By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: April 28, 2023

Benzo Detox Overview

Detox or detoxification is when a person abstains from or rids the body of unhealthy or toxic substances. The detoxification process for benzos has different stages. Many factors can affect the symptoms of benzo withdrawal, including how long you have used the drug, your dosage, and your health. Withdrawal symptoms of benzos usually start 24 hours after stopping the use of benzos, and they can last for an extended period.

Protracted benzo withdrawal is also common, when the persistent withdrawal symptoms can occur for weeks, months, or even years after an individual stops using benzodiazepines. These symptoms can vary widely but may include anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Early withdrawal from benzos symptoms is the process’s first part and can last a few days. You may experience anxiety and insomnia as your brain learns to work without drugs again.

If you want to begin your recovery from benzo addiction, the first step is to turn to a high-quality center for benzo detox. We Level Up can help you receive the medical assistance and skilled care needed to avoid the worst withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepines.

Benzo Withdrawal Death Statistics

Withdrawal from benzo symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens. These symptoms can be severe and last several weeks, based on the individual’s usage and other factors. Delirium tremens can lead to death if left untreated.

It is crucial to get medical aid if you are experiencing benzos withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have a seizure history or other medical conditions. Your doctor or an addiction treatment professional may be able to provide pharmacotherapy or other treatments to manage your symptoms and help you safely withdraw from benzodiazepines.

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What Does Benzo Withdrawal Feel Like?

When does benzo withdrawal start? Acute withdrawal begins a few days after stopping the use of benzos. The worst withdrawal symptoms benzos can cause occur during this stage, including muscle spasms, anxiety, hallucinations, decreased appetite, trouble concentrating, and more.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be deadly because of potential seizures and other serious medical complications. Benzodiazepines act on the brain’s GABA receptors, which regulate the nervous system. When an individual stops taking benzodiazepines after long-term use or at high doses, the brain may become hyperactive and overexcitable, leading to seizures and other medical emergencies.

Seizures are the most serious potential complication of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Seizures can cause a loss of consciousness, convulsions, and even death. In addition to seizures, other possible complications of benzodiazepine withdrawal include delirium, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. The severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal can vary depending on several aspects, including the dose and duration of benzodiazepine use, the individual’s overall health, and their history of addiction or substance use disorders. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you or someone you’re concerned with is experiencing symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. A healthcare professional can examine the severity of the signs and provide appropriate treatment to help manage withdrawal and prevent potential medical complications.

If you or someone you’re concerned with is experiencing symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, it’s essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can examine the severity of the signs and provide appropriate treatment, including medication-assisted therapy, counseling, or other forms of support. It’s crucial not to try to quit benzodiazepines cold turkey, as this can be dangerous and may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. A healthcare professional can help you safely taper off the medication and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Protracted Benzo Withdrawal

Protracted benzo withdrawal, also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), is a condition that occurs in some individuals who have undergone benzo withdrawal. PAWS refers to a prolonged period of withdrawal symptoms that can occur after the initial acute withdrawal phase has ended, typically lasting for several months to a year or more.

Some of the symptoms of prolonged withdrawal include the following:

Trying to go through this process alone can lead to severe symptoms and even increase your likelihood of using the drugs again to eliminate the withdrawal symptoms. Turning to medical benzo detox can help you avoid the worst of them. At We Level Up, we have a medical detox process that can keep you safe and help prevent uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as you go through this stage of recovery.

Benzo Withdrawal Scale

Healthcare professionals use the benzo withdrawal scale to assess the severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. The scale typically ranges from 0 to 67 and includes a list of symptoms that may occur during withdrawal. Some common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability, tremors, sweating, and seizures.

