Understanding
Benzodiazepines
Withdrawal

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs. The core of the molecule is a diazepine ring and a benzene ring. Chlordiazepoxide was the first of this type of drug, discovered by accident in 1955 by Leo Sernbach. Hoffmann–La Roche released the drug in 1960 and began marketing Valium or benzodiazepine diazepam in 1963. By 1977 benzodiazepines were the most prescribed drug in the world.

 

Benzodiazepines are classified as minor tranquilizers. The drug enhances the effects of the GABA or neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid and the GABA receptor. The result is a muscle relaxant, sedative, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medication. When the shorter acting version is taken the result is often dissociation and amnesia. In the past benzodiazepine was used to treat:

 

  • Agitation
  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • Anxiety
  • Pre-op medication for dental and medical procedures
  • Seizures
  • Muscle spasms
  • Insomnia


Although considered safe in the past, benzodiazepines users became addicted. In addition to becoming addicted some users overdosed. Effective for short term use for up to 4 weeks the drug can cause cognitive impairment, behavioral issues and aggression. In some cases it can increase panic and agitation. Suicide risk increases with benzodiazepines. Long term use is controversial because:

 

  • Increased cancer risk
  • Physical dependence
  • benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
  • Increased dementia risk
  • Decreased effectiveness

Risks and Complications of Benzodiazepine Use

Stopping benzodiazepines usually improves mental and physical health but benzodiazepine withdrawals are common and can be dangerous. The risk of short and long term side effects is higher for the elderly. For that reason the drug is not suitable for older adults. There is controversy among doctors that the drug is not safe for pregnant women due to risk of cleft palate and neurobehavioral issues. Benzodiazepines have been shown to cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns.

If you overdose on benzodiazepines you can fall into a deep and dangerous coma. The drug replaced barbiturates because they were considered less toxic. If the only drug you are taking is benzodiazepines, death is rare unless the overdose is severe. If you are taking this drug with CNS or central nervous system depressants, opioids or alcohol your risk of toxicity increases. That means you are at higher risk of fatal overdose.

Unfortunately this is one of the most abused drugs and often taken with other drugs of high abuse potential.

Not prescribed nearly as often as in the past benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for OCD and severe muscle spasms. This drug is often the first prescribed if the individual is experiencing hypnotic sedative withdrawal or delirium due to alcohol.

Since this drug has been around since the 1960s the interactions, withdrawal symptoms and side effects are well known by the scientific and medical community. The effects of the drug are good when taken as directed by the prescribing doctor for several conditions. If the drug is abused it is habit forming and will usually lead to addiction.

Benzodiazepines are not prescribed long term because of the risk of tolerance and addiction. Those who have a legitimate prescription from their doctor are at lower risk of becoming addicted or taking more than prescribed than those who buy the drug illegally or on the street.

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Benzodiazepine Dangers

Although this drug works initially, tolerance occurs very fast. If you or a loved one is addicted to benzodiazepines quitting without medical help is very difficult and dangerous. You can experience long term complications from your addiction including:

  • Irritability
  • Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
  • Underlying psychological issues get worse
  • Aggression
  • Impulsivity

Here are the symptoms and signs of benzodiazepine addiction you can look for if you think you or a loved one is addicted:

  • Poor impulse control and judgment
  • Stealing or asking for others benzodiazepine prescriptions
  • Slurred speech
  • Coordination problems
  • Mood swings
  • Can’t taper off or stop the drug despite wanting and consequences
  • Anger, aggression and denial
  • Relationship and financial problems
  • Blurred vision
  • Legal problems
  • Drowsiness
  • Taking benzodiazepines with other drugs or alcohol to get the desired effect
What are Benzodiazepines

If you are already addicted/tolerant to this drug, you are at higher risk of overdose whether accidental or intentional. The symptoms of overdose include:

  • Loss of coordination
  • Trouble or slow breathing
  • Extreme confusion
  • Mental impairment
  • Blurred vision
  • Coma
  • Slurred speech
  • Death

The symptoms of withdrawal are painful and dangerous. If you are addicted to this drug and want to stop you will need the support of your family and friends and help from doctors and trained counselors and therapists.

If you try to quit on your own you need to know it can be very dangerous. Going through medical detox then into a rehab is much safer.

 

This article will cover the symptoms of withdrawal, the dangers of benzodiazepine and what you can do to get help for your addiction.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline

  • There are three stages of benzodiazepine withdrawal. These are early, acute and protracted. The early stage starts as soon as 24 hours after the last dose of the drug was taken. Symptoms peak at the acute or two week stage. This can lead to a protracted stage where symptoms linger for months.

  • If you have taken large quantities of benzodiazepines or used the drug for a long time, long term benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can last for years after you have stopped. You can reduce the risk of long term withdrawal symptoms by getting help from a detox facility.
Infographic showing the timeline

Physical Discomforts and Issues During Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Most people who are given a prescription from their doctor for benzodiazepine for insomnia or anxiety will eventually start to abuse the drug. This usually leads to addiction. If the individual stops using the medication a rebound effect is common. This is when an underlying medical condition gets worse such as anxiety or insomnia.

