People taking benzodiazepines for anxiety are at risk of slowly developing a dependence through the habit and then further into an uncontrollable addiction. When you’re facing benzodiazepine withdrawals and a timeline you don’t understand without professional medical supervision, you’re placing yourself in a high-risk process that no one should do alone. Safety should be your main priority. So, the most effective way to keep yourself safe after realizing your dependence is to enter benzodiazepines treatment to manage the physical toll.
If you want to know what to expect during each stage, residents in Knoxville and the surrounding communities of Tennessee can find them at our Apex Recovery facilities in Columbia and Brentwood. Most individuals have only a vague idea of detox from what they’ve seen or heard in the media, not from personal experience. A firm idea of the benzo withdrawal timeline helps alleviate the anxiety of the unknown. This information serves as a guide for benzo detox recovery and helps individuals identify when usage crosses the line from therapeutic to problematic. If you wonder how long you might withdraw from benzos or what to expect, our luxury Nashville rehab center provides clinical oversight to manage the benzo flu and other benzo drugs side effects.
Tennessee maintains a focused approach to recovery and safety within the Volunteer State. If you are near the Nashville area, our facilities and experienced staff at Apex Recovery Brentwood can help you understand the real dangers of stopping these substances abruptly. Explore our local Tennessee resources to learn how stabilization protocols protect those in early sobriety. Please reach out today to speak with our admissions team if you are struggling to assess your own dependence or need immediate support.
What are Benzodiazepines?
In the 1950s, benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, became a broad class of drugs that was and continues to be used to treat a variety of different conditions. Benzos affect the function of an important neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Higher levels of GABA sedate and relax the muscles, so when benzos strengthen that response there is a calming effect. Below are a few more key facts about benzos that you should be aware of:
- Half-life – The half-life of benzos, aka how quickly your body breaks it down, is one of the primary traits used to determine what benzo will be prescribed for certain conditions. Benzodiazepines with a long half-life start working more slowly but last longer, and are generally used to treat ongoing conditions like anxiety. Benzos with a short half-life go to work faster and have a more powerful effect, and are typically prescribed to be used as needed for insomnia or panic attacks.
- Trade Names – Benzos are seen under many different trade names. One of the earliest benzodiazepines was chlordiazepoxide which was marketed under the trade name Librium. Eventually, the use of this was eclipsed by new benzo, diazepam which was marketed under the trade name Valium. Other commonly seen benzodiazepines include Klonopin, Ativan, and Xanax. Xanax, the trade name for alprazolam, is a short-acting benzodiazepine that is the most prescribed drug in its class today.
- Short Prescription Window – The use of benzodiazepines to manage medical conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia is intended to only occur for a short period of time. Benzos like Xanax are usually prescribed on an as-needed basis for anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Outside of this window, users run the risk of developing chemical dependence.
- Abuse Potential – All benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse. Those with a shorter half-life and faster onset of effects have the highest rate of abuse. Currently, the most abused benzodiazepine in the United States is Xanax, for which tens of millions of prescriptions exist.
- Effect – The success of benzodiazepines in treating anxiety and panic disorders has been well documented, and the reason for this is due to their powerful effect on the central nervous system. There are faster acting benzodiazepines having a more powerful effect over a shorter period of time, but all benzos have a sedative effect to some degree. Users who take benzodiazepines will feel more relaxed, lethargic, and tired.
Detox Timeline
Now that we’ve outlined what benzodiazepines are, we’ll seek to answer the question “how long does a benzo detox take?” An important consideration for how long it takes to detox off of benzos is exactly what type of benzodiazepine an individual has been taking. Abuse of benzodiazepines with a long half-life may result in a longer withdrawal timeline, while abuse of fast-acting benzodiazepines will generally have a shorter withdrawal timeline. Keep in mind, however, that the withdrawal symptoms can be just as debilitating no matter what type of benzodiazepine one is withdrawing from.
First Day
Withdrawal symptoms start anywhere between 6-12 hours after the last dose for benzos with a short half-life and up to 24 hours after the last dose for benzos with a long half-life. Difficulty sleeping and anxiety usually arises as the early onset of withdrawal begins. Lacking sleep can make anxiety rise and feel more intense during this period, especially since benzodiazepines are often prescribed as anti-anxiety medications. Someone struggling with anxiety may find this specific symptom debilitating and seek to use benzos again.
First Week
After the first day, most individuals begin to experience a wide range of flu-like symptoms that increase in intensity through the next 72 hours. Most people generally begin to feel that their symptoms decrease in intensity after the fourth day, although it is not unusual for some heavy benzo users to continue to experience physical withdrawal symptoms throughout the first week.
Second Week
Most people going through benzo detox feel much better by the end of the second week. By this point, nearly all of the physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided, while those that persist are usually mild when compared to the first couple of days after cessation. Individuals may continue to have issues sleeping, or suffer from bouts of anxiety. A desire to use benzos again can persist beyond the two-week period as well.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
We’ve already outlined some of the withdrawal symptoms you might experience with benzos, but here we’ll provide a more comprehensive list. We’ll break these down into physical and non-physical withdrawal symptoms to make them easier to digest. One thing to note is that while many of the withdrawal symptoms are considered “flu-like” and are typically only dangerous due to loss of fluids, withdrawal from benzos can have serious side-effects. These include intense panic attacks, anxiety, and even seizures, which can be life-threatening.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
- Stiffness in the muscles
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Seizures
- Trembling
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Ataxia (difficulty controlling motor functions and movement)
- Paresthesia (commonly described as a burning or tingling of the skin)
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch.
