Benzodiazepines (Benzos) Detox

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) Detox


Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Benzodiazepines carry a high risk for physical dependency and are usually only prescribed for short-term use to lower the risk for addiction. Those who struggle with benzodiazepine addiction can undergo detox at an inpatient treatment facility, and eliminate this substance from their bodies to achieve improved health and sober, drug-free lives.

Effects of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, or tranquilizers, that produce sedative effects. The drugs work by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain to produce feelings of extreme relaxation while also reducing muscle spasms and anxiety. Those who use benzos can quickly build a tolerance to the medication and require higher doses to achieve the same level of sedation and relaxation. This often leads to physical dependence and addiction.

Benzodiazepines are shown to interfere with the brain’s dopamine levels much like opioids and marijuana. Those who abuse benzodiazepines experience a surge in dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter responsible for reward-motivated behavior. This increase in dopamine triggers addiction as individuals use higher doses to maintain and achieve euphoria. Benzodiazepine use can also lead to the use of more powerful, deadly substances, such as heroin and fentanyl.

What to Expect During Benzodiazepine Detox

Benzodiazepine dependence is usually treated using a tapering method or medically supervised detox. Tapering is when a doctor gradually reduces the benzodiazepine dosage over time until patients are no longer addicted to the medication. Sometimes tapering involves the use of other medications that mimic the effects of benzodiazepines to minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Medically supervised detox is when patients stop using benzodiazepines cold turkey but are monitored by medical staff 24/7 to lower the risk for serious side effects. Medications that carry little to no risk for addiction are often prescribed to treat certain withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle pain or anxiety.

Benzodiazepine treatments are often tailored to each individual patient based on the severity of their addiction. Detox can last for up to several days or several months, depending on the kind of treatment.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Most benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours of taking the last dose and can last for up to several weeks or months, depending on an individual’s tolerance and addiction status. Quitting benzodiazepines abruptly can be life-threatening and increases the risk for health complications such as seizures and heart failure. Withdrawing from benzodiazepines at an inpatient detox facility is one of the safest ways to minimize symptoms and overcome physical dependency on this drug class.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on an individual’s addiction status.

Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include the following:

  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Heart palpitations
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations

Detox is often the first stage of benzodiazepine addiction treatment and can help patients achieve the mental clarity needed to overcome psychological causes of addiction. Medical benzodiazepine detox lowers the risk for relapse and helps patients reach their goals of achieving long-term sobriety without suffering cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

Overcoming Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction can interfere with one’s overall quality of life and increase the risk for serious health problems, including overdose and death. Most benzodiazepine overdoses are accidental and occur when individuals become tolerant and take higher doses to achieve the same levels of euphoria and sedation. Benzodiazepine detox treatment lowers the risk for an overdose and helps patients get back on track with healthy, satisfying lives free of addiction.

Detox