Compare detox methods in detox vs withdrawal differences to find the approach that fits your needs. If you notice any of these, explore signs you need medical detox and reach out for professional care. Review why you should not detox at home to understand the risks of unsupervised withdrawal.
The authors also warned of the similarities in pharmacology and mechanism of action of the newer nonbenzodiazepine Z-drugs. Part of the success was attributed to the placebo method used for part of the trial which broke the psychological dependence on benzodiazepines when the elderly patients realised they had completed their gradual reduction several weeks previously and had only been taking placebo tablets. Improved reaction times were noted at 52 weeks in elderly patients free from benzodiazepines.
- This will prevent you from altering the taper, but it might mean frequent trips to the pharmacy.
- A very quick taper would involve reducing the dose by 5 mg (25%) each week.
- Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal.
- The elimination half-life of diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, as well as other long half-life benzodiazepines, is twice as long in the elderly compared to younger individuals.
- Your doctor can pause or slow down the taper if your symptoms are intolerable.
- Those who have a prior history of withdrawing from benzodiazepines are found to be less likely to succeed the next time around.
Identifying the Warning Signs
Understanding how withdrawal unfolds, what symptoms to expect, and when to seek professional support can help you navigate this process safely. Brett, Jonathan; et al. “Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.” Australian Prescriber, October 1, 2015. The experienced medicalstaff at The Recovery Villageoffers patients the resources needed for an effective detoxification process. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional before beginningthe detox process. The severity of these symptoms depends on the duration of a person’s drug use, their dosage amounts, and the method of ingestion.
Benzodiazepine Detox Treatment Options
Those who have a prior history of withdrawing from benzodiazepines may have a sensitized or kindled central nervous system leading to worsening cognition and symptomatology, and making each subsequent withdrawal period worse. The severity and length of the withdrawal syndrome is likely determined by various factors, including rate of tapering, length of use and dosage size, and possible genetic factors. Tinnitus occurring during dose reduction or discontinuation of benzodiazepines is alleviated by recommencement of benzodiazepines. Their recommendation is that, for most patients dependent on benzodiazipines and for whom the risks of continuing benzodiazipine use outweighs the benefits, the initial pace of the taper should generally include dose reductions of 5 to 10% every 2–4 weeks. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), in collaboration with ten other American medical associations, issued a joint statement regarding benzodiazipine tapering in June 2025.
If your reasons for quitting benzodiazepines are that you were misusing them or unable to control your use, then you may require further substance use treatment. If you have a psychiatric condition that was managed by the benzodiazepines, you will need an alternative plan to manage your condition. This can involve living at a detox facility or hospital for several weeks, where you can receive constant medical monitoring and psychological support. Some people, such as those with a history of complicated withdrawal, seizures, or severe mental illness, may be better suited for an inpatient setting. The medication Romazicon (flumazenil) is sometimes used off-label for withdrawal symptoms. During your taper, you may still experience some of the symptoms of withdrawal.
Acute withdrawal phase
In fact, if you take your medication every other day, you may notice rebound symptoms on the day between doses. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can involve short-term symptoms, rebound symptoms, and long-term symptoms. When you stop taking them, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal. If you prefer someone else, any primary care physician or psychiatrist can help you taper your dose.
Addiction Treatment
Anyone experiencing troubling symptoms from withdrawal, such as suicidal thoughts or tendencies, should seek immediate medical care. No one should attempt to get off benzo drugs without the supervision of a healthcare professional. Benzo withdrawals can be severe, and life threatening complications can occur. In most cases of benzo withdrawal, suddenly stopping the medication is not recommended, as it can be dangerous. A 2018 analysis also revealed that drug misuse accounts for about 17% of benzodiazepine use among adults in the United States.
With the right plan, medical support, and a strong support network, you can work through benzo withdrawal safely and reclaim your quality of life. Navigating the benzo withdrawal symptoms timeline can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Medical teams use evidence-based approaches to stabilize you and reduce the intensity of your benzo withdrawal symptoms.
A neonatal withdrawal syndrome, sometimes severe, can occur when the mother had taken benzodiazepines, especially during the third trimester. Failure to recognize discontinuation symptoms can lead to false evidence for the need to take benzodiazepines, which in turn leads to withdrawal failure and reinstatement of benzodiazepines, often to higher doses. Withdrawal symptoms can be managed through awareness of the withdrawal reactions, individualized taper strategies according to withdrawal severity, the addition of alternative strategies such as reassurance, and referral to benzodiazepine withdrawal support groups.
