If any serious symptoms emerge such as signs of benzodiazepine overdose the best practice is to seek immediate help, which can include going to a local emergency room or contacting a doctor. Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines generally start narcissism and alcoholism to appear within 24 hours to a few days after stopping the drug. The exact onset can vary based on the half-life of the specific benzodiazepine in question – shorter-acting types may trigger symptoms more quickly than longer-acting ones.
Acute withdrawal begins after the initial withdrawal symptoms, generally within a few days. Symptoms generally last 5–28 days, though some may last for several months. If you think you may be struggling with benzodiazepine dependency or addiction, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. Once you have a list of potential centers, call to inquire about their programs and services to determine which is best for your needs. Many will set up a payment plan to make the out-of-pocket costs more manageable.
It blocks the chemical actions of benzos by attaching to the brain’s GABA receptors — the same receptors affected by benzos. Essentially, this medication “tricks” the body into thinking that it is still receiving doses of benzodiazepines. Flumazenil takes over the GABA receptors, ridding the body of the existing benzodiazepine drugs that remain. During this time, the body and brain fight to get rid of the benzodiazepines. Some people can feel the onset of withdrawal symptoms in as little as six hours without the drug.
- A healthcare professional should supervise benzo withdrawal to help monitor and manage the symptoms.
- It is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible if you believe you may be struggling with benzodiazepine addiction.
- Typically, after spending some time in a detox center, you will transition to an inpatient or outpatient rehab facility.
If you need medications for any co-occurring disorders, this can also be managed in a comprehensive detox center. During this time, mood swings, cognitive issues, mental health issues, and even suicidal ideations are possible. It is important to have support and professional management for benzodiazepine detox.
Typical duration of detox phases:
Benzodiazepine dependence develops alarmingly fast in individuals who use them even for a few weeks. Tolerance builds rapidly which means those who take benzos regularly will soon need more and more of the drug to get the same effects. Withdrawal or “discontinuation syndrome” https://sober-home.org/ happens when someone’s physiology has adjusted to account for the drug’s presence. When drug levels are depleted due to the body’s natural detoxification process, the individual experiencing this will start to have noticeable symptoms, both physically and psychologically.
Rebound symptoms
The best resource in your quest to quit benzodiazepines is your prescribing doctor. If you prefer someone else, any primary care physician or psychiatrist can help you taper your dose. If your reasons for quitting benzodiazepines are that you were abusing them or unable to control your use, then you may require further substance use treatment. This is particularly true if you are also giving up other substances, like alcohol or opioids. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one. This helpline is answered by Ark Behavioral Health, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Massachusetts and Ohio.
How Long Before Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms Show?
It blocks chemicals in the brain that trigger activity in the sympathetic nervous system. From 1996 to 2013, the number of people filling benzodiazepine prescriptions increased by 67%. Benzodiazepine abuse and dependence has become more significant among all age groups, from teens to elderly adults. In 2016, estimates suggest that about half a million people in the United States misused sedative drugs.
If you or a loved one are going through benzo withdrawal, or are struggling with addiction to benzos or other forms of substance abuse, reach out to Gallus Medical Detox. Our staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our addiction treatment and the benzodiazepine detox process. Gallus Medical Detox leads the industry in medically assisted benzodiazepine detox and we have been particularly successful in treating high-dose benzodiazepine patients.
People with benzodiazepine tolerance may take supratherapeutic doses because the recommended range no longer provides relief for their symptoms. The higher dose may help ease your symptoms, but it can also increase your risk of overdose and severe withdrawal symptoms. There is also some evidence that it reduces the withdrawal symptoms of long-acting benzos. For people with substance use disorders, entering a detox center or an inpatient treatment center for detoxification is highly recommended, due to a risk for serious withdrawal and drug relapse.
Some symptoms may appear without warning and can be a significant source of distress. Withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person, although there are some common symptoms. We offer private rooms with queen beds, free WiFi, and TVs in every room. Patients are welcome to keep their personal electronic devices and contact their friends and family members during treatment.