What is benzo belly?

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

“Benzo belly” is one of the most challenging and persistent symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. When you reduce or stop taking benzodiazepines, your digestive system often reacts severely; expect painful bloating, severe nausea, and unpredictable digestion.

A 2022 study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology reveals that nearly 40% of people who stopped benzodiazepine use experienced severe digestive problems: nausea, diarrhea, and other gut issues that persisted for years after discontinuation.

Those who go through benzo withdrawal often experience intense, debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms. That’s why a safe detox program with tailored benzo taper plans. Our specialized benzo detox program alleviates symptoms, eases the benzo belly discomfort, and guides you toward lasting recovery.

Why does benzodiazepine withdrawal cause gastrointestinal issues?

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive prescription drugs that enhance the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. They bind to GABA-A receptors to decrease nerve cell excitability and produce calming effects. Common benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam).

Benzodiazepines provide quick relief from anxiety and pain by reducing GABA. Through GABA receptors, benzodiazepines also influence the entire nervous system, including the gut-brain axis. Under normal conditions, your brain uses GABA signaling to regulate digestive processes through the vagus nerve connection (a direct communication highway between your brain and stomach). It controls everything from stomach acid production to intestinal movement.

According to a 2021 study, GABA receptors are also found throughout your entire digestive tract in what’s called the enteric nervous system, your gut’s own neural network. When you’re taking benzodiazepines regularly, this system becomes dependent on the artificial GABA stimulation to function properly. During withdrawal, the sudden lack of benzo-induced GABA activity causes the enteric nervous system to go into overdrive.

Here’s how benzodiazepine withdrawal disrupts your digestive system:

Intestinal muscles lose their natural rhythm. They become erratic and unpredictable in their movements, leading to severe digestive irregularities.
The digestive system becomes hypersensitive. Normal digestion feels painful and uncomfortable because the gut misinterprets regular sensations as threats.
Production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes becomes chaotic. It affects how food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed.
The vagus nerve becomes overactive and intensifies feelings of nausea and digestive discomfort.
The body’s stress response goes into overdrive. It floods the gut with cortisol and adrenaline, which further damages digestive function.
The gut’s bacterial balance (microbiome) becomes disrupted and causes additional digestive issues and inflammation.
A vicious cycle develops where digestive problems increase anxiety, which then makes the gut symptoms even worse.

These changes persist until the body can restore its natural GABA function. This healing process often takes months or years after cessation. You don’t have to face the pain of benzodiazepine addiction or withdrawal alone. Our expert benzodiazepine treatment services help minimize the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and guide your body through the recovery process.

What do benzo belly symptoms look like?

The symptoms of benzo belly can be severe and long-lasting. They typically kick in when you start reducing or stopping benzos and can hang around for months or even years before your gut and nervous system heal.

The most common symptoms of benzo belly include:

Severe bloating.
Abdominal pain and cramping.
Constant nausea, sometimes accompanied by dry heaving or vomiting.
Extreme food sensitivities and new intolerances to previously fine foods.
Sharp, burning sensations in the stomach and intestines.
Constipation alternating with diarrhea.
Persistent acid reflux.
Constant feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
Loss of appetite.
Excessive gas and burping.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and are concerned about your benzodiazepine use, seek help. Don’t try to handle this alone. You need specialized medical detox programs to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and guide you through the recovery process.

Contact Ardu and we’ll create a safe, personalized benzodiazepine tapering plan.

How long does benzo belly last?

The digestive symptoms can begin as soon as you start reducing or stopping benzodiazepines. For some people, these symptoms last for several weeks to months during the acute withdrawal phase. Gastrointestinal symptoms can persist for even years after stopping benzos completely.

Finlayson, et. al. found that nearly 40% of people experienced digestive problems that lasted for years after they stopped using, while about 20% had symptoms lasting months. Everyone’s recovery journey is different and different factors can influence the duration of benzo belly, including:

How long you took benzodiazepines.
Your original dosage.
How quickly you tapered off.
Individual physiology.
The specific benzodiazepine used.

Given how long these symptoms can persist, work with doctors experienced in benzo withdrawal to create a safe tapering schedule. Conquering benzodiazepine addiction starts with expert care to restore balance and improve your well-being.

Ardu develops personalized plans to guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Our detox services include nutritional therapy to replenish essential nutrients, strengthen your body, and support healing during withdrawal.

