Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders and panic disorders.
All types of benzos – schedule IV controlled substances – have the potential for abuse and addiction, even when used as directed. If addiction (substance use disorder) develops, the optimum pathway to recovery involves a supervised medical detoxification with a tapered reduction in dosage followed by inpatient or outpatient benzo rehab.
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It is dangerous and potentially deadly to stop using benzos suddenly without medical supervision. The most effective benzo detox involves a gradual and tapered reduction in dosage. Tapered reduction can mitigate most of the intense withdrawal symptoms that manifest during benzodiazepine detox.
How to Detox from Benzos
A supervised medical detox will always provide the safest and most comfortable method of benzo withdrawal. In a clinical setting, you can gradually decrease your use of benzos with medical and emotional care on hand.
Here at California Detox, our licensed medical detox center provides a beachside environment and expert clinical care, giving you the perfect springboard for your ongoing recovery from benzo addiction.
Many people find it beneficial to transition directly from benzo detox into an inpatient treatment program. We can help with affordable residential rehab in Orange County that begins with supervised detoxification.
Others prefer the flexibility of outpatient treatment, moving from detox into a PHP (partial hospitalization program) or an IOP (intensive outpatient program). It is also increasingly easy to connect with virtual therapy for benzo addiction. Detox from benzos should not be considered a substitute for rehab. Instead, detox prepares you physically for ongoing therapy that addresses the psychological aspect of addiction.
What Happens During a Benzodiazepine Detox?
Whether you feel that inpatient or outpatient therapy is most appropriate for your needs, it is almost always advisable to engage with a supervised medical detox. We can help you achieve this at our accredited and licensed benzo detox and rehab in Laguna Beach.
Before you consider discontinuing the use of any benzodiazepine, consult your prescribing physician. This applies even if you have been using benzos short-term and as prescribed.
During a tapered benzo detox, doses are reduced in small increments every two or three days to mitigate the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Substitute medications may be beneficial.
Valium (diazepam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) may be used during benzo tapers because they benzos are long-acting and less potent than some other types.
The presentation of benzo withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person and depending on the type of benzo. Some of the most common types of benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Valium (diazepam)
These are the most reported benzo withdrawal symptoms:
- Appetite loss
- Numb fingers
- Tingling in arms and legs
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Hypersensitivity
- Hyperventilation
- Fever
- Insomnia
- Tense jaw
- Blurred vision
- Altered sense of smell
- Muscle aches
- Muscle spasms
- Cramps
- Hypertension
- Raised body temperature
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Grand mal seizures
After you detox from benzos, it may take time for your brain to become accustomed to functioning without the medication. These symptoms can persist as you move from benzo detox into ongoing treatment:
- Difficulty with focus
- Restlessness
- Delirium
- Detachment
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal ideation
Here is a typical timeline for benzo detox:
- First 8 hours of benzo detox: The first withdrawal symptoms of short-acting benzodiazepines present, including anxiety and insomnia, within a few hours of the last dose.
- Days 1 to 4 of benzo detox: Rebound symptoms of anxiety and insomnia peak after the first few days of benzo detox. Other symptoms that commonly present in the first 4 days include nausea, sweating, and increasing heart rate. The first withdrawal symptoms of long-acting benzodiazepines present during days 1 to 4.
- Days 10 to 14 of benzo detox: Withdrawal symptoms should subside after 10 to 14 days.
- Week three of benzo detox and beyond: In the event of PAWS (post-acute withdrawal symptoms), persistent anxiety and chronic insomnia may linger for up to six months after discontinuing the use of benzos.
If you have been searching for “benzo detox near me”, shortcut the process by initiating your recovery at our licensed benzo detox center.
Benzo Detox Orange County
If you have been looking for an effective benzo detox and addiction treatment program in Orange County, we can help you here at California Detox.
Although detoxification is the first vital stage in the recovery process, ongoing therapy in an inpatient, outpatient, or virtual setting can help you move from active addiction into life benzo-free.
Benzo Detox at California Detox in Laguna Beach
Whether you require inpatient benzo rehab in Orange County or a more flexible approach to recovery with outpatient therapy, connect with the level of care you need at California Detox.
Begin your recovery journey with a supervised medical detox program. Reduce your dosage of benzos gradually, taking advantage of tailored substitute medications, and withdraw from benzodiazepines with as little risk and discomfort as possible.
Transition from detox into an ongoing California Detox program that includes:
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Psychotherapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies
When you complete benzo detox and rehab here at our luxury Laguna Beach facility, you will leave equipped with a comprehensive aftercare plan. Maximize your chances of recovery from benzo addiction without relapse by calling 949.567.8790 today.
