What Does Benzo Withdrawal Treatment at Crestone Wellness Look Like?
Benzo (or benzodiazepine) withdrawal is a complex and challenging experience characterized by a range of physical and psychological symptoms.[1] These drugs, commonly prescribed for conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.[2] When benzodiazepines are used regularly and then abruptly stopped or tapered too quickly, the brain struggles to regain its natural balance, leading to several distressing and potentially dangerous symptoms
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal occurs when someone abruptly stops or reduces their use of benzodiazepine medications, leading to physical and psychological symptoms.
- Benzodiazepine addiction is a growing concern, with significant increases in overdose visits and deaths observed, highlighting the risks associated with misuse and abuse.
- Treatment options for benzodiazepine addiction include detoxification, residential treatment, family programs, and comprehensive aftercare plans, often incorporating various therapeutic modalities.
What Is Benzo Withdrawal?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal refers to the onset of symptoms that occur when a person abruptly stops or significantly reduces their use of benzodiazepine medications after prolonged or high-dose use.[3] Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizure disorders, exert their effects by enhancing GABA activity in the brain – and the brain eventually adjusts to the presence of these drugs.
Abrupt cessation or rapid tapering disrupts this equilibrium, leading to a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.[4] These symptoms can vary widely in severity and duration, depending on factors such as the specific benzodiazepine used, the dosage, duration of use, your individual physiology, and the tapering method employed.
Symptoms may include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, tremors, sweating, muscle stiffness, gastrointestinal disturbances, cognitive impairment, and even seizures or psychosis in severe cases.[5]
Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse
According to data collected from emergency department visits in 38 states across 2019 and 2020, there was a 23.7% increase in benzodiazepine overdose visits.[6] Notably, this increase was observed both in cases involving benzodiazepines alone (21.0%) and those involving co-use with opioids (34.4%), highlighting the dangerous synergy between these drug classes.
Furthermore, 2020 saw a 21.8% rise in prescription-related deaths and an astonishing 519.6% surge in deaths involving illicit benzodiazepines. This sharp increase suggests a concerning trend of non-prescribed use and the growth of counterfeit benzodiazepine products in the illicit drug market.
Benzo Addiction
Benzodiazepine Quick Reference Chart
Drug Category
Benzodiazepine
Commercial & Street Names
Benzos, Xannies
DEA Schedule
Schedule IV
Administration
Orally, nasally
What Are the Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Recognizing benzodiazepine addiction can involve several signs, including:[7]
Increased use:
Individuals may gradually increase their dosage of benzodiazepines over time to maintain the desired effects, which can indicate tolerance development.
Dependence:
Physical dependence on benzodiazepines can manifest through withdrawal symptoms when the drug is reduced or discontinued. These symptoms may include agitation, tremors, sweating, and sleep disturbances.
Cravings:
A psychological craving for benzodiazepines can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior, with individuals feeling compelled to use the drug despite negative consequences.
A loss of control:
Individuals may struggle to control their benzodiazepine use, taking higher doses than prescribed or using the medication in ways other than intended, such as crushing and snorting pills.
Withdrawal syndrome:
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut down or stop benzodiazepine use can indicate addiction and physical dependence. These symptoms can range from mild anxiety to severe seizures or psychosis in extreme cases.
Is Detox Always Necessary for Benzo Abuse?
Detoxification, or detox, isn’t always necessary for people struggling with benzodiazepine abuse or dependence, but it may be recommended and can be necessary depending on several factors. For some people with mild to moderate benzodiazepine dependence, a gradual tapering of the medication under medical supervision may be sufficient to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and facilitate recovery. Tapering involves slowly reducing the dosage of benzodiazepines over time to minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications, such as seizures.
However, for those with severe benzodiazepine dependence or those at risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, detoxification in a supervised medical setting may be necessary.[8] In a detox facility or specialized treatment program, healthcare professionals can provide around-the-clock monitoring and support to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively.
What Are The Options For Benzo Withdrawal Treatment?
Addiction treatment centers adopt a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to address various aspects of benzo addiction, including potential co-occurring mental health disorders:
Levels of Care For Benzo Withdrawal Treatment
Benzo Withdrawal Treatment Modalities
Frequently Asked Questions About Benzodiazepine Addiction and Rehab
Can benzodiazepine addiction occur even if I take the medication as prescribed?
Yes, benzodiazepine addiction can develop even when the medication is taken as prescribed. While these drugs are effective for managing certain conditions, long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction, particularly if taken in higher doses or for longer periods than recommended.
What are the risks of long-term benzodiazepine use?
Long-term benzodiazepine use poses various risks, including tolerance, dependence, addiction, cognitive impairment, memory problems, rebound anxiety or insomnia, physical health complications (such as respiratory depression and increased risk of falls), and social and occupational impairment.
How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal typically last?
The benzo withdrawal period varies depending on factors such as the specific benzodiazepine used, dosage, duration of use, individual physiology, and tapering method employed. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within the first 1-2 weeks after discontinuation and gradually subside over several weeks to months. However, some may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that can persist for months or even years in rare cases
What steps should I take if I'm ready to seek help for benzodiazepine addiction or another substance use disorder?
If you’re ready to seek help with benzo withdrawal or addiction and enter substance abuse treatment, consider the following steps:
- Talk to your healthcare provider: Discuss your concerns and treatment options with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and support.
- Research treatment facilities: Look for reputable rehab centers or addiction treatment programs that specialize in benzodiazepine addiction.
- Reach out to loved ones: Share your decision to seek help with trusted friends or family members who can offer encouragement and support.
- Make a plan: Develop a plan for entering treatment, including arrangements for detoxification, if necessary, and preparing for the transition to rehab.
- Take action: Take the first step toward recovery by contacting a treatment facility or addiction specialist and scheduling an assessment or intake appointment. Remember, seeking help is a courageous and positive step toward reclaiming your health and well-being
Sources
[1] Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber, 38(5), 152–155. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.055 on June 6, 202455
[2] Elgarf, A. A., Siebert, D. C. B., Steudle, F., Draxler, A., Li, G., Huang, S., Cook, J. M., Ernst, M., & Scholze, P. (2018). Different Benzodiazepines Bind with Distinct Binding Modes to GABAA Receptors. ACS Chemical Biology, 13(8), 2033–2039. https://doi.org/10.1021/acschembio.8b00144 on June 6, 2024
[3] Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber, 38(5), 152–155. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.055 on June 6, 202455
[4] Edinoff, A. N., Nix, C. A., Hollier, J., Sagrera, C. E., Delacroix, B. M., Abubakar, T., Cornett, E. M., Kaye, A. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations. Neurology International, 13(4), 594–607. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13040059 on June 6, 2024
[5] Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber, 38(5), 152–155. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.055 on June 6, 2024
[6] Liu, S. (2021). Trends in Nonfatal and Fatal Overdoses Involving Benzodiazepines — 38 States and the District of Columbia, 2019–2020. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7034a2 on June 6, 2024
[7] Drug addiction (substance use disorder) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 4). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112 on June 6, 2024
[8] Maust, D. T., Petzold, K., Strominger, J., Kim, H. M., & Bohnert, A. S. B. (2023). Benzodiazepine Discontinuation and Mortality Among Patients Receiving Long-Term Benzodiazepine Therapy. JAMA Network Open, 6(12), e2348557. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.48557 on June 6, 2024