Non-Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Hallucinations
- Visual disturbances
- Panic attacks
- Agoraphobia (fear of places that might cause panic)
Signs of Benzo Abuse
It is always difficult to truly know if someone is abusing drugs without directly witnessing their use. But if you are feeling someone close to you is abusing benzodiazepines there are signs to keep an eye out for and ways you can respond. First among these are signs that an individual has a flat-affect or sedated demeanor. Remember, the primary effect of benzos is to suppress the central nervous system. Individuals who are abusing benzodiazepines may exhibit signs that they are sedated. Common among these are difficulty staying awake, slurring of speech, or confusion.
Pay attention to any arising withdrawal symptoms we’ve outlined above. If an individual has been abusing a benzodiazepine like Xanax, which has a short half-life, they’ll seek to use more frequently because withdrawal symptoms happen within 6 to 12 hours of their last dose. You will notice these symptoms as similar to the common flu. If the symptoms suddenly resolve and the user appears placid and content, chances are they took more drugs to stave off withdrawal symptoms.
Like other drugs, abuse of benzodiazepines results in a number of negative outcomes in the life of the user. Over time, many people who are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction suffer from financial insecurity. If a loved one is struggling financially with no apparent reason, this, taken in the context of other behavioral signs, can be an indication of benzodiazepine abuse. Another sign of substance abuse is if an individual becomes withdrawn from those around them. Whether it is a coworker, family member, or friend, an individual withdrawing from those around them is an indicator that their drug use may have become their primary focus.
Lastly, always watch for drug-seeking behavior. Although many people are prescribed benzodiazepines, many more simply abuse them. Benzos that are commonly sold on the street such as Xanax have a high rate of abuse yet are relatively cheap. You may notice the individual you suspect of abusing benzos acting differently than normal. If they are seeking drugs, they may appear impatient or agitated.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Deciding when to seek help can be difficult when you yourself are struggling with benzodiazepines or someone you know is struggling with them, but nevertheless it is very important to understand when you should seek help. Seeking treatment gives you access to treatment programs that can be used to successfully help people come off of benzos. There are no specific answers for when someone should seek out treatment because everyone is unique and will have a unique relationship with benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines may be prescribed to some individuals to treat a specific condition, such as anxiety. If an individual has been prescribed, then they may find that they are using benzos prescribed for use “as-needed” every day. If they veer off the specific instructions they’re given from their doctor then this may be a clear sign that they should consider transitioning off of them. Other people simply began to abuse benzodiazepines recreationally and developed a chemical dependence then inevitably an addiction. Someone consistently using benzos when they have not been prescribed should consider getting treatment.
Unlike some other types of substances, it is both difficult and dangerous to quit using benzos all at once, or “cold-turkey”. However, people will still try and face the onset of severe withdrawal symptoms. The harsh withdrawals of benzos can push them to relapsing and using benzodiazepines again, so it is better to seek professional help.
There are key thresholds at which you should consider getting treatment for benzodiazepines. If you have been prescribed benzodiazepines to treat a specific condition but find you are using them outside of the prescribed dosage or more frequently than intended, it is probably time to consider getting treatment. If you have never been prescribed benzos but find that you can’t stop taking them or are suffering from your abuse of benzodiazepines, treatment should be a top priority.
Navigating Your Benzo Detox Recovery
Benzodiazepines lead a dual life in the United States as both an anxiety treatment and a substance with high abuse potential. Knowing the benzo withdrawal timeline helps individuals plan for a safe exit from these drugs. Stopping suddenly is dangerous. You can avoid severe health complications by prioritizing the support of experienced professionals. A 30-day rehab program provides the clinical structure many need, and our staff helps you review rehab cost factors to get started.
Withdrawal symptoms usually hit a short window after an individual stops taking benzo drugs. These physical changes, often called the benzo flu, bring on restlessness and intense anxiety. People often ask how long do you withdraw from benzos before they start to feel like themselves again. While the benzodiazepine withdrawal timeline is most intense during the first four days, symptoms typically fade over the next two weeks. We offer a luxury Nashville rehab experience and can connect you to Christian rehab program if you are wanting a more faith-centered recovery.
Successful benzo detox recovery depends on a plan built for the individual. Our Tennessee facilities handle core inpatient care, but we also facilitate vital connections for elderly addiction treatment and specialized rehab for mothers. Even individuals taking a prescription should talk to a professional before they quit. Call Apex Recovery at (877) 881-2689 today if you or someone you know is struggling with benzodiazepines so we can help you heal safely.
Sources:
- Samonte, Pamela Rose V., and Rhea U. Vallente PhD. 2018. “Benzodiazepine.” Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.
- Reyes, Carolina F., and Armando L. Soto. Benzodiazepine : Abuse & Therapeutic Uses, Pharmacology & Health Effects. Pharmacology-Research, Safety Testing, and Regulation Series. Hauppauge, N.Y.: Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2012.
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2121.html
- https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2008/0400/pa3.html