 

Rebound insomnia is hard to treat and hard to live with. Some of the discomforts can be managed by doctors if the person goes into a medical detox facility. The most common physical symptoms of withdrawal are:

 

  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Seizures
  • Muscle pain, aches and stiffness
  • Tingling in the arms and legs
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Tremors


If you use benzodiazepines long term and experience sudden withdrawal symptoms you are at higher risk of serious complications. You can experience seizures and tremors. If this happens you need to get medical help fast or you can fall into a coma. The result is usually death.

Psychological Issues During Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The most common psychological issues during benzodiazepine withdrawal are:

  • Irritability and agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood swings
  • Sensory distortions

Up to 10% of people recovering from a benzodiazepine addiction will experience protracted symptoms. This includes:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Tingling in the legs
  • Mood issues


If you don’t get proper treatment you are at risk of relapsing or becoming addicted to another drug. It’s very hard to manage these symptoms on your own.

Psychological Issues Experienced During Withdrawal
A young lady experiencing benzo withdrawal.

Unsafe Practices During Benzodiazepine Detox

  • If you are alone during the recovery process you are not safe. This is because there is risk of seizures, coma and death. Many people try to manage symptoms with alcohol or other drugs.

  • This increases the risk of complications. When you are recovering from benzodiazepine addiction you are also at higher risk of suicide and depression.

Is Withdrawing at Home or Stopping Cold-Turkey Safe?

  • No. If you are addicted to benzodiazepine you need medical supervision to quit safely. If you stop using the drug cold turkey you are at risk of seizures and tremors that can be deadly. You need medical help through withdrawal or you will experience protracted withdrawal symptoms.

  • Medical supervision makes it much safer and more effective to stop using benzodiazepines. If there are any medical complications, doctors are available to manage your symptoms quickly and efficiently.

Safe Practices During Benzodiazepine Detox

  • You can be prescribed sleep aids for short term by doctors to help with rebound insomnia. During the detox process you can take mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety medication. The risk of relapse or medical complications is reduced when you have access to legal and safe medication. If you try to get sober at home you don’t have the benefit of medical treatment.

  • You also increase your risk of having a seizure or developing depression. Doctors in medical detox can safely taper you off the drug by giving you a replacement medication or reducing your benzodiazepines to minimize the withdrawal symptoms.

Get started today!

 
Start your recovery journey with us at Asana Recovery,  where we prioritize your well-being and provide a welcoming environment for you to heal. 

Get started today!

 

Start your recovery journey with us at Asana Recovery, 
where we prioritize your well-being and provide
a welcoming environment for you to heal.

What’s Involved in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Recovery?

The first step is an assessment for underlying medical conditions once you get to the facility. You will also be assessed for polydrug use and mental health conditions. Depending on your situation, how long you’ve been using benzodiazepines and your medical profile, the length of time you will need to stay in a detox facility and the medication for your withdrawal symptoms will be determined.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal takes a long time. So you may need to stay in a detox facility for a few weeks. The drugs will be completely out of your system during detox. Once detox is complete your therapists and doctors will assess any mental health conditions. They will also determine your risk for depression episodes. More than 50% of people entering drug rehab have untreated mental health conditions.

Doctors can’t determine if you were self medicating a mental health condition or if your condition is a result of drug use. When you are in rehab you will work with trained social workers and therapists to address your mental health issues. You can work with your support team and counselors to create a treatment plan while you are in recovery.

With a customized treatment plan and mental health workers you reduce your risk of relapse. If you do relapse therapists, doctors and your plan are used to address the issue quickly and efficiently. Everyone’s experience in detox and rehab is different because no two people are the same. The amount of time you need to stay in rehab or detox depends on:

  • Your situation
  • How long you’ve been using benzodiazepines
  • Medical profile

Rehab facilities have many different treatment plans and can handle many physical and medical conditions. They have many options available such as family support and one on one or group therapy. They have many amenities on site you can use. These are not available if you detox at home. Progressive, modern rehab centers are located throughout the country with pool, games and group therapy.

When you are in a rehab facility there are trained counselors and others going through the same struggles. The sense of purpose and community you feel in rehab is not available outside. There is staff to work with your insurance company, most rehab centers offer financing or payment plans for qualified applicants.

There is treatment for benzodiazepine addiction regardless of your payment method or if you can’t pay. If you or a loved one is addicted to benzodiazepines call a licensed rehab counselor today at Asana Recovery. Get the help you need before it’s too late.

Infographic describing the process of recovering from benzos.

Start Your Recovery with Asana Recovery's Detox and Rehab Programs

At Asana Recovery, we understand the challenges of benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawal. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care through a range of treatment programs designed to help you recover safely and effectively. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, we have the right program for you:


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