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Written by Drew Redd. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
If you suddenly stop benzodiazepine use, you risk severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. A 2019 review mentions that benzodiazepine withdrawal can trigger intense depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and potentially dangerous seizures. In the United States, deaths from benzodiazepine overdose increased by more than 400% between 1996 and 2013.
If you’re ready to break free from benzodiazepine dependence, Ardu provides 24/7 medical care to guide you safely through detox. Our drug detox center offers comprehensive support and evidence-based protocols to help you navigate withdrawal with professional care.
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that belong to a class of central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. All benzodiazepines bind to specific receptors in the brain that enhance GABA’s effectiveness in slowing down brain activity. Increased GABA activity produces powerful calming and sedating effects throughout the body, relaxing muscles, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep.
Benzodiazepines are effective for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures when prescribed by doctors, but their powerful effects on brain chemistry make them highly addictive.
The most common benzodiazepines that people abuse include:
If you’re struggling with benzodiazepine dependence, you don’t have to go through recovery alone. Our drug rehab services entail comprehensive treatment for all types of substance use disorders (SUDs).
Reach out to our benzodiazepine rehab center to speak with our caring team about our medical detox services, residential treatment, and ongoing recovery support.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can trigger a range of symptoms based on the length of use, dosage, and individual health conditions. Here’s what to expect when withdrawing from benzodiazepines:
The benzodiazepine withdrawal process follows a predictable timeline of emotional and physical symptoms. Without proper medical supervision, these symptoms can last anywhere from several weeks to months, with some people experiencing prolonged withdrawal effects.
The first phase begins when the medication starts leaving your system. This process is different for everyone and depends on the type of benzodiazepine used. Your body begins readjusting to functioning without benzodiazepines, and your brain chemistry attempts to rebalance itself.
This period is the most dangerous phase of detoxification. It requires 24/7 medical monitoring and support. Your body is working intensely to restore its natural chemical balance.
Your system begins adapting to functioning without benzodiazepines. While still challenging, the body starts showing signs of stabilization. Medical supervision remains important because your brain continues its healing process.
This marks a significant shift in the recovery process. Your body has begun establishing new patterns of functioning. Physical adaptation should progress well, but the focus shifts to supporting psychological healing and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
A turning point in the recovery journey, this phase shows the first consistent signs of improvement. Your brain chemistry continues to stabilize, and you’ll begin developing new routines and strategies for managing daily life without medication.
This extended healing period, sometimes called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), is challenging because your brain and body continue strengthening their natural regulatory systems. It requires careful attention and ongoing support to help your body fine-tune its chemical balance. Many people face an increased risk of relapse during this sensitive phase of recovery.
The final phase of healing focuses on long-term stability and preventing relapse. Your brain continues its remarkable healing process, though at a more subtle level. This phase is about maintaining progress and building resilience for the future.
Let us help you regain control of your life with our individualized treatment approach and compassionate care team. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll find a supportive environment that makes your recovery journey as comfortable and successful as possible.
Anyone who stops benzodiazepines “cold turkey” faces potentially fatal complications such as:
The dangers multiply when alcohol or other substances enter the picture, especially opioids because both drugs slow breathing and can lead to respiratory failure. Research shows that more than half of patients combine their treatment with benzodiazepines. The combination of benzos with other substances is known as polysubstance abuse.
People often think they can quit at home or cut back on their own, but this choice proves especially dangerous for long-term users or those with medical conditions. Even trying to reduce the dosage gradually can turn life-threatening without proper medical supervision.
Detoxing from benzodiazepines requires a structured, safe approach to minimize withdrawal symptoms. The detox process includes:
Our benzodiazepine detox program prioritizes medical safety and personalized care while addressing the physical dependence and mental challenges of addiction.
Detox is the first step in overcoming benzodiazepine addiction. Ardu’s detox services focus on safety addressing the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. We employ medically supervised tapering protocols to gradually reduce dependence and minimize severe withdrawal.
Our detox process includes:
Many of these services align with our dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. By treating mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma alongside addiction, we break the cycle where one problem exacerbates the other.
This integrated approach provides a safer detox experience and lays the foundation for long-term recovery.
Ardu’s drug and alcohol rehab services provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you overcome benzodiazepine, opioid, alcohol, or other types of addiction. We combine medical expertise with therapies tailored to each individual’s needs. Our commitment to innovative treatments, holistic care, and a supportive environment pave the way for the highest level of success in achieving lasting recovery.
Our rehab options include:
Whether beginning detox or continuing recovery, Ardu offers the tools and support you need to overcome addiction and achieve lasting change. Reach out today to learn how our programs can help you rebuild a healthier, brighter future.
Our treatment providers will work closely with you to develop a personalized recovery plan that meets your unique needs during the detox process and beyond. Visit our admissions process page, and contact our admissions team for more information.
