Discontinuing the use of benzos abruptly and without medical guidance is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. An effective supervised medical detox for benzo addiction will involve a tapered reduction to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms associated with benzo detox.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
The presentation of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person and according to the type of benzo. Common examples include:
Benzo detox for some involves symptoms that subside within days. Others encounter adverse withdrawal symptoms that lingers for months.
These are the most common benzo withdrawal symptoms:
- Hypersensitivity
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Heart palpitations
- Tingling in arms and legs
- Numb fingers
- Appetite loss
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle aches
- Altered sense of smell
- Blurred vision
- Tense jaw
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Hyperventilation
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Hypertension
- Cramps
- Grand mal seizures
Once you have detoxed from benzodiazepines, it takes time for your brain to recalibrate in the absence of benzos. The following symptoms may present as you move from detox into ongoing benzo rehab:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Detachment
- Restlessness
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty with focus
- Suicidal thoughts
What Happens During Benzo Detox?
Whether you opt for inpatient or outpatient treatment for benzo addiction, you should strongly consider a supervised clinical detox. We can help you with that at our licensed Laguna Beach benzo detox and rehab center.
Always consult your prescribing doctor before you stop using any type of benzo, even if you have been using the medication short-term as directed. An effective benzo detox typically involves a tapered withdrawal. Doses are incrementally decreased to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, substitute medications can be beneficial.
There are three phases to benzo withdrawal, immediate, acute, and protracted.
Most people detoxing from benzos will experience the first two phases of withdrawal. Not everyone will experience the third protracted phase of detox.
1) Immediate benzo withdrawal
Many people detoxing from benzos find that rebound symptoms present immediately after discontinuing use. Rebound symptoms are the same symptoms the medication is prescribed to treat.
The first benzo withdrawal symptoms manifest a few hours after the last dose. Short-acting benzos like Xanax are associated with a rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms.
During this phase of benzo detox, drug substitution and drug tapering are used to reduce rebound symptoms and to streamline detoxification.
2) Acute benzo withdrawal
Acute withdrawal symptoms can persist for the first week of benzo detox.
Close medical monitoring during this phase of withdrawal minimizes the risk of relapse and helps to make detox as safe and comfortable as possible.
3) Protracted benzo withdrawal
Some research suggests that one in four people experience protracted benzo withdrawal. The most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Dramatic mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Difficulty with focus
- Reduced libido
If you are addicted to benzodiazepines, we can help you kickstart your sustained recovery at our benzo detox center.
Laguna Beach Benzo Detox and Rehab
In almost all cases, benzo addiction treatment should begin with a clinical detox. In this environment, you can take advantage of the tapered reduction outlined above.
At California Detox, our licensed beachside detox center provides the perfect springboard for your recovery.
Many people find that inpatient benzo rehab is the best option, and we provide luxury rehab at affordable rates here at our Laguna Beach treatment facility.
We also offer outpatient programming, intensive outpatient treatment, and virtual rehab, allowing everyone to connect with the right level of care.
All of our treatment programs give you a personalized combination of evidence-based treatments and holistic therapies for a whole-body approach to recovery.
For supervised benzo detox and rehab, contact admissions right now at 949.567.8790.