Is Drug Detox Needed to Get Off Benzos?

Benzodiazepine dependence is one of the most painful and difficult addictions to overcome because benzo withdrawal symptoms are long, relentless, and almost unbearable to get through alone. If you or a loved one are affected by an addiction to benzos, then entering a medical drug detox program offers the best chance of getting better. If you decide to detox from benzos on your own, prepare to face the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Abdominal cramps
• Agoraphobia
• Anxiety
• Muscle tension
• Tight chest
• Fast heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Shaking

These are just some of the most common benzo withdrawal symptoms because the detox process is unique to each individual. Worst of all is the rebound anxiety that many people feel once getting off benzos. Symptoms of rebound anxiety tend to appear fairly quickly, often within 24 hours of your last dose of benzodiazepines. Still, existing evidence doesn’t outline any specific timeline for rebound anxiety. It can last anywhere from a few days to several months or more, depending on a number of factors.

Drug Detox for Benzodiazepine Addiction

By using benzodiazepines for an extended time, there is an increased risk of the development of certain health conditions. The amount of time considered “long-term” in regard to benzodiazepine abuse is around three to six months. If you’re using benzos for longer than just 2-3 weeks, then physical tolerance and drug dependence can develop if you sharply discontinue taking these drugs.

If a person becomes addicted to benzodiazepines, the benzo detox symptoms can come and go in waves, which makes it difficult to predict when the symptoms will stop for good. Some users experience a lessening of symptoms over the course of a few days or weeks.

Can You Detox from Benzos Alone?

We do not recommend that anyone attempt a detox from benzos alone because the side effects, which include seizures, are quite dangerous and need to be managed by clinical professionals. We are able to connect men, women, and families with treatment programs that specialize in getting clean from benzodiazepine abuse. Contact our team of interventionists around the clock for more information, resources, and confidential guidance.