Drew Redd is the executive director of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.
Medications for benzodiazepine withdrawal aim to ease symptoms and prevent severe withdrawal effects. Long-acting benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or clonazepam, are commonly used during the detoxification process. These medications help stabilize the body and reduce the intensity of symptoms such as muscle weakness, blurred vision, or poor concentration.
For managing symptoms of benzo withdrawal that aren’t fully addressed by benzodiazepines, healthcare providers may prescribe anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or beta-blockers. Detoxification from benzodiazepines should always occur under professional medical detox treatment to minimize risks and provide comprehensive care.
The duration benzodiazepines remain in your system depends on the type of benzodiazepine prescribed. Shorter-acting benzos, such as Xanax, are detectable for 2–4 days, while longer-acting benzodiazepines, such as Valium or clonazepam, can stay in the system for up to 30 days or more.
Dosage, frequency of use, age, metabolism, and overall health influence detection times. Tests for benzodiazepines are often conducted through urine, blood, or hair samples. Medical professionals can provide clarity on how long withdrawal symptoms may last and tailor the level of care accordingly.
Long-acting benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or clonazepam, are the easiest to withdraw from because their effects last longer, reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. These medications stabilize the patient during the detoxification process, allowing for a gradual taper.
Shorter-acting benzos, which include Xanax or Ativan, often lead to more intense withdrawal symptoms, including racing pulse, poor concentration, and severe anxiety. Switching to a longer-acting one and following a carefully monitored tapering protocol minimizes risks. Professional treatment centers such as Ardu Recovery Center provide the tools you need to navigate withdrawal and address the symptoms of physical dependence or co-occurring disorders that may arise during this challenging time.
Quitting benzodiazepines safely requires a carefully planned tapering process under medical supervision to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Medical detoxification often begins by switching to a longer-acting benzodiazepine, such as diazepam, and reducing the dose gradually over weeks or months.
Medication management helps alleviate blurred vision, poor concentration, intense cravings, and other mild to moderate symptoms of withdrawal. Alongside tapering, cognitive behavioral therapy and nutritional therapy address underlying mental health disorders and replenish the body’s strength.
Benzo flu, a term for acute benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, typically lasts 7–14 days. For those detoxing from long-term or high-dose use, this period may last even longer than that. Symptoms include muscle weakness, blurred vision, poor concentration, and emotional distress. If you’re experiencing protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal symptoms, discomfort may persist for months.
The severity of symptoms depends on the type of benzo taken, duration of use, and individual factors such as metabolism and overall health. During this withdrawal phase, professional treatment centers can offer medications, nutritional therapy, and supportive care to reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and promote emotional and physical stability.
If you run out of Xanax, seek immediate guidance from a healthcare provider. Running out of Xanax without medical oversight can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including a racing pulse, blurred vision, and even seizures. Substituting it with a safer alternative or starting a tapering plan under medical supervision can prevent dangerous withdrawal effects. Do not attempt to self-medicate with other drugs or alcohol because this can worsen symptoms. A medical professional may prescribe a longer-acting benzodiazepine, such as diazepam, to stabilize symptoms and develop a tapering schedule.
Benzodiazepines are recommended for short-term use, typically no longer than 2–4 weeks. Long-term use significantly increases the likelihood of addiction, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, and cognitive effects such as memory loss or poor concentration.
Longer-acting benzos, such as Valium, are sometimes used for extended periods of time under close medical supervision for seizure disorders. For those requiring prolonged treatment, regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage the risk of protracted withdrawal or other adverse effects. Professional treatment centers offer guidance and alternatives to help individuals transition off benzodiazepines safely.
Benzo belly refers to uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms that occur during benzodiazepine withdrawal. This condition includes bloating, weight loss, stomach pain, and poor appetite. The symptoms result from the nervous system’s adjustment after prolonged benzo use, which affects digestion and overall gut health.
Benzo belly is a common symptom of protracted withdrawal and can persist for weeks or months. Treatment often includes nutritional therapy to restore balance, mindfulness-based stress reduction to ease tension, and alternative therapies to calm the nervous system. Professional treatment centers provide a continuum of care to manage these symptoms and support a healthy and successful road to recovery.
Calculate a safe benzodiazepine taper by reducing the dose by 10–25% every 1–2 weeks, depending on the type of benzo, the initial dose, and the withdrawal phase. Longer-acting benzodiazepines are typically used for tapering because of their smoother withdrawal profile.
A gradual taper minimizes the risk of severe benzo withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, blurred vision, or muscle weakness. Work with a treatment center to tailor a tapering schedule and receive comprehensive care throughout the detoxification process.
Votaw, V. R., Geyer, R., Rieselbach, M. M., & McHugh, R. K. (2019). The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review*. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 200, 95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.02.033
Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber, 38(5), 152. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.055
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