Tips for coping and preventing benzo belly

The safest way to avoid withdrawal symptoms is to take benzodiazepines exactly as prescribed and work with your doctor on any changes. But if you’re already tapering from benzos at home, these ten practical tips can ease your digestive discomfort and support your body’s healing process.

Your gastrointestinal tract needs gentle, simple foods while healing. Choose steamed vegetables, lean proteins, rice, bananas, applesauce, and other easily digestible whole foods. Avoid processed and acidic foods, sugar, dairy, and anything that might irritate your already upset stomach.
Small, frequent meals keep your digestion working steadily throughout the day. Aim for 5–6 light meals instead of 3 large ones. Even when you don’t feel hungry, try to maintain this pattern to help your gut reestablish its natural rhythm.
Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks. Sip fluids throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once. Proper hydration helps reduce nausea, supports detoxification, and maintains healthy digestion.
Gentle daily movement improves digestion and reduces anxiety. Take short walks, do light stretching, or try restorative yoga. Even 10–15 minutes of movement several times a day can make a significant difference in how you feel.
Heat therapy relaxes tense abdominal muscles and soothes stomach pain. Apply a heating pad or warm compress to your abdomen for 15–20 minutes at a time. This increases blood flow and helps your digestive system function better.
Keep a detailed journal of what you eat, your symptoms, stress levels, and sleep patterns. This helps you identify specific triggers and track your progress. You can note which foods and activities help or hurt, and adjust accordingly.
Practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day. Breathe slowly into your belly for a count of four, hold briefly, then exhale for a count of four. This calms your nervous system and helps regulate digestion.
Create a consistent sleep schedule and restful bedtime routine. Your body needs quality sleep to heal. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid screens before bed and try to sleep and wake at the same times each day.
Add probiotics to your diet to support gut health. Look for high-quality supplements with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria. Specific probiotics help reduce bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements during recovery.
Connect with others going through similar experiences in support groups or online communities. Shared knowledge and understanding can provide valuable tips and emotional support during challenging times.

When benzo withdrawal feels like too much to handle, Ardu Recovery Center is here to provide the exact level of care and support you need.

Detox safely from benzo use with Ardu

Detox is the critical first step in overcoming benzodiazepine addiction, especially when dealing with the challenging symptoms of benzo belly. Ardu’s drug detox services prioritize safety while addressing the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal. We use medically supervised tapering protocols to gradually reduce physical dependence, ease the intensity of withdrawal, and help you navigate this difficult process more smoothly.

Our detox process includes:

Medication management: We use evidence-based treatments to manage withdrawal symptoms, stabilize your physical health, and reduce cravings.
Holistic detox therapies: Yoga, mindfulness-based therapy, and meditation promote emotional balance, reduce stress and anxiety, and calm the body, so you can manage mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal.
Experiential therapy: Art, music, and adventure-based therapies allow you to express emotions, build self-awareness, and address trauma. These aspects help you heal from addiction and the emotional toll of withdrawal.
Alternative therapies: Float spa and vibroacoustic therapy calm the nervous system, reduce physical tension, and ease the pain of benzo belly.
Family therapy: Involving loved ones in your detox process strengthens your support system, improves communication, and helps everyone manage the emotional strain that can come with withdrawal.
Intensive inpatient therapy: A comprehensive and immersive treatment program designed to support your recovery around the clock. We help you ease withdrawal as we set the foundation for long-term healing.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP): This structured, intensive level of care allows you to receive daily therapeutic support and manage withdrawal symptoms while still engaging with daily life.

Many of these services are part of our dual diagnosis treatment, which simultaneously addresses substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. By treating anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health issues alongside addiction, we prevent one from intensifying the other.

This integrated approach offers a safer detox experience and creates a solid foundation for lasting recovery. Visit our admissions process page, and contact our admissions team for more information.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Benzo belly FAQ

What foods are good for benzo belly?

During the recovery process from benzodiazepine withdrawal, physical symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel movements require careful food choices.

Focus on nutritious meals with easily digestible foods: steamed vegetables, lean cuts of meat, rice, and bone broth.
Avoid triggers that worsen gastrointestinal discomfort: caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and greasy foods.
Keep a food diary to track which foods help or hurt.
Small, frequent meals help manage digestive health better than heavy foods.
Many people find fermented foods and probiotics helpful for gut health.

Work with healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive diet plan that supports your recovery outcomes.

How to tell if someone is taking benzos?

