Last Updated:January 17, 2023

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are one of the most commonly prescribed types of drugs in America, and they are used to treatinsomnia, anxiety, and panic disorders. Because they are so widely prescribed, however, many people don’t understand the risks of benzodiazepine addiction when they start taking them.

Anyone who takes benzodiazepines can develop a chemical dependence on them, meaning they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using these drugs and require a benzo detox. Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous, but medical detox programs can help reduce these risks.

Benzo Withdrawal

Even people who use benzodiazepines exactly as prescribed can experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking them. The most common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• Hand tremor
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Seizures

Rebound symptoms are one of the biggest issues that people deal with when they are going through benzodiazepine withdrawal. These symptoms are typically the same symptoms that the benzo was originally intended to treat. The rebound anxiety or insomnia that many patients experience during benzo withdrawal can be severe.

The extent of the withdrawal symptoms will depend largely on factors like: 

• How long the person had been on benzodiazepines
• How much of a dose they were on
• How often they use the medication

The most important thing to know about benzodiazepine withdrawal is that it can be life-threatening due to symptoms like seizures. This is why going through benzodiazepine detox in a medically supervised detox program is so important.

Benzo Withdrawal Timeline

During the first stage of withdrawal, there will typically be symptoms of insomnia and anxiety. These symptoms can be more severe with shorter-acting benzos like Ativan and Xanax. For these short-acting benzos, withdrawal may start as soon as six to eight hoursafter a dose has been taken. With long-acting benzodiazepines like Valium, withdrawal symptoms start anywhere from 24 hours to 48 hours after the last dose of the medication.

The second stage of withdrawal is where the severe rebound symptoms will set in. Other symptoms may become more severe during this stage as well. This stage can last ten to 14 days for short-acting benzos and weeks or months for long-acting benzos. Benzo withdrawal symptoms may also seem to get better before worsening again, which can make benzo withdrawal unpredictable.

Benzo Detox in Ohio

It’s important for benzo detox to take place under close medical supervision. While there are dedicated detox centers that provide this, it’s more effective to go through a medical detox program in a facility that also offers inpatient treatment programs. In a detox-only center, you will only be dealing with the physical aspects of your addiction. In a rehabilitation center like The Recovery Village Columbus, however, you will receive treatment for the psychological, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of your drug addiction.

Whether you are a resident of Cincinnati, Columbus or Cleveland, it’s essential to seek out a medically supervised detox program if you are struggling with benzo use. This is the only way to safely rid your body of the substance you have become dependent on.

The Recovery Village Columbus offers medically supervised benzodiazepine detox as well as inpatient, outpatient and long-term aftercare benzo addiction treatment programs. If you or someone you love is ready to get help for a benzodiazepine addiction, contact us today to learn about programs that can work well for you.