Benzodiazepine Detox

What Does Benzo Withdrawal Feel Like?

Symptoms of benzo withdrawal may include worsening anxiety, sleep disturbances, headaches, mood swings, tremors, and nausea. In severe cases, there may be convulsions, vomiting, and hallucinations.

Withdrawal is a process that starts within 24 hours of the last dose of benzos, and can last for as long as a few days to several months. Benzo withdrawal differs from one person to the next based on:

• Length of time benzos were used
• The dosage amount
• Type of benzo abused
• Co-occurring mental illness
• “Poly-drug” abuse
• Method of abuse

There are 2 primary phases of benzo withdrawal: acute and protracted. Each phase has its own symptoms. Fortunately, the symptoms dwindle with time until the addict goes into benzo rehab and learns how to live a substance-free life.

Acute benzo withdrawal may last 5 to 14 days, and involves:

• Rebound anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Body aches
• Sweating
• Disorientation
• Sleep disturbance

The next phase is the “protracted withdrawal phase,” and it lasts much longer – up to 18 months. It involves most of the same symptoms, although they are greatly diminished as the body and mind attempt to stabilize without benzos. Symptoms may come and go.

What Does Benzo Detox Involve?

Benzo detox is used to help patients safely purge their bodies of the addictive substance. It begins with tapering off the drug, with an initial reduction of about 25-30% in chronic users, and 5-10% daily to weekly dose reductions. Some patients may require a medication-assisted therapy to get over the worst of their withdrawal symptoms.

Can I Detox from Benzos on My Own?

Tapering off benzos takes a clinical approach and medical supervision, and detox should be supervised by healthcare professionals who can monitor your progress. Going cold turkey from benzos is one of the most dangerous, as it can cause debilitating symptoms that may even land the addict in the emergency room. For benzo addicts who decide to taper off and then ingest their usual dose again, they may overdose and face life-threatening repercussions.

Safe, Medically Supervised Benzo Detox in Georgia

Admitting you have a substance abuse problem is the first step towards recovery. Many fear making this step, because they worry about withdrawal symptoms. Compassionate, highly experienced staff offers close monitoring as you go through detox. Our round-the-clock monitoring at Mount Sinai Wellness Center also involves emotional support, which is invaluable during a time where you feel emotionally and physically burdened by withdrawal.

Successful medical detox is the first step to lasting sobriety. Our program is tailored to your needs, taking your physical and mental status into account. Our team of professionals can help you regain your health through our detoxification process.