Benzodiazepine Therapy

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and Detox

Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs used to treat conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal. Known commonly as “Benzos”, they are highly addictive and withdrawal can be debilitating. Withdrawaling from benzodiazepines can be uncomfortable and even dangerous in some cases. When a person suddenly stops using benzos, the brain is forced to function without the proper amount of its own natural neurotransmitters and the body is suddenly without the substance it has become dependent upon.

Benzodiazepines come in many forms, and under many brand names. Some of the more commonly encountered benzos are:

• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Librium (chlordiazepoxide)

Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The severity of withdrawal from benzodiazepines depends on the amount and length of time a person has been using. Benzodiazepines affect the brain and body, thus withdrawal symptoms are both mental and physical. Symptoms a person may experience include:

• Confusion
• Irritability
• Psychosis
• Anxiety
• Memory Loss
• Slurred speech
• Impaired vision
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Flu-like symptoms (sweating, full body aches, headaches)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Intense abdominal pain
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle pain
• Vertigo

Benzodiazepine Detox

Clients admitted to the Hickory House for Benzodiazepine treatment will be assessed at intake. If necessary, they may be referred for medical detox until medically stable and able to continue residential treatment. One common method of benzo detox is through tapering, which involves the gradual weaning from benzo usage. Supervision by a physician is recommended as the person gradually decreases their usage. During this protocol, your body has a chance to adjust slowly and the withdrawal symptoms are not as severe. Some choose to detox by quitting “cold turkey”. Stopping all use of the drug abruptly may cause a person to experience more intense withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine detox through a professional detox facility is recognized as the safest method. Each client works with our clinical and medical team to create an individualized treatment plan to begin recovery in a safe and healthy way.