Benzodiazepines, more commonly referred to as benzos, treat a wide variety of conditions. Anxiety, panic disorders, depression, muscle spasms, and insomnia respond well to benzo treatment, but unfortunately, these ubiquitous substances also hold a high potential for addiction. With long-term use, the brain becomes tolerant to the effects of benzodiazepines. As a result, when individuals reduce or cease their use of the drugs, they may experience debilitating signs of benzo withdrawal. If you’ve been searching for a benzo addiction rehab center in Palm Springs, CA, Phoenix Rising can help you find relief.
What Are the Signs of Benzo Withdrawal?
Benzos act on the brain by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters that work to suppress nerve activity. Common benzo medications include Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan, among others. Researchers believe that benzos work well for anxiety and other psychological disorders by slowing down nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord.
The brain becomes accustomed to benzos with high-dose, long-term use. When you attempt to reduce or stop your benzo usage, you’ll experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact your ability to function, which makes it crucial to visit a dedicated detox center if you’re struggling with symptoms of benzo withdrawal. Signs of withdrawal include:
- Nausea and sweating
- Panic attacks and anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Muscular stiffness and pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Seizures and tremors
- Agitation and psychotic reactions
- Hallucinations
The severity and duration of each individual’s symptoms of benzo withdrawal will depend on a variety of factors, including the length of substance use, the dosage administered, and the frequency of use. Whether an individual combines benzo use with alcohol or other potentially addictive substances will also determine symptom duration and severity. According to researchers, short-acting benzos tend to elicit more severe withdrawal symptoms than their long-acting counterparts.
Recovery Timeline for Benzo Withdrawal and Detox
Your detox and recovery timeline depends mostly on the dose, frequency of use, and type of benzo the individual uses. Certain short-acting benzos, such as Xanax, may begin producing withdrawal symptoms in as little as 10 hours. Longer-acting benzos like Valium typically produce withdrawal symptoms in 24 to 48 hours.
There is no such thing as a definitive withdrawal timeline. The following outline is a general overview of withdrawal phases an individual may experience following cessation of the drugs:
- Phase 1: Signs of benzo withdrawal may begin appearing 10-12 hours following the last dose of the drug. Most individuals report difficulty sleeping and heightened anxiety during this phase.
- Phase 2: Signs of benzo withdrawal become more severe as the body begins detoxing from the drug. Significantly heightened anxiety, nausea, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and mood disturbances are common symptoms.
- Phase 3: Ongoing withdrawal symptoms may continue to appear over periods as long as 90 days. During this time, individuals continue to experience acute effects of benzo withdrawal; however, symptoms become less severe as time passes.
- Phase 4: The final phase of benzo withdrawal, also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, can last several months and even years. During this time, doctors typically administer additional medications and treatments to alleviate symptoms and restore normal functioning.
You Need Professional Treatment for Signs of Benzo Withdrawal
Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and in rare cases, can be fatal. Dangerous detox complications include debilitating depression, severe anxiety, loss of coordination, seizures, and suicidal thoughts. Without professional treatment, benzo relapse is prevalent as individuals seek to relieve their discomfort.
At Phoenix Rising, our team provides a safe space for you to recover from benzo withdrawal. Our social detox and withdrawal recovery model helps you learn to overcome addiction. After you complete the detox component of your treatment, Phoenix Rising provides additional recovery programs, including:
- Residential treatment program
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Holistic recovery models including equine therapy and psychodrama as well as music and art therapy
- Cognitive behavior therapy and neurofeedback training
- Aftercare program
Experience Renewal at Phoenix Rising
If you or a loved one struggle with signs of benzo withdrawal, committing to a detox program can change your life. Our team is here to provide the support, guidance, and care you need . If you’re ready to take the first step, contact our team or call us at 8552328211 to learn more about your treatment options.