The benzo withdrawal timeline varies for each benzodiazepine medication, depending on its particular half-life. Once the drug has left the system, withdrawal may begin. Withdrawal for short-acting benzos begins within 10-12 hours of stopping the drug, whereas with longer-acting benzos it may take a few days for withdrawal symptoms to manifest.
At Avenues Recovery we’ve helped thousands of people to manage their withdrawal symptoms and kick their addiction. Read on to learn what to expect with benzo withdrawal: the timeline, symptoms, and how to manage them successfully.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzo withdrawal syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that appear when stopping benzo use. Symptoms include:
- Panic attacks
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased sweating
- Strong heartbeats (palpitations)
- Headaches
- Stiff muscles
What is a Typical Benzo Withdrawal Timeline?
The benzo withdrawal process begins several hours after one stops taking the drug and can last for as long as six months. There are three main stages of withdrawal, each presenting different symptoms.
Early Benzo Withdrawal
Days 1 - 4: The first signs of withdrawal are usually insomnia and anxiety which may occur several hours after stopping benzos use. For those taking short-acting benzos, it can be as soon as six to eight hours. Returning anxiety and insomnia can peak after a couple of days. Other symptoms that may peak at this time are nausea, increased heart, breathing, and sweat rates. People who use long-acting benzos will start to feel the first withdrawal symptoms after a few days.
Acute Benzo Withdrawal
Days 10 - 14: The symptoms of withdrawal may continue for 10 - 14 days after quitting benzos. Often, acute withdrawal is the most challenging stage of withdrawal. Those withdrawing from long-acting benzos will have symptoms that peak at this time, fading within 3 - 4 weeks from the quit date.
Protracted Benzo Withdrawal
Days 15 +: People heavily dependent on benzos may experience symptoms for as long as six months after withdrawal. These symptoms are called PAWS - post-acute withdrawal symptoms. These long-term symptoms can be reduced and sometimes completely avoided if one uses medical intervention for benzos withdrawal.
How Long Do Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Most benzos symptoms begin within 24 hours of withdrawal and can last up to a year. A small percentage of patients (10%) will still have withdrawal symptoms a year after use. These are generally patients who were highly dependent on benzos and who did not taper off from benzos with the help of a medical professional.
Those who took short-acting benzos will have withdrawal symptoms sooner than those who took long-acting benzos. Some short-acting benzos are more potent than the long-acting benzos so the withdrawal in those cases will be even stronger.
How To Ease Benzo Withdrawal
Here are some general guidelines for easing benzo withdrawal:
- Seek Medical Supervision: Consult a healthcare provider who can guide you through the withdrawal process. Your healthcare provider can create a personalized withdrawal schedule based on your specific situation and history of Benzo use.
- Gradual Tapering: Tapering involves gradually reducing the Benzo dosage over time. This method allows your body to adjust more smoothly and minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider may decrease the dose by a small percentage every week or two, depending on your needs.
- Medication Adjustments: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe other medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants. These should be used under medical supervision.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support your body during withdrawal. Focus on exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Support Network: Inform your close friends and family about your withdrawal process. Having a support network can provide emotional support and encouragement during the withdrawal process.
- Avoid Other Substances: Steer clear of alcohol, illicit drugs, and other sedative medications during withdrawal, as they can exacerbate symptoms and interfere with the recovery process.
- CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy): CBT or other therapeutic approaches can help address the psychological aspects of withdrawal, including anxiety and stress.
- Attend Support Groups: Consider joining support groups or counseling sessions specifically tailored for people experiencing Benzo withdrawal. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be reassuring and informative.
Benzo Withdrawal Treatment
Medical treatment for withdrawal involves professional management of withdrawal symptoms as well as administration of medication to ease the symptoms.
- Benzodiazepine Detox: The first step to withdrawal from benzos is detox, which means getting the drug out of the addict’s system. If detox is done without medical supervision, the results can be deadly.
- Medically-assisted Detox: Although most people detox from benzos by slowly tapering off the amount, with medical supervision, there are two drugs one can take that minimize the withdrawal symptoms.
The two drugs that help with Benzo detox are:
- Buspirone - this drug is often prescribed for those dealing with anxiety disorders. It has also proved helpful for those tapering off of Benzos. The only downside is that it can take two to three weeks to start seeing an effect.
- Flumazenil - this drug is usually given as an antidote for benzos overdose. It has also been proven beneficial to decrease withdrawal symptoms for someone tapering off of benzos. Additionally, it can be used for a quick detox from benzos, but it should be done with caution as rapid detox can make withdrawal worse.
Can You Die From Benzo Withdrawal?
Benzo withdrawal can be fatal when done without medical supervision and when dependence is severe. It is critical for those looking to beat benzo dependence to consult with medical professionals for guidance on how to taper off benzos and to have a supervised safe benzo withdrawal protocol.
What is a Benzo Withdrawal Seizure?
A benzo withdrawal seizure refers to a type of seizure that can occur when a person abruptly stops or significantly reduces their use of benzo medications. Withdrawal seizures typically occur in individuals who took high dosages of benzos for a long period of time. Seizures have also happened when patients used benzos for less than 15 days even when taken as prescribed by a doctor. There have been reports of Benzo withdrawal seizures ranging from single-episode seizures to multiple seizures, coma, and death. The quickest withdrawal from benzos should be in a hospital setting for high-dose abusers, but must be done slower in an outpatient facility for those who took benzos for medical reasons.
Start your Benzo Withdrawal
Fighting Benzos addiction on your own is extremely tough! Reach out to us today at Avenues Recovery so that our experienced addiction counselors can ease you through the benzo withdrawal timeline and help you reach sobriety in a supportive and confidential environment. There is no quick benzo withdrawal cure. Your best chance for a smooth recovery is professional care in one of our expertly-staffed facilities.