What Drugs Can Help in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

What Is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” is one of the most severe consequences of addiction. Not only is it intensely uncomfortable, but abruptly stopping benzodiazepines carries the risk of seizure and even death. As such, medical detoxification is required when benzodiazepine use stops, and certain drugs can vastly reduce the severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines refers to the set of symptoms that commonly occur when abruptly stopping benzodiazepines. Benzo withdrawal symptoms are some of the most intense among all addictive substances and can cause catastrophic damage if not treated by medical professionals. Fortunately, medication for withdrawal from benzodiazepines can reduce or even eliminate some of these symptoms.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can significantly slow the body’s automatic, life-preserving functions. Dependence on benzodiazepines can happen when the body becomes accustomed to the depressant effects of the substance. As a result, the body increases nervous system activity in response to benzodiazepine use, creating a balanced state.

When benzodiazepine use stops, the central nervous system is suddenly greatly overstimulated, resulting in benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, which includes several benzo withdrawal symptoms and intense drug cravings.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms from benzos can be sudden, intense, and life-threatening. Research shows that after taking benzodiazepines for at least six months, 60% of people experience mild withdrawal symptoms, while 40% experience moderate to severe symptoms.1

The most dangerous benzodiazepines can lead to addiction and dependence in a matter of months, and stopping benzodiazepines becomes harder and more challenging in the face of acute benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Mild to Moderate Signs and Symptoms

Some of the signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome include:

Nausea
Appetite loss
Benzodiazepine withdrawal dizziness
Irritability
Restlessness
Trouble sleeping
Muscle aches
Tiredness
Anxiety

Benzo Withdrawal Timeline

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms tend to follow a structured timeline, though each individual’s experience may vary. In general, symptoms begin within 1-4 days of stopping or reducing benzodiazepine use. Early symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Between 5-14 days, individuals often experience the peak of withdrawal, with intensified symptoms such as muscle pain, sweating, and intense cravings. After two weeks, many of these acute symptoms start to decrease, though some individuals experience lingering effects. For some, symptoms may persist or fluctuate over weeks or months, especially if use was long-term. Understanding this timeline can help in managing expectations and preparing for each stage.

Severe Side Effects

Severe side effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal can even be life-threatening. The use of large quantities of the drug for an extended period can result in severe benzo withdrawal symptoms, such as:

Seizure
Delusions
Hallucinations

People who experience benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures are in extreme danger, as they can be fatal. Medical supervision can help avoid or treat the occurrence of seizures and other dangerous effects.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

For some individuals, withdrawal from benzodiazepines extends beyond the initial phase and into what’s known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS can include prolonged symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, which may persist for weeks or even months. Unlike acute withdrawal, PAWS symptoms often come in waves and can be triggered by stress. Recognizing and preparing for PAWS can be essential for those undergoing benzodiazepine withdrawal, as it requires additional patience and support to navigate these prolonged symptoms.

Coping With Withdrawal From Benzos

While medications can be immensely beneficial, benzo withdrawal help comes in several forms. Some effective methods of coping with benzo withdrawal will be detailed below.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a time-tested, evidence-based method of helping people achieve benzodiazepine recovery. The core belief of CBT is that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors all influence each other, and through deliberate effort, we can work to change them. As such, CBT can help people deal with the intrusive thoughts and urges that come from benzodiazepine use disorder.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a tool that can help people manage stress levels and anxiety. It is also incorporated into some of the best and most effective relapse prevention programs, as it can help people resist the urge to act upon their thoughts at once.

One study found that an eight-week mindfulness-based relapse prevention program resulted in a significant decrease in substance use cravings and an increase in self-awareness and acceptance.4

Exercise

Exercise is a great stress reliever and can provide incredible relief from the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal. While not everyone is up to exercise during the benzo withdrawal timeline, those with excess energy can burn it off and find relief.

In addition, exercise can improve sleep during this crucial period and promote a healthy routine that can last a lifetime in recovery.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Support

Supporting your body with proper nutrition and lifestyle adjustments can significantly ease the withdrawal experience. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods helps replenish nutrients and stabilize mood. Avoiding caffeine, processed sugars, and alcohol may also reduce symptoms like anxiety and restlessness. Gentle physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can improve mood and support better sleep. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and practicing good sleep hygiene can also enhance energy levels and overall well-being.

What Drugs Can Help in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Between 2015 and 2016, approximately 30.5 million people in the U.S. used benzodiazepines. Fortunately, getting off benzodiazepines can be easier with targeted medications. Medical treatment is the best way to withdraw from benzodiazepines, as it is safe, effective, and has several options.2

Medication for withdrawal from benzodiazepines comes in several forms, but three main medications are used in benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment. These include:

Buspirone

Buspirone, like benzodiazepines, is a medication used to treat anxiety. However, unlike benzodiazepines, it has almost no potential for misuse and does not produce feelings of euphoria or pleasure. Buspirone works to treat just one benzo withdrawal symptom: anxiety.

Flumazenil

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist. It is commonly used in reversing benzodiazepine overdose, but it can also provide tangible relief from several benzo withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, this medication can provide relief from long-term benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, improving the chances of stopping benzodiazepines for good.

Multiple studies show that flumazenil successfully alleviates withdrawal symptoms and significantly reduces relapse rates.3

Benzodiazepines

Certain benzodiazepines are often used in benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment. Since suddenly stopping the use of benzos is dangerous, many detoxification centers will opt for a medically-controlled taper using drugs like diazepam. The difference between diazepam and benzodiazepines is minimal; diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class, but its effects last longer in the bloodstream than other common benzo drugs.

In a medical taper, detox professionals will administer benzodiazepines in a controlled fashion. The dose and frequency of administration will drop over the period of a week or so, ensuring that any dangerous side effects of withdrawal are minimized. This can extend the benzo withdrawal timeline but increases safety and comfort.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Risk Factors

Benzo withdrawal is impacted by several different factors and can be either mild or severe depending on a few key factors, including:

The length of benzodiazepine use
The frequency of benzodiazepine use
Dosage
Route of administration (e.g., oral, intranasal, or intravenous benzo use)
Co-occurring mental illness
Pre-existing medical conditions
Age
Polysubstance use

No matter the risk factors involved, recovery from benzodiazepine use disorder can be challenging without the help of mental health professionals. Compassionate and professional care can reduce the risks associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal and guide people to safer coping mechanisms.

Long-Term Recovery Planning

Once withdrawal symptoms subside, it’s essential to focus on maintaining long-term sobriety and emotional health. Relapse prevention strategies, such as identifying triggers, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and setting structured routines, are crucial for sustained recovery. Ongoing therapy can provide guidance on managing stress and addressing any underlying mental health concerns. Additionally, establishing positive habits—like regular exercise, good nutrition, and self-care—can help build resilience, ensuring that the recovery journey remains steady and fulfilling.

Get Benzo Withdrawal Help at San Diego Detox

San Diego Detox provides premier medical detoxification services in sunny Southern California. Our diverse team of addiction and mental health specialists has decades of experience helping people achieve benzodiazepine recovery.

Contact us today at San Diego Detox to learn more about our extensive substance use disorder treatment services and how you could benefit from professional support.

What Drugs Can Help in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

What Is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

What Happens When You Stop Taking Benzodiazepines?