Benzos are both physically and psychologically addictive and can cause severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The benzo withdrawal timeline is longer than many other substances, meaning that you can continue experiencing lingering withdrawal symptoms for weeks after your last use. Benzo withdrawal can also cause seizures and depression, making it best to seek help from our benzo addiction treatment program in San Diego if you are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction.
Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Unfortunately, benzos like Xanax and Ativan are not only prone to abuse but highly addictive. Benzo abuse is part of a growing prescription drug epidemic, which has led to soaring addiction rates and record numbers of fatal overdoses.
What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are prescription central nervous system depressants that are typically used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The most common benzodiazepines are:
- Xanax
- Ativan
- Klonopin
- Librium
- Valium
Benzos cause your brain to release an excessive amount of GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that helps treat anxiety-related symptoms. Benzos cause intense feelings of relaxation and slow down your breathing and heart rate. In large doses, benzodiazepines can cause fatal overdoses.
Because benzos are commonly prescribed, many pills are diverted to illicit black markets. Recreational use of benzos is also common and can lead to physical dependency. When you abuse benzos, your body and brain can become dependent on them in order to function. Your brain may be unable to release the proper amount of neurotransmitters when you become addicted to benzos. You can also experience intense withdrawal symptoms if you immediately stop using benzos after developing a dependency.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of benzo addiction include:
- Using more benzos than prescribed
- Spending the majority of your time and money using or acquiring benzos
- Experiencing legal or employment problems because of your benzo use
- Needing to increase your benzo use in order to experience the same pleasurable effects
- Showing up to work or school while high on benzos
Benzo addiction treatment in San Diego CA specializes in helping you through the benzo withdrawal timeline and early recovery process and providing you with the support you need to achieve sobriety.
What is the Benzo Withdrawal Timeline?
The benzo withdrawal timeline can begin within hours of your last use. Once you become physically addicted to benzos, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. Common benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Shakes and tremors
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Confusion, disorientation, and insomnia
The benzo withdrawal timeline begins to intensify within 24-72 hours of your last use. Symptoms typically worsen for several days before alleviating. Most symptoms dissipate within a week. The intensity and length of your benzo withdrawal timeline depend on several factors, including the severity of your addiction, the length of your addiction and your physical and emotional health.
Finding Help Today
The benzo withdrawal timeline can make it hard to quit without help. Benzo addiction can impact your physical and emotional health and lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzo addiction, call us today at 866.314.3222 to learn more about our holistic programs and other treatment options.