The Recovery Village Atlanta
If you stop taking them “cold turkey,” or all at once, you may experience severe, even life threatening, withdrawal symptoms. Diazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine, is the most common choice for dose tapering. Younger people on benzodiazepines also experience cognitive deterioration in visual-spatial memory but are not as vulnerable as the elderly to the cognitive effects. Some worsening of symptoms were seen in the first few months of benzodiazepine abstinence, but at a 24-week follow-up, elderly subjects were clearly improved compared to those who remained on benzodiazepines. The study reported physicians generally are not aware of the severe consequences of abrupt withdrawal of psychotropic medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants. A withdrawal syndrome is seen in about 20% of pediatric intensive care unit children after infusions with benzodiazepines or opioids.
At 24 weeks, significant improvements were found, including accuracy of information processing improved, but a decline was seen in those who remained on benzodiazepines. Some cognitive abilities, which are sensitive to benzodiazepines, as well as age, such as episodic memory, did not improve. The authors concluded benzodiazepines were not effective in the long term for sleep problems except in suppressing withdrawal-related rebound insomnia.
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Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs called nervous system depressants. Most tapering schedules fall somewhere in between these two extremes. A very quick taper would involve reducing the dose by 5 mg (25%) each week. People tapering off the same original dosage of medication can have drastically different tapering experiences. Every 1 to 4 weeks after that, they’ll reduce your dose by another 5% to 25% of the original dose. After a month or so, your brain gets used to sending off more neurotransmitters just so some can get past the benzodiazepine blockade.
As withdrawal progresses, patients often find their physical and mental health improves with improved mood and improved cognition. More serious symptoms may also occur such as depersonalization, restless legs syndrome, seizures, and suicidal ideation.
Navigating the Difficult Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline Safely
- The reason it took 24 weeks for improvements to be seen after cessation of benzodiazepine use was due to the time it takes the brain to adapt to the benzodiazepine-free environment.
- The authors also warned of the similarities in pharmacology and mechanism of action of the newer nonbenzodiazepine Z-drugs.
- Diazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine, is the most common choice for dose tapering.
- However, going through any withdrawal during pregnancy also has its risks.
- Protracted withdrawal rarely lasts longer than one year.
- Supportive counseling and other targeted therapies or medications may help a person manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
People who have been through acute withdrawal often say that this phase is the most difficult. Symptoms generally last 5–28 days, though some may last for several months. They should never quit benzos suddenly without first consulting a professional and developing a plan with them. A person how long does cocaine stay in your system what to expect should always withdraw from benzos under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person, although there are some common symptoms.
It’s incredibly important to follow your doctor’s guidance when you stop taking benzodiazepines. Tapering can help take the edge off withdrawal symptoms like tremors and nausea, though it may not prevent withdrawal symptoms entirely. In other words, your body may rely on benzodiazepines to function if you take them frequently and for more than a short period of time. While they can quickly relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic, these drugs pose a high risk of dependence. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium). The best resource in your quest to quit benzodiazepines is your prescribing doctor.
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A person’s withdrawal symptoms often depend on the half-life of the drug. Benzodiazepine, or benzo, withdrawal happens when a person suddenly stops taking benzodiazepine drugs, which doctors do not recommend. According to the National Center for PTSD, the most beneficial kind of therapy for benzodiazepine withdrawal is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Higher daily doses (for example, 4 mg/day of Xanax or more) and use beyond three months increase dependency and withdrawal severity . Another way that people attempt to detox is by quitting “cold turkey,” which is when benzo use is cut off altogether. Everyone has a different reaction during benzodiazepine detoxification. Their levels of physical dependency and psychological addiction also come into play when determining the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Often nicknamed “benzos,” these drugs can become highly addictive if they aren’t used properly. There are many different formulations of benzodiazepines, along with many different brand names.
Withdrawing from benzos is complex and may be dangerous depending on the person, usually abusing the drug for so long. Therefore, seek medical attention if you try to quit benzos such as Valium. Benzodiazepines pose a greater risk of overdose, especially those combing the drug with other opiate prescriptions. More than 115 people die daily in America from opioid abuse, where 1/3 of this number stem from benzo use.
