Benzo Detox

Contents

What is a Benzodiazepine?
Benzo Use Side Effects
Benzo Withdrawal
Withdrawal Symptoms
Rebound Symptoms
Withdrawal Timelines
South Florida’s Best Benzo Detox Centers
- The Connection Between Anxiety & Addiction
- Alternatives To Benzodiazepines

In 2013, it was estimated that about 14.7 million American adults filled a benzodiazepine prescription. This number was up 67% from just 6 years earlier (Bachhuber, 2016). Benzodiazepines are a substance that is also referred to as a tranquilizer and carries a high potential for dependency. The benzo detox process can lead to serious withdrawal side effects and professional medical assistance is advised.

What is a Benzodiazepine?

A benzodiazepine, or benzo, is the name of a class of drugs that are used to treat a range of conditions. Conditions that are commonly treated with benzos include insomnia, anxiety, sleep disorders, and even alcohol withdrawal. These substances act on the GABA receptors in the brain and produce a very calming effect and dependence can develop in as little as a month of us. Side effects of using benzos include:

Benzo Use Side Effects

headaches
drowsiness
confusion
dizziness
trembling
abnormal vision
grogginess
decreased coordination
depression

Benzo Withdrawal

As mentioned above, benzodiazepine detox can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. However, proper care can reduce the likelihood of developing these symptoms and ensure a safe detox process. Typically, this means that the individual detoxing will be weaned off of the substance slowly. Depending on their biology, dosage, and frequency of use, the time it takes to tapper off will vary.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The benzo withdrawal symptoms will vary dispending on how the detox process is conducted. In a professional detox center where the client is weaned off properly, symptoms can occur and could include feeling sleepy and depressed, as well as sweating and chills.

In an unmanaged situation, benzodiazepine withdrawal becomes much more serious and severe. When an individual stops cold turkey, the following symptoms may present:

tremors
muscle cramps
seizures
death

Rebound Symptoms

In addition to withdrawal symptoms, benzo detox most commonly also brings on rebound symptoms. Rebound symptoms are the return of symptoms that may have been present at the start of taking the medication and the symptoms may be heightened for a few days. This may include insomnia, anxiety, and stress. As the body regulates through the detox process, these symptoms will likely subside or reduce.

Withdrawal Timelines

Much like detoxing from other prescription drugs, benzo withdrawal timelines can differ from case to case. For someone who was using short-acting benzos, withdrawal symptoms may begin to present themselves in as little as 6 to 8 hours. If a longer-acting benzodiazepine was used, it could be 24 to 48 hours before symptoms are observed. Withdrawal symptoms typically last about 4 days. Rebound symptoms may last about 2-3 days from when they begin.

South Florida’s Best Benzo Detox Centers

Level Up Lake Worth employs trained and experienced professionals in benzo detox protocol and procedures. Our facilities are fully equipped and ready to provide top-quality service and care to each and every individual who reaches out to us regarding a benzodiazepine dependence or addiction.

Get started on the road to recovery today. Your recovery is just a phone call away!