA. As a result, GABA receptors in the brain reduce in numbers and GABA function decreases. Sudden withdrawal from benzodiazepines leaves the brain in a state of GABA-underactivity, resulting in hyperexcitability of the nervous system. This hyperexcitability is the root cause of most of the withdrawal symptoms discussed in the next chapter. However, a sufficiently slow, and smooth, departure of benzodiazepines from the body permits the natural systems to regain control of the functions which have been damped down by their presence.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzodiazepines

(9) Also, users who do not have a history of abuse, but have a first-degree relative with a history of addiction, face an increased risk. Partner with a facility and team that focuses on evidence-based treatment strategies and offers a range of therapy options. At this time, a support team can provide the guidance and reassurance needed to continue making lasting changes. When a medication-assisted approach is taken, several options are available depending on the user’s needs and history.

In some cases, alternative medications may be introduced to ease the transition. The withdrawal timeline from benzodiazepines is a highly individualized process influenced by a myriad of factors. Recognizing these factors allows for a more informed and compassionate approach to managing withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of personalized care plans.