How dangerous are benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms? Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can be highly addictive. If you’re facing addiction and struggling with benzo withdrawal symptoms, it’s crucial to seek assistance from a drug detox center.
Woodland Recovery Center offers a range of addiction treatment programs, including benzo detox and addiction treatment. Give us a call today at 662.222.2989 for help finding a suitable program that meets your needs and recovery goals.
What Are Benzos?
Benzos—short for benzodiazepines—are a commonly used type of prescription medication. Benzos are often prescribed as a short-term treatment for anxiety. They’re also used to treat panic attacks and insomnia.
Some of the most commonly used benzos include:
- Alprazolam (brand name Xanax)
- Diazepam (brand name Valium)
- Lorazepam (brand name Ativan)
- Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin)
Unfortunately, even taking a prescription as directed can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Benzos are also frequently used as recreational drugs. Dangerously combining benzos with alcohol is a common practice, especially among college-aged young adults.
Benzos should only ever be taken as directed by a doctor. But even if you follow dosage instructions, you still might fight yourself developing a dependence, which typically leads to withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug.
The Dangers of Benzo Withdrawal
Do you understand how dangerous benzo withdrawal symptoms are? Benzos produce a euphoric, relaxing sensation. They result in a sense of peacefulness or tiredness, which is why they’re often used to treat anxiety and sleep issues.
The effects of benzodiazepines stem from their interaction with the nervous system. As depressants, they slow down heart rate and breathing. Additionally, they tend to calm racing thoughts and induce a sense of tranquility. It’s these effects that make benzos so addictive and challenging to stop using.
When someone stops taking benzos, the brain has a hard time recalibrating. Instead, it goes into overdrive. This results in extreme anxiety or insomnia—often both. You might also develop tremors and experience seizure-like symptoms.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzo dependence is often the result of recreational benzo use. However, it’s possible to experience severe withdrawal symptoms even after taking benzos as a prescribed medication.
Individuals react differently to different medications. This means that if two people are given the same dose, one might have no issue, while the other may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the most common benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Delirium
- Shaking and tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional changes
Although benzos are often prescribed to treat mental health concerns, stopping use often has the opposite effect. It’s common for benzo withdrawal to trigger mental health conditions that may require professional intervention. Whether you took benzodiazepines as prescribed or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, contact a professional detox center immediately to prevent serious or potentially fatal health complications.
When Is the Right Time to Seek Treatment for Benzo Withdrawal?
It’s essential to recognize the right time to seek treatment for benzo withdrawal to ensure your safety and well-being. If you or someone you love is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s crucial to act promptly.
Several indicators suggest it’s time to seek professional help:
- Severe withdrawal symptoms – Experiencing intense symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, or delirium
- Increased anxiety or depression – Notable mental health changes that interfere with daily functioning
- Inability to cope – Feeling overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll of withdrawal
- Failed attempts to quit – Previous unsuccessful attempts to stop using benzos independently
- Recreational use – Using benzos without a prescription or combining them with alcohol or other substances
If you recognize any of these signs, reaching out to Woodland Recovery Center’s drug detox center can provide the necessary support to navigate withdrawal safely and work toward recovery.
Call Woodland Recovery Center to Find Relief with Benzo Addiction
Benzo addiction is a serious concern that requires professional help. Woodland Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including detox and therapy services.
Our team of medical professionals and therapists provides 24/7 support to help individuals overcome benzo addiction and manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Our evidence-based treatment approaches address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction for long-lasting recovery.
Call us today at 662.222.2989 for confidential and compassionate support on your journey to recovery. You can also contact us online with any questions or concerns about addiction treatment.
