What Are “Benzos”?
Benzodiazepines or benzos are a class of medications most commonly used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines come in many brand name forms, including but not limited to Xanax®, Klonopin®, Valium®, and Ativan®. Physical dependence can happen when you use and/or abuse benzodiazepines, resulting in a dangerous withdrawal process. Getting professional benzo addiction treatment is highly recommended when wanting to end a drug abuse problem. Addiction treatment professionals can help lessen the impact of Benzo withdrawal symptoms so you can start the healing process.
What Is Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious substance use disorder that affects the central nervous system, which can lead to dependence, even when taken as prescribed by a doctor. Many long-term benzodiazepine users develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same calming effects. When a person stops taking benzodiazepines abruptly or reduces their dose too quickly, they may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, which can include acute withdrawal varieties such as panic attacks, increased anxiety, mood swings, hand tremors, muscle spasms, and sleep disturbances. The withdrawal reaction can be severe, with some individuals developing protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms that persist for months or even years. Protracted withdrawal syndromes are particularly challenging, as they may involve memory and concentration issues, restless legs, muscle tension, and heightened bodily sensations. These symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can mimic or worsen preexisting anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, making recovery even more difficult.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms happen when ongoing use and abuse of benzos have decreased or stopped completely. Withdrawal can be from short-term benzo abuse at high doses or long-term use. Medical detoxification will ensure the safety of our guests, helping them to become drug-free under medical supervision.
Abruptly ending benzo use is extremely dangerous and can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. Management of benzodiazepine withdrawal often requires a slow tapering approach to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Slow withdrawal has been shown to improve success rates and reduce the risk of protracted withdrawal. In some cases, inpatient treatment is necessary, especially for long-term users who have remained on benzodiazepines for extended periods or have co-occurring substance-related disorders, such as alcohol addiction or bipolar disorder. Chronic benzodiazepine use has been linked to structural brain damage, further complicating the withdrawal process. The rebound effects of withdrawal, including increased anxiety and insomnia, can make it difficult for individuals to discontinue the drug without professional guidance. Unlike alcohol withdrawal, which can be life-threatening, benzodiazepine withdrawal is rarely fatal, but the psychological and physical toll can be extreme.
Withdrawal Symptoms from Benzodiazepines
The most common withdrawal symptoms from benzos are rebound anxiety and insomnia. Acute withdrawal happens during the initial drug detox and can cause physical symptoms of withdrawal. Post-acute withdrawal refers to the emotional and mental health when detoxing. Panic, irritability, attention deficit, sensory distortions, and agitation are the mild withdrawal symptoms. Physically, those withdrawing from benzos can experience sweating, headaches, nausea, muscle pain and stiffness, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and tremors. Severe benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause dangerous symptoms such as seizures, delirium tremens, and psychosis. The process of withdrawal ranges in intensity based on a lot of factors. How long you were taking benzos, what dose you were using, how often you were taking benzos, and your health status all affect your withdrawal.
Medical Detox from Benzodiazepines
Detoxing is when you safely remove substances from the body. In our medical detox at Royal Life Centers, we help guests safely taper down to a drug-free state. We can use medication-assisted treatment to help guests detox from benzodiazepines safely and comfortably. We aim to make the withdrawal process as pain-free as possible. At Royal Life Centers, we know how to best help you or your loved one recover. If you want to get off of benzos safely, you should be at a detox center under medical supervision. Here at Royal Life Centers, we help guests through every step of the detoxing process. We do everything in our power to make your recovery the best experience we can. In medical detox, we make safety our number one concern. You or your loved one can trust us to keep our guests safe and comfortable.
It is common for people who struggle with Benzo addiction to also use other substances like drugs and alcohol. In cases like these, it is even more important to detox within a medical setting like our medical detox centers. Royal Life Centers specializes in giving you the right care for your journey to recovery. We focus on recovery as it relates to your mind, body, and spirit.
What Happens After Benzodiazepine Detox in Washington State?
Detox is just the first step in the benzodiazepine recovery process. After detox, people can continue treatment through inpatient and outpatient settings. There are many therapies used during addiction treatment. Some of these include:
Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Evidence-based psychotherapy for benzodiazepine addiction primarily includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). CBT helps individuals identify and modify the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to benzodiazepine dependence while also teaching coping strategies to manage anxiety or insomnia without medication. MI, on the other hand, fosters motivation for change by helping individuals explore their ambivalence about quitting. Additionally, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be beneficial, particularly for individuals with co-occurring emotional dysregulation, by teaching distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills. These therapies are often combined with a structured tapering plan under medical supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
Holistic Recovery Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Holistic recovery approaches complement traditional therapies by addressing the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and support relaxation, making withdrawal symptoms more manageable. Nutritional therapy also plays a role in restoring the body’s balance, as benzodiazepine dependence can deplete essential vitamins and minerals that support brain function. Additionally, exercise and breathwork techniques can naturally enhance mood and reduce stress, providing healthier alternatives to self-medicating. Many individuals find support in holistic treatment centers that integrate these practices with traditional therapy, allowing for a comprehensive and personalized recovery experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us at 1-800-RECOVERY or (888) 716-4070. Family members who are unsure about their loved one’s benzodiazepine abuse are welcome to call and speak with our knowledgeable staff about warning signs.
