Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, are widely abused. Although physicians may initially prescribe benzos, this can lead to dependence and abuse. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we have a benzodiazepine detox center where you can receive medical assistance and counseling while you get clean and begin to plan your long-term recovery. Come to us for assistance with benzodiazepine withdrawal and a safe place to go through detox today at 866.294.5306.
Duration of Benzodiazepines Withdrawal
You may wonder how long it will take to go through the withdrawal process and what symptoms you may experience. Overall, it may take up to three months for withdrawal symptoms to subside. Here’s what to expect in the first 15 days after you stop using benzos:
- Day 1: You may experience insomnia and anxiety.
- Days 2-4: As well as anxiety and insomnia, additional symptoms may appear. These often include rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, and profuse sweating.
- Days 10-14: Above symptoms continue and may intensify. At this point, some clients experience depression and suicidal thoughts. Our staff includes highly trained therapists to guide you through anything that comes up.
- Days 15+: The duration and intensity of withdrawal symptoms often depend on the severity of your benzo use disorder.
Keep in mind that your experience may vary from this generalized timeline.
What Is the Main Cause of Benzos Withdrawal?
Many people who become dependent on benzos first take it as a prescription medication. Doctors prescribe benzodiazepines to treat insomnia and mild anxiety disorders. They can also reduce the intensity of panic attacks. Unfortunately, users may not understand the risk associated with becoming addicted to this substance.
Active ingredients in benzos bind with receptors in the brain that signal drowsiness and relaxation. This gives users a sense of calm and well-being. However, the brain begins to stop producing its own relaxation chemicals. This can make it difficult for you to function without benzodiazepines. In fact, a physical dependence can occur within a few weeks of regular use.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
You may experience the following withdrawal symptoms after you stop using benzodiazepines:
- Inability to sleep
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate
- Nausea dry heaves
- Excessive sweating and
- Memory lapse
- Heart palpitations
- Irritation
- Tremors
It’s not a good idea to attempt quitting on your own. Withdrawal symptoms can lead to hospitalization, a coma, or death.
Timeline of Withdrawal
Certain types of benzodiazepines induce withdrawal symptoms more often than others. They also seem to exacerbate the length and severity of withdrawal. For example, fast-acting benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Xanax typically induce withdrawal symptoms hours after you stop using them. For slow-acting benzos such as Diazepam and Valium, withdrawal symptoms may begin days later.
The initial symptoms begin within the first couple of days, with more distressing symptoms to follow. In some cases, clients experience psychosis or seizures that can last up to two weeks. During the final stages, withdrawal symptoms often intensify and then slow down. Although everyone’s journey varies, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for withdrawal symptoms to disappear completely.
It may take much longer to heal from benzo use disorder’s emotional and psychological stress and the resulting withdrawal symptoms.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
Some former benzo users develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome. With PAWS, some symptoms persist for years. This condition may require close monitoring from a medical practitioner and counseling to deal with the mental impact of chronic health conditions.
As part of our benzos detox program, we offer the following therapies:
- Chiropractic care
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Gender-specific detox programs
- Chef-cooked meals
We also offer dual diagnosis treatment to help you begin to deal with underlying mental health disorders that may trigger a relapse if left untreated.
Seek Support at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
If you need assistance unplugging from your dependence on benzodiazepines, the professionals at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida can help. Let us guide you through the difficulty of benzo withdrawal and help you plan your next step in the recovery process. There’s hope. You just have to reach out for it and accept the help available to you. Contact us at 866.294.5306, or contact us online for more information on how to get started today.
