Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be painful enough to drive someone back to drug abuse. For a person with an addiction, it’s not uncommon for her to want to quit. She’s tired of making bad choices and suffering negative consequences. Still, it’s not easy to stop using, even when you have a strong desire to get clean. One of the biggest hurdles can be withdrawal. What can you expect when you stop abusing benzos?
Benzos are the common nickname for benzodiazepines, which are prescription sedatives. Doctors may prescribe them for patients who have insomnia, panic disorder, or anxiety disorder. Brand names for benzos include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan.
Different types of benzos last for various intervals. Some benzos provide quick relief but leave the body in a short period. Others stay in the system for longer periods. However, benzos are not meant for long-term use because of their addictive potential.
If someone abuses benzos—whether she has a valid prescription or not—she can become dependent on them and end up suffering withdrawal symptoms if she abruptly quits.
What Are Benzos?
Benzos are the common nickname for benzodiazepines, which are prescription sedatives. Doctors may prescribe them for patients who have insomnia, panic disorder, or anxiety disorder. Brand names for benzos include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan.
Different types of benzos last for various intervals. Some benzos provide quick relief but leave the body in a short period. Others stay in the system for longer periods. However, benzos are not meant for long-term use because of their addictive potential.
If someone abuses benzos—whether she has a valid prescription or not—she can become dependent on them and end up suffering withdrawal symptoms if she abruptly quits.
What Are Common Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?
Maybe you’ve tried to detox before, but you relapsed because the process was so uncomfortable. Professionals don’t recommend detoxing at home without medical supervision. You should detox in a qualified facility where medical staff can provide the necessary supervision to keep you safe. This is especially important if you have any underlying conditions or suffer severe, long-term addiction. When you detox from benzos, what can you expect? Typical benzo withdrawal symptoms include:- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Panic
- Head and muscle pain
- Heart palpitations
How Long Do Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
It’s natural to wonder how long you’ll feel these symptoms because no one likes being in pain. Within a few hours of the last dose, you’ll start feeling the effects of withdrawal. The first days to weeks will be the most intense. Users are more likely to feel more severe benzo withdrawal symptoms when they detox from the shorter-acting drugs versus the longer-acting ones. Therefore, a complete Xanax addiction treatment plan should address these serious symptoms. After about two weeks, you’ll generally feel much better. However, people with severe addictions can feel the effects for months afterward. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). For users with PAWS, it can help to work with medical professionals to gradually decrease usage instead of going cold turkey. In addition, some detox facilities provide medical interventions to make the process more comfortable for their clients. This is important for anyone who’s at risk for seizures or other complications due to long-term, serious addiction. Are you ready to get clean and stay that way? There’s a treatment facility waiting to welcome you.Begin Addiction Recovery in Our Safe Environment
Soledad House is a unique addiction treatment facility in San Diego, California. We’re a women-only rehab center that offers the specialized care that women need. Our facility is just minutes from the beach, and we place a priority on providing our clients with a nurturing, welcoming setting. Our services include:- Benzo addiction treatment
- Painkiller addiction treatment
- Faith based drug rehabilitation
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Psychotherapy treatment
- Codependency treatment