There are many legitimate reasons that people begin taking benzodiazepines, also known as benzos. They’re often used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and even muscle spasms. However, the reality is that many people end up with a physical dependence on the substance, which results in withdrawal when they stop taking the medication — even if they started out with a prescription.
Benzodiazepine withdrawals happen because the body has become accustomed to functioning with the substance and has to readjust when it’s no longer present in the system. This results in a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, ranging from headaches to hallucinations.
If you’re concerned that your loved one may be misusing benzodiazepines, you’re not alone. The unfortunate reality is that nearly 1 in every 5 people with a prescription for the medication misuse the substance.
At Pacific Sands, many of us are in recovery ourselves, so we understand just how complex the road to healing can be. It also means that we know that recovery is worth it, and we know how to help your loved one find their own path to lasting success.
Key Takeaways About Bezo Withdrawal
- Benzo withdrawals occur because your loved one’s body has to readjust to the substance no longer being in their system.
- The withdrawal process differs depending on the specific benzodiazepine’s half-life.
- In severe cases, benzo withdrawal can cause: hallucinations, delusions, seizures, psychosis or psychotic reactions, and suicidal ideation.
- Anyone who regularly consumes benzodiazepines may experience side effects when they stop taking them.
- Common psychological signs of benzo withdrawal include rebound anxiety, depression, and concentration issues, as well as other mental health symptoms.
- Common physical symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include muscle tension, heavy sweating, headaches, and tremors.
- Some people experience intermittent cognitive symptoms due to post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) for several months after their last dose of benzos.
Understanding Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: What Your Loved One May Be Experiencing
When you or your loved one takes a substance regularly for a long time, your brain and body become accustomed to having it in your system. Medically, this is known as a “physical dependence,” which is one of the signs of benzodiazepine addiction. It can happen regardless of whether your loved one is taking a substance recreationally or as prescribed by a physician.
Benzodiazepines are a class of central nervous system depressants, or tranquilizers, known for their calming and sedative effects. The medications work by enhancing the effectiveness of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and making GABA receptors more sensitive.
4 common examples of benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
Over time, your loved one will develop a tolerance for benzos, meaning that they’ll need more and more of the same substance to feel its effects. Eventually, the regular effects of the GAMA in their body won’t feel like enough. When your loved one stops taking benzos, their body will crave the effects it produces and go into withdrawal.
When Benzo Withdrawals Turn Dangerous — Why Medical Help Matters
The majority of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening. However, they can be, which is why your loved one must receive proper medical support when going off of benzos.
In severe cases, benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Seizures
- Psychosis or psychotic reactions
- Suicidal ideation
The cravings associated with withdrawal also pose another risk — the potential for overdose. Cravings can drive someone to start taking benzos again. If they begin at their usual dose, and their tolerance has waned, they risk taking more than their body can handle and experiencing an overdose.
Knowing If Your Loved One Is at Risk for Benzo Withdrawals
While the exact potency of benzodiazepines differs depending on the medication, the class is widely considered to be a heavy-duty central nervous system depressant, which isn’t recommended for long-term use. This is because regular consumption can quickly develop into a physical dependence on the substance.
If your loved one takes benzos regularly, they’re at risk of experiencing withdrawal when they stop. This is true if they:
- Have a benzodiazepine prescription
- Take benzos in combination with other substances
- Are living with a benzodiazepine use disorder
Benzos are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia, as well as some other clinical uses. If your loved one has a benzodiazepine prescription and decides to stop taking the medication, they should work closely with their doctor to manage any side effects.
Some people take benzos recreationally to produce a sense of euphoria or to ease the “come down” from recreational stimulants, like cocaine and meth.
Your loved one has developed a benzodiazepine use disorder if they have a physical and psychological dependence on the substance. As a result of the physical dependence, your loved one will experience withdrawal symptoms when they end their consumption of benzos.
Spotting the Signs of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal in a Loved One
Being able to identify the signs of benzo withdrawal is the key to supporting your loved one through them. While these symptoms are often uncomfortable, the majority of them aren’t deadly.
Everyone’s experience with withdrawal is unique to them. Your loved one won’t necessarily experience every possible withdrawal symptom. Their specific symptoms will depend on how their body and mind respond to withdrawal.
Psychological Impact of Benzo Withdrawal: Anxiety, Mood Swings, and Other Mental Health Symptoms
Benzodiazepines are chiefly used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. It’s common for symptoms of these conditions to recur or worsen when your loved one goes through withdrawal.
However, the impact of benzo withdrawal goes beyond recurring symptoms.
Common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:
- Depression
- Rebound anxiety
- Paranoia
- Moodswings
- Derealization (feeling your surroundings)
- Depersonalization (feeling disconnected from yourself)
- Nightmares
- Agoraphobia (a fear of being unable to escape stressful situations)
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms can be managed with the appropriate treatment.
The Physical Toll of Benzo Withdrawal: What Families Might Notice
Since benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system, the physical aspects of withdrawal are felt throughout the entire body.
10 of the most common physical symptoms of benzo withdrawal include:
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness
- Heart palpitations
- Mild to moderate changes in perception (i.e., blurry vision)
- Short-term memory issues
- Heightened sensitivity to stimuli
This isn’t an exhaustive list of potential withdrawal symptoms. It’s also important to note that your loved one may not experience all of these symptoms. Regardless, seeking medical support is the best way to safely manage benzo withdrawal.
How Long Do Acute Benzo Withdrawals Last? A Guide for Families
The exact timeline for your loved one’s withdrawal will depend on multiple factors, including their age, metabolism, and history of substance use, as well as the individual benzo they have been taking and its half-life.
The following chart summarizes a typical timeline for withdrawal.
| Withdrawal Timeline | Associated Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 6 to 12 hours after the last dose of a short-release benzodiazepine. | Mild symptoms like increased anxiety, cravings, and headaches can start within hours of your loved one’s last dose. |
| 1 to 4 days after the last dose of benzos. | Over the next several days, more symptoms will become more intense, including vomiting and tremors, and will usually peak around day 4. |
| 7 to 14 days after the last dose. | After the first week or so, symptoms will begin to subside. Acute withdrawals will typically end within 2 weeks. |
Supporting a Loved One Through Benzo Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
As many as 10-15% of individuals who take benzodiazepines for an extended period of time will experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), also known as protracted withdrawal.
PAWS symptoms occur after the benzos have totally left your loved one’s system. They are mostly cognitive and psychological in nature. The timeline for PAWS is less concise. Symptoms usually come in waves and can take place months or even years after your loved one’s stopped taking benzodiazepines.
Typical symptoms of PAWS include:
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and vivid dreams
- Cravings for benzos
- Low enthusiasm or a general sense of apathy
- Poor impulse control
- Brain fog or difficulty thinking things through
- Irritability, aggression, or hostility
- Trouble focusing
- Poor memory
- Anxiety or depression
- Intense mood swings
- Sensitivity to stress
- Trouble with fine motor skills
Medical Detox for Benzodiazepine Withdrawals at Pacific Sands in Orange County, CA
If your loved one is ready to stop taking benzos, they need support, but you’re not a professional, and you shouldn’t have to do it all alone.
Your loved one deserves compassionate, world-class support. Professional support will help them detox from benzodiazepines safely.
At Pacific Sands, we only take on 6 clients at a time so that we can ensure that your loved one receives the in-depth, individualized attention that they need during their detox from benzodiazepines and ongoing recovery. To get started today, give us a call at 949-426-7962.
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