Withdrawal Symptoms from Benzodiazepines

Withdrawal Symptoms from Benzodiazepines
Withdrawal Symptoms from Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines or “benzos” are drugs that are generally prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, during alcohol detox, or to treat insomnia, just to name a few typical uses. Benzos have several brand names including Valium, Ativan and Xanax and are widely recognized as being beneficial for a number of mental and physical health conditions. However, they are also extremely addictive drugs that carry several risks if abused. Here we take a closer look at how people become addicted to Benzos and what happens when they stop using the substance.

Symptoms for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Generally speaking, when a person begins to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using benzos, they are likely to be dependent on the drug. This is because the body’s tolerance to the substance has increased to such a degree that it craves progressively more of it to achieve the desired effects. The uncomfortable symptoms that emerge are the body’s way of urging the person to use again in order to reduce them. This is a negative cycle that characterizes drug addiction.

The symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal often range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening and so it is always advisable to attend a detox center to get medical attention should it be required. How severe a person’s withdrawal will be depends on a number of factors including how long they’ve been abusing the drug and the doses they have used.

The withdrawal symptoms may include one or more of the following:

  • Anxiety or panic
  • Irritability and restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating and fever
  • Persistent headaches
  • Muscle stiffness and pain
  • Sensory distortions and lack of focus

 

In severe cases, people can develop serious complications when withdrawing from benzodiazepines including delirium tremens and psychosis. Much depends on the personal history of the individual and their pattern of substance abuse.

Get Help with Withdrawal from Drug Addiction at Casa Recovery in San Juan Capistrano, CA

If you have made the life-changing decision to stop abusing benzodiazepines, Casa Recovery is here to help you. We offer specialist help for drug addiction in Southern California at our center which is set in beautiful surroundings. There is no need to struggle alone. Reach out for help with drug addiction today by contacting Casa Recovery in confidence.

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