Here is an example of a benzodiazepine withdrawal scale:

• 0 – No withdrawal symptoms.
• 1-10 – Mild withdrawal symptoms (mild anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability).
• 11-20 – Moderate withdrawal symptoms (moderate anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability, tremors).
• 21-30 – Moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (severe anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability, tremors, sweating).
• 31-40 – Severe withdrawal symptoms (severe anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability, tremors, sweating, confusion).
• 41-50 – Very severe withdrawal symptoms (severe anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability, tremors, sweating, confusion, hallucinations).
• 51-60 – Extremely severe withdrawal symptoms (severe anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability, tremors, sweating, confusion, hallucinations, seizures).
• 61-67 – Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms (severe anxiety, insomnia, agitation, irritability, tremors, sweating, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, delirium).

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be detrimental and should be managed by a healthcare professional with experience treating addiction and withdrawal. If you are experiencing symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, seek medical attention immediately.

Alcohol and Benzo Withdrawal

With the proper use, benzodiazepines can help ease several conditions. As such, why are benzos used for alcohol withdrawal? Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can occur when individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol stop drinking suddenly. AWS can cause a range of symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, agitation, tremors, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening. Benzos can help manage these symptoms by reducing anxiety, promoting sleep, preventing seizures, and reducing the risk of DTs.

Benzos for Opiate Withdrawal

Benzodiazepines are a type of drug that is generally used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While they can be effective in managing some of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, their use should be supervised by a medical professional.

Benzos can help alleviate anxiety, agitation, and insomnia symptoms during opiate withdrawal. However, they should be used cautiously because they can be addictive and cause various side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination.

Moreover, benzodiazepines can be harmful when combined with opioids because they can increase the risk of respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Suppose you are considering using benzodiazepines to manage opiate withdrawal symptoms. In that case, it is crucial to do so under the direction of a healthcare professional who can monitor your progress and adjust your medication as needed. They can also help you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other medicines and therapies to help you manage your symptoms and stay on track with your recovery.

Benzo Withdrawal Medication

Several medications can be used to manage the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. A healthcare professional can prescribe these medications, and should be used under their supervision to ensure safe and effective treatment.

While several medications can help manage some of the physical and psychological symptoms of benzo withdrawal, these medicines are not typically used as the sole treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. Additional therapies, such as counseling and support groups, may also support long-term recovery.

• Magnesium benzo withdrawal.
  • Some studies have suggested magnesium for benzo withdrawal. Magnesium supplementation may help manage anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Magnesium can help regulate the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help manage benzo withdrawal symptoms.
• Hydroxyzine for benzo withdrawal.
  • Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with sedative effects and can help manage symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and insomnia common during benzodiazepine withdrawal.

• Phenobarbital for benzo withdrawal.
  • Phenobarbital is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan for benzodiazepine withdrawal, which may include other medications and therapies such as clonidine, gabapentin, and counseling. Phenobarbital should not be used as the sole treatment for benzodiazepine addiction, and it is necessary to seek professional guidance and support when managing benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• Ketamine for benzo withdrawal.
  • While there is some research on the use of ketamine for managing substance use disorders, including benzodiazepine addiction, the evidence is limited, and medical guidelines do not currently advise the use of ketamine for this purpose. Ketamine can have significant side effects, including hallucinations, disorientation, and confusion, and its long-term effects on the brain and body are not fully understood.
• L-Theanine for benzo withdrawal.
  • L-Theanine is an amino acid generally found in tea leaves and certain mushrooms. While it has not been extensively studied for the management of benzo withdrawal symptoms, some research suggests that it may have anxiety-reducing effects and could potentially help manage symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• Librium for benzo withdrawal.
  • During benzodiazepine withdrawal, Librium can help manage symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms. It is generally used as a short-term treatment option, and the dosage and duration of treatment may vary based on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

Benzo Withdrawal Treatment

How to help benzo withdrawal symptoms? The We Level Up benzo detox centers offer medication to help you go through the withdrawal process. Although no drug is specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence, medication for benzo withdrawal is used off-label to treat withdrawal symptoms or to manage the spectrum of symptoms that can arise during benzo withdrawal.

Some of the medications may include the following:

• SSRI antidepressants.
• Anticonvulsants.
• Beta-blockers.