People struggling with benzo addiction and psychological dependence often show clear physical symptoms and behavioral changes. Here are the main signs someone is taking benzodiazepines:

Extreme drowsiness and blurred vision
Poor coordination and slurred speech
Cognitive impairment, confusion, and memory blackouts
Irregular sleep patterns and daytime sleepiness
Mental health issues including anxiety disorders
Muscle twitches and unsteady gait
Heart palpitations and elevated blood pressure
Gastrointestinal disturbances and abdominal discomfort
Drug cravings and obsession with getting more medication
Changes in mood and psychological symptoms

Can Xanax cause stomach problems?

Benzodiazepine medications such as Xanax often cause gastrointestinal disturbances and digestive health issues. Physical symptoms include abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, and severe stomach discomfort. Long-term use can lead to chronic digestive conditions and may permanently impair your digestive health.

Managing these symptoms effectively requires working with healthcare professionals who understand benzodiazepine withdrawal. Your recovery improves with proper medical care and lifestyle changes, and since symptoms can vary in severity, regular monitoring by medical specialists helps healing.

If you’re addicted to Xanax, our Xanax-specialized rehab center will provide a safe haven to heal and rebuild your strength.

What does Xanax do to your face?

Physical effects of Xanax use often show in facial appearance through excessive sweating, muscle tension, and visible sedation. Common side effects include drooping features, bloodshot eyes, and signs of cognitive impairment. During withdrawal, patients might experience additional physical symptoms that affect facial appearance.

Does magnesium soothe the symptoms of benzo withdrawal?

Many healthcare professionals recommend magnesium for managing physical symptoms during benzodiazepine withdrawal. It may help with muscle pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and sleep issues.

Magnesium supplementation is just one part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Medical attention and proper management of benzo withdrawal symptoms remain essential. A safe recovery process requires careful monitoring and adjustment of therapeutic interventions. Never attempt self-treatment during the benzo withdrawal process because abrupt cessation can be dangerous.

How quickly does benzo tolerance develop?

Tolerance to benzodiazepine medication can develop rapidly, often within weeks of regular use. Physical dependence might emerge even with short-term use under medical supervision. Common side effects intensify as brain chemistry adapts, requiring dosage adjustments. The risk of psychological dependence increases with extended periods of use. Medical attention is necessary when tolerance develops, often necessitating gradual tapering protocols.

How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome last?

The duration of withdrawal varies significantly among patients. Acute physical symptoms and psychological aspects typically peak within two weeks but can persist longer. The protracted withdrawal phase may last months or years, requiring consistent medical attention. Common side effects during this period include ongoing gastrointestinal disturbances and irregular sleep patterns.

Does benzodiazepine tolerance go away?

Benzodiazepine tolerance typically diminishes over time, but the process requires patience. As your brain chemistry gradually readjusts, physical symptoms improve at different rates. The protracted withdrawal phase can last months as your body returns to normal functioning. While tolerance does fade, it’s a gradual process that varies from person to person, and complete healing of your brain’s natural chemical balance takes time.

How long does benzo flu last?

Benzo flu is a cluster of physical symptoms that feel like severe influenza during benzodiazepine withdrawal. It typically peaks within the first week after stopping or reducing benzos, causing muscle pain, elevated blood pressure, excessive sweating, gastrointestinal disturbances, chills, headaches, and severe fatigue. These flu-like symptoms usually last 2–3 weeks, though some people experience them for up to a month. The intensity and duration vary from person to person, with symptoms gradually decreasing as your body adjusts.

What does benzodiazepine toxicity look like?

Benzodiazepine toxicity shows through severe cognitive impairment, extreme drowsiness, and dangerous physical symptoms. Warning signs include irregular heart rate, elevated blood pressure, slurred speech, confusion, and severe coordination problems.

In serious cases, respiratory depression occurs, where breathing becomes slow and shallow. Mental status changes; patients often experience extreme disorientation, blackouts, or unresponsiveness. These symptoms indicate a potentially life-threatening medical condition that needs immediate emergency care.

Resources

Reid Finlayson, A. J., Macoubrie, J., Huff, C., Foster, D. E., & Martin, P. R. (2022). Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: An Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 12, 20451253221082386. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253221082386

Edinoff, A. N., Nix, C. A., Hollier, J., Sagrera, C. E., Delacroix, B. M., Abubakar, T., Cornett, E. M., Kaye, A. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations. Neurology International, 13(4), 594. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13040059