Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos” include a class of drugs that are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. The most commonly prescribed benzos including Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium.
Benzodiazepines are used to manage anxiety symptoms on a short-term basis. However, using them on a longer term basis will increase the risk of physical dependence. In many instances, an individual develops a pattern of abuse that eventually leads to benzo addiction. Some individuals will become physically dependent on a benzo in as little as 4 weeks.
Individuals who become physically dependent on benzodiazepines are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they quit taking their medication. In some instances, benzo withdrawal can produce severe side effects such as seizures, tremors, anxiety, and insomnia. In the case of Benzo withdrawal, a person who is physically dependent should always enroll in a medically-assisted detox program.
At Huntington Beach Detox in Orange County, we provide safe, individualized, and comfortable benzo detox programs. Our medical team includes highly experienced doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who have devoted their lives to helping clients safely detox from benzodiazepines.
How long does Benzo Detox take?
The physical and mental effects of benzodiazepine-use vary from person to person. A benzo detox can take anywhere from 7 – 14 days depending on the amount of use. Most individuals who complete a benzo detox benefit by enrolling in an inpatient treatment program as detox is just the first step on the road to recovery.
The amount of time a benzo detox will take depends upon the individual and includes:
The rate, duration, and dose of use
The presence of other substances and/or poly-substance abuse
The detox setting
The medical history of the person who is in need of detox
The individual’s heath condition
The physical and mental effects of benzodiazepine-use vary from person to person. A benzo detox can take anywhere from 7 – 14 days depending on the amount of use. Most individuals who complete a benzo detox benefit by enrolling in an inpatient treatment program as detox is just the first step on the road to recovery.
Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines work through a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down or stops the neuronal activity, but benzodiazepines enhance GABA activity which causes a slowing down of the central nervous system. Long-term use of benzodiazepines can effect a person’s physical and psychological health.
Common benzo withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Head and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irritability
- Increased perspiration
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Tremors
Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines work through a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down or stops the neuronal activity, but benzodiazepines enhance GABA activity which causes a slowing down of the central nervous system. Long-term use of benzodiazepines can effect a person’s physical and psychological health.
Common benzo withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Head and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irritability
- Increased perspiration
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Tremors
Less common, more severe symptoms can occur up to 2 weeks after stopping use and include:
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
The withdrawal symptoms from a benzo detox vary and are not predictable. It is always recommended to complete a medically-assisted detox program if you would like to stop using benzodiazepines.
The medical team at Huntington Beach Detox in Orange Countywill ensure your benzo detox is as safe and comfortable as possible. We will be there with you 24/7 as you go through your benzo detox. We will manage your physical symptoms and prescribe medications that will help to reduce the effects of withdrawal.
If you are ready to enroll in an benzo detox program at Huntington Beach Detox in Orange County, please us today at (855) 790-7418