For people with co-occurring mental health illnesses, it can be critical for medical professionals to distinguish between the symptoms that the disease causes and those that the addiction causes. When a person is diagnosed with a mental health disorder such as anxiety and depression, and drug or alcohol addiction, they are said to have co-occurring conditions. Though illnesses can exist separately from one another, when they coexist in the same individual, they generally cause the signs and symptoms of both disorders to be intensified. It is common for a person with co-occurring conditions to have more severe symptoms than a person with only one of the disorders. 

What helps benzo withdrawal? Experts at We Level Up benzo detox centers can prescribe medications to manage the mental health disorder, address the addiction, and avoid developing new substance abuse. We always perform a thorough intake assessment at our centers, which allows us to identify co-occurring conditions, get a good idea of your physical and mental health, and prescribe the proper medications to help you as you detox.

Inpatient rehab centers, also known as residential rehab centers, offer a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment that can benefit individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Here are a few benefits of an inpatient rehab center:

• 24/7 Medical Care and Support: Inpatient rehab centers offer round-the-clock medical care and support, which is especially important during the initial stages of recovery when individuals experience withdrawal symptoms or other medical issues.
• Structured Environment: Inpatient rehab centers provide a structured environment free from triggers and distractions. This allows individuals to focus on their recovery without the stresses and distractions of daily living.
• Evidence-Based Treatment: Inpatient rehab centers offer evidence-based treatment modalities that are proven effective in treating addiction, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.
• Peer Support: Inpatient rehab centers offer a supportive community of friends who are going through the same struggles. This can help individuals feel less alone and give them a sense of community and connection.
• Evidence-Based Care: Inpatient rehab centers often offer a range of holistic therapies and activities, such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and exercise programs. These can help individuals address their addiction’s physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects and promote overall wellness.
• Aftercare Planning: Inpatient rehab centers help individuals develop a comprehensive aftercare plan to help them maintain their sobriety after they leave the program. This may include outpatient therapy, support groups, and other resources.

Benzo Detox Near Me

If you or someone you know is detoxing from benzos and looking for a center, there are several aspects to consider when selecting the right one. Here are some vital and significant things to look for benzo withdrawal help:

• Accreditation: Look for a detox center accredited by a recognized orgs., like the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Accreditation assures that the facility meets specific standards of care and quality.
• Staff Qualifications: The staff at the detox center should be highly trained and qualified to provide medical and psychological care. Look for centers that have licensed physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals on staff. Benzo withdrawal stories and reviews can also help you decide.
• Treatment Options: Different detox centers may offer different treatment options, so finding one that provides the right level of care for your requirements is crucial. Some centers offer medication-assisted detox, while others focus on holistic or natural ways to ease benzo withdrawal.
• Location and Environment: The location and environment of the detox center can play a significant role in the success of your treatment. Look for a center that is in a safe and peaceful location, with comfortable accommodations and features that will make your stay as comfortable as possible.
• Aftercare Support: Detox is just the first step in the recovery process, so choosing a center offering aftercare support and resources to help you continue your sobriety is beneficial. Look for centers that provide counseling, support groups, and other resources to help you stay on track.
• Cost and Insurance: Detox centers can be expensive, so it’s essential to consider the cost and whether your insurance will cover it. Look for rehab centers that accept your insurance or offer financing options to help make addiction treatment more affordable.

Top 10 What Medications Help With Benzo Withdrawal? FAQs

Barbiturates Sedatives Hypnotics Effects, Warnings, Overdose Risks, Drug Facts, Detox & Treatment

Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are often compared because they are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants that can produce sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effects. However, there are some critical differences between the two types of drugs.

While benzodiazepines and barbiturates are both CNS depressants that can produce similar effects, benzodiazepines are generally considered safer and less likely to cause severe adverse effects or overdose. However, both types of drugs can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms, so it’s crucial to use them exactly as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Watch the video below to learn more about the dangers of barbiturate overdose.