Detoxing from benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, can feel daunting due to their potent withdrawal symptoms. However, understanding what to expect during the benzo detox timeline can help ease some of the uneasiness about the process. It can also help people prepare for detox as they start their journey to a substance-free future.
What Are Benzodiazepines and Why Is Detox Necessary?
Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used primarily to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Some of the most well-known benzos include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan).
These medications enhance the effect of the GABA neurotransmitter, which promotes a calming effect on the nervous system. They also increase the release of GABA to reduce brain activity associated with emotions, reasoning, and memory. Benzos have sedative effects that cause relaxation and sleepiness.
When taken without a prescription, people often experience a rush of euphoria. A sense of calmness and relaxation follows this. The brain remembers these sensations as pleasurable and gradually starts to crave benzos. As a result, the abuse of benzos can lead to continued misuse, tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction.
Even when people are prescribed benzos, their long-term use does lead to tolerance and dependence. In some cases, they may start self-medicating because they feel like the drug is no longer working.
Medical supervision during the Benzo detox timeline is necessary, whether someone misused them or has taken them as prescribed long-term due to withdrawal symptoms. Some of the withdrawal symptoms can be quite intense, severe, and even life-threatening. Medically supervised detox ensures withdrawal symptoms are safely managed while weaning the person of benzos.
Early Withdrawal Symptoms: Days 1-4
The initial withdrawal stage generally begins within 6 to 24 hours of the last dose, depending on the benzo. During this period, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and restlessness. Flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, and sweating are also common as the body begins to notice the absence of the drug.
Most people can manage the early withdrawal symptoms without much difficulty. However, the further they advance into detox, the more frequent and intense the symptoms become.
Acute Withdrawal Phase: Weeks 1-2
Entering the acute withdrawal phase, individuals can expect symptoms to intensify. They will also fluctuate, with some days being more challenging than others. During this time, symptoms like heart palpitations, nausea, and panic attacks may become more pronounced. Psychological symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, mood swings, and heightened anxiety are common, making emotional support essential during this phase. People will also continue to experience early withdrawal symptoms.
The Peak of Withdrawal: Weeks 2-4
The benzo withdrawal process typically peaks between weeks 2 and 4. This is the most intense period of the benzo detox timeline for many as the brain continues to heal and restore balance without benzos. Symptoms such as severe anxiety, depression, and strong cravings for the drug are predominant.
The symptoms experienced during the early and acute phases will become quite intense and severe as well. All of the physical withdrawal symptoms will reach their peak in this phase. Once they do, they gradually decrease in intensity, severity, and frequency. Eventually, they fully subside. It’s crucial at this stage to have continued medical supervision and support.
Protracted Withdrawal: What to Expect After a Month
After the first month, most, if not all, of the acute withdrawal symptoms should be gone. However, some individuals can experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This can include ongoing psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, cognitive impairments, and carvings, as well as occasional physical symptoms. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience PAWS. For those who do, symptoms do decrease in intensity and frequency over time.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms Safely
Safely managing withdrawal symptoms often involves a combination of medical treatment, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and support from loved ones. It’s critical to prioritize a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep to support the body’s healing process. Engaging in mindfulness practices and therapy can also provide relief and improve emotional regulation during detox.
The Importance of Medical Supervision During Detox
Medical supervision during benzo detox is crucial due to the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms, including life-threatening seizures. A medical professional can create a tapering schedule to gradually decrease benzodiazepine intake, minimizing withdrawal symptoms. They can also prescribe appropriate FDA-approved medications to help alleviate the more intense withdrawal symptoms. Having medical supervision also provides constant monitoring for any complications that may arise.
Benzo Detox Timeline: Conclusion
Detoxing from benzos is a challenging yet necessary step in the journey towards a healthier, addiction-free life. Understanding the detox timeline and knowing what to expect can empower individuals to take the first step toward recovery. With the right support and professional guidance, overcoming benzodiazepine addiction is possible.
Begin Benzo Detox in Ohio Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with Benzo addiction, taking the first step to recovery requires medically supervised detox. At Ohio Addiction Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive and personalized Benzo detox programs tailored to your specific needs. Our caring and support team is here to support and guide you safely through the Benzo detox timeline. We also offer gender-specific rehab treatment at all levels of care, as well as dual-diagnosis programs.
Contact us today to begin your journey toward healing and sobriety.