Why Detoxing From Benzos Is Difficult

Though they are prescribed frequently, benzodiazepines can be risky to take. They are especially dangerous when consumed incorrectly, at high doses, or for long periods. People who consume them in this way risk developing an addiction or dependency on the substance.

If an individual is consuming benzodiazepines, it is important for them to understand what they are consuming, why detox is difficult, and why they should seek out help. 

Detox from benzodiazepines (benzos) isn't easy, but it's possible.

The Dangers of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, commonly called benzos, are a classification of controlled substances used to treat PTSD, panic disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They work by increasing the effect of dopamine and GABA neurotransmitters on the central nervous system.

Though the effect is predominantly sedative and calming, it can also provide a high. For this reason, people often obtain benzos illegally or misuse their prescriptions.

Many doctors hesitate to prescribe benzodiazepines. Even when taken at therapeutic levels for extended amounts of time, benzo consumption poses a risk. In a study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, researchers interviewed patients and psychiatrists about their perceptions of benzo use. They discovered that 78.1% of psychiatrists and 68.5% of patients with over one year of benzo use found dosage decreases and cessation difficult.

This is likely because patients prescribed benzos for an extended period often end up with dependency issues.

Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms

Detox from benzos is extremely difficult, and a qualified doctor should supervise the process. The onset of withdrawal symptoms depends on whether the specific benzo used is short-acting or long-acting. Short-acting meds like alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and lormetazepam (Loramet, Noctamid) can cause withdrawal symptoms in less than 24 hours. Long-acting meds like diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and nitrazepam (Mogadon) usually cause withdrawal symptoms as early as 48 hours and as late as two weeks after ceasing use. Unfortunately, withdrawal from benzos can take anywhere from weeks to months.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Increased anxiety
• Insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle stiffness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Chills and body aches
• Depression

These symptoms are common when detoxing from benzodiazepines. They are not the only possible symptoms, though. A higher dose and longer benzo use results in a more severe withdrawal impact. As is stated in the Diagnostic Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Ed.):

“A grand mal seizure may occur in perhaps as many as 20-30 percent of individuals undergoing untreated withdrawal from these substances.” 

It is essential to acknowledge how dangerous and life-threatening benzodiazepine withdrawal can be for some people.

Severe and dangerous symptoms include:

• Psychosis
• Dissociation
• Paranoia
• Delirium
• Memory loss
• Seizures
• Suicidal ideation

Because of the hazards of withdrawal symptoms, it is always best to seek out a medical detox facility for benzodiazepine addictions and dependencies. Detox centers can be found on their own, or part of a drug rehab or addiction center.

At detox facilities, doctors will be able to monitor and treat symptoms as the substance phases out of the patient's body. They can stabilize and medically treat issues like seizures.

Protracted Withdrawal

The process of acute withdrawal is well documented and understood. When a person's body suddenly stops receiving a substance, it is hit with difficult and sometimes life-threatening symptoms. They last for a known time range, specific to the substance a person uses. 

Protracted withdrawal is a collection of symptoms that develop, evolve, or last well past the acute withdrawal phase. It’s commonly known as PAWS, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome.

One of the biggest dilemmas with benzodiazepines is differentiating between protracted withdrawal and system reemergence. System reemergence is when symptoms reappear at the same level as before benzo usage. Since withdrawal is very similar to the initial symptoms that would necessitate a prescription, it becomes difficult to discern between the two.

Medically Assisted Treatment

Detox from benzodiazepines is hard, to say the least. Luckily, for anyone going through benzo dependency or addiction, medical detox allows a person to take assistive medications. This is one of the many reasons to seek out a detox facility. The use of any of these drugs, in combination with therapy, can ease the struggle. 

Clonazepam⁠: This long-lasting benzodiazepine is sometimes used to switch off short-lasting benzos. This is because short-lasting benzos can create more severe withdrawal symptoms. After switching to long-lasting benzo, the person will be tapered off slowly to minimize the symptoms.

Clonidine⁠: This medication is used to decrease tremors that can occur as withdrawal symptoms.

Buspirone⁠: This anxiety medication is used to manage the mental rebound symptoms that can occur with benzodiazepine withdrawal. It also can help with managing mental illnesses once system reemergence occurs. This medication is particularly significant because it does not depress the central nervous system, and it does not impact GABA levels.

Tofranil⁠: This tricyclic antidepressant can treat both anxiety and depression that occur as a result of benzo withdrawal.

Flumazenil⁠: This medication is primarily used in benzodiazepine overdoses. In a British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study, flumazenil has shown promise for the ability to decrease withdrawal symptoms. It does this by binding to the same receptors as benzos while also expelling benzos from the body.

Building the Strength to Change

While this information may seem bleak, it allows individuals to start treatment with their eyes open. Patients will know what to expect as they detox from benzodiazepines. They can prepare themselves for the difficulties they will face. They will also have the foundational knowledge necessary to stay strong.

Detoxing from benzos is hard; it is not impossible. If you or someone you love is struggling with benzo abuse, allow yourself to have hope. The fear of change is not necessary.

DetoxNearMe.com aims to help you find a reputable detox provider. We’ve compiled thousands of listings to ensure you find a detox center which meets your needs, history, and budget. Detox acts as the foundation of recovery from drug and alcohol abuse; why take risks with a center you don’t know about?

Build a successful recovery today with DetoxNearMe.com!