Drug and Alcohol Detox Center
Doctors across the country prescribe anti-anxiety medication every day. Short-term medications like benzos help people sleep during stressful times. Doctors also frequently prescribe benzos to manage anxiety in times of crisis. Some take benzos after divorce, the death of a loved one, or other significant life changes. Also known as benzodiazepines, this synthetic drug treats panic disorders, insomnia, and muscle tension. Because benzos treat both anxiety and sleep disorders, they are often abused. For those dealing with benzo addiction, it’s nearly impossible to detox at home. That’s why it’s crucial to turn to addiction specialists for support, such as the team at Atlanta Detox Center.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of synthetic drugs that affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. Our brains make a chemical called GABA to calm the nervous system and induce sleep every day. Benzos flood the brain with high levels of GABA. As more GABA enters the body, the brain stops producing its supply. If benzos are taken for an extended period, the brain may stop making GABA altogether.
Benzodiazepines also supply the brain with high levels of dopamine. Dopamine is a highly motivating chemical that gives us joy and pleasure. The more often someone takes benzos, the less GABA and dopamine their brain will produce. The calming effects of benzos make them highly addictive.
Common benzos include:
- Valium (diazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
Benzos are designed for temporary treatment, often prescribed for two to three weeks at a time. If someone takes benzos for longer than prescribed, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
If you aren’t sure if your sleep or anxiety medication is a benzodiazepine, contact your doctor or health provider for more information.
Dangers of Benzo Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms occur when someone abruptly stops taking medication or drugs. As the substance leaves the body, the brain has to adjust. Because benzos flood the brain with GABA and dopamine, the brain lacks GABA and dopamine during withdrawal. This chemical imbalance can confuse, cause a lack of focus, and cause difficulty understanding speech and language, signaling a dependence.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the dangers of benzo withdrawal is that it affects cognitive function. Many people struggle to follow or carry on conversations. Risks of benzo withdrawal, like insomnia and anxiety, may return at a higher intensity.
Common withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines include:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns
- Cognitive impairment (memory and concentration difficulties)
- Tremors or shaking
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Sweating or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Headaches
The intensity of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the length of benzodiazepine use, dosage, and individual health. It is essential to seek professional medical support when withdrawing from benzodiazepines, as abrupt cessation can be dangerous, especially for long-term users. Medical supervision ensures a safer tapering process, minimizing risks and providing necessary interventions for symptoms like seizures or severe anxiety.
The Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
Benzodiazepine withdrawal may occur in multiple phases, as symptoms appear slowly while the body adapts to the drug no longer being present. Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal usually start appearing shortly after the last dose. The timeframe is typically within a few hours to a few days, especially in individuals who have been taking the medication for a long time or in high amounts. In the first stage, people might have mild symptoms like heightened anxiety, irritability, and trouble sleeping. As the body continues to flush out the drug, these initial symptoms typically intensify, leading to more noticeable impacts on cognitive function and physical health.
As withdrawal progresses, the symptoms can intensify and lead to more severe effects, including symptoms of benzo withdrawal like tremors, sweating, and heart palpitations. The risk of complications, such as seizures, can also increase during this phase, mainly if the drug is abruptly discontinued without medical supervision.
In some cases, individuals may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where symptoms may persist for months or even longer. The severity and length of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome depend on various factors, such as the type of benzo used, the duration of use, and the tapering process, making it essential to seek professional help to manage the process safely.
For those attempting to detox from benzos at home, withdrawal can lead to relapse. Quitting “cold turkey” without medical support can be dangerous. When the brain no longer makes dopamine and GABA on its own, those in withdrawal may seek other drugs to replace benzos. One of the main dangers of benzo withdrawal is that it can also be lonely and isolating. It’s always recommended that someone undergo benzo detox in a reputable program, such as the programs offered at our detox in Atlanta.
Begin Benzo Withdrawal Treatment Today at Atlanta Detox Center
It can be dangerous to undergo benzo detox alone. Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepine and other prescription drugs often lead to relapse and health complications. Put your health in the hands of our Georgia Detox Center. Our compassionate staff members understand detox, and many have been through their own recovery. We treat addiction differently at our Atlanta drug detox. With medical and psychiatric support, we are ready to help you through the early stages of recovery. Beyond this, we offer an excellent alumni program to help former patients maintain their recovery.
