Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Benzodiazepines are notoriously addictive medicines, and coming off of them safely involves medical help to prevent serious health consequences.
- A structured drug detox program provides you with a safe space to cope with both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms.
- Addiction treatment clinics assist clients in coping with the underlying causes of their addiction by offering them ongoing care after detox.
- Medically-assisted therapy (MAT) may help with discomfort and minimize the hazards that come with quitting quickly.
- Detox, counseling, therapy, and relapse prevention strategies may help you stay sober for an extended period.
Introduction
People with anxiety, trouble sleeping, or panic disorders are often prescribed benzodiazepines, but they may be quite addictive if not taken carefully or for an extended period. If you stop taking these drugs on your own, you may have severe withdrawal symptoms that might even kill you. This is why it is so vital for people to go to drug detox programs administered by specialists.
You can’t just detox. People need to attend addiction treatment facilities where they may obtain coordinated care if they want to remain free. They will get therapy and ongoing help that deals with both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction.
This article talks about why detox is essential, the problems that might come up when you stop using benzos, and how medically-assisted therapy makes the recovery process safer and more successful.
Why Is It So Dangerous To Stop Using Benzodiazepines?
When someone becomes dependent on benzodiazepines, their body and mind become habituated to them. Stopping suddenly may impose too much stress on the nervous system, which may cause withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, severe anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, and, in the worst cases, seizures.
These benzo withdrawal complications might be deadly if a professional doesn’t handle them. Unlike substances that just cause physical discomfort, benzodiazepine withdrawal hurts both your mind and body. A lot of people go back to their previous behaviors to avoid the pain, which makes the cycle of addiction worse.
How Can Drug Detox Help You Get Better?
Drug detox is the first and most critical step in getting over an addiction to benzodiazepines. It provides you with a safe location to go through benzo withdrawal with medical help. During detox, the dosage is usually carefully dropped so that the body doesn’t go into shock. Research published in PubMed notes that when this tapering process is done under expert supervision, it minimizes the risk of seizures and other major health issues.
Detox also helps individuals prepare for the next phase in their recovery by stabilizing both their physical and mental well-being. After they are stable, people are more likely to be able to go into treatment programs at addiction recovery centers. Therapy, relapse prevention, and emotional recovery are all parts of these programs.
What Are The Pros Of Medically-Assisted Detox?
One of the most significant ways to cope with a benzo addiction is via medically-assisted treatment (MAT). This strategy uses medications, with the guidance of a doctor, to make withdrawal less unpleasant and cravings less intense. For example:
- Doctors may give you long-acting benzodiazepines to aid with symptoms while you are tapering.
- Anticonvulsants could help stop seizures from occurring.
- During withdrawal, non-addictive anxiety medications may aid with rebound anxiety.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights that this evidence-based strategy not only makes detox safer but also increases the chances that individuals will successfully move on to therapy, where they can address the mental health issues behind their substance use.
What Happens When You Go To An Addiction Recovery Clinic To Detox?
The detox procedure is only the beginning. If you don’t undergo follow-up therapy, there is still a high chance of relapse. Addiction treatment programs are the next step up in support since they focus on finding ways to stay sober for a long time. Treatment generally includes:
- Individual therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction, such as trauma or concurrent mental health issues.
- Group therapy is a way to share experiences and build accountability.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to change thought patterns that fuel drug use.
- Training and relapse prevention strategies to stay clean when exposed to triggers.
These programs help individuals remain clean by addressing the root causes of their benzo addiction and giving them the tools they need.
What Are the Risks of Trying to Detox on Your Own?
It is pretty risky to attempt to stop using benzodiazepines on your own. Some of the dangers are:
- Seizures and convulsions that might be life-threatening.
- Extreme anxiety or panic attacks may cause unsafe behavior.
- Hallucinations or psychosis, worsening mental health issues.
- A high chance of relapse, since the pain and fear of withdrawal often push people back into drug use.
This is why it’s so crucial to sign up for a drug detox program with medical supervision. Professional monitoring keeps you safe and ensures immediate intervention if symptoms worsen.
Why Is It Hard For Individuals Who Use Benzos To Get Well Over Time?
Benzodiazepines are powerful medications that swiftly alter brain chemistry. People may need to take more of the medication over time to achieve the same effects, which increases dependence. Even after detox, the mental cravings may remain powerful, which is why many individuals relapse.
Not using drugs is not enough for long-term success. Recovery includes coping with additional issues such as depression or anxiety. Addiction rehab centers provide a wide range of treatments, including therapy, lifestyle changes, and long-term strategies to stay sober.
Conclusion
It might be hard to stop using benzodiazepines, but recovery is possible with the right help. Medically-assisted treatment programs make withdrawal simpler and safer, while professional drug detox programs provide security and support. Detox is only the beginning—long-term recovery comes from therapy, relapse prevention, and learning skills to live a drug-free life.
If you or someone you care about is misusing benzodiazepines, don’t face withdrawal alone. Virtue Recovery Center will be there for you every step of the way, with competent care, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support. Call us now at 866-461-3339 to begin your journey to freedom.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to stop using benzodiazepines?
The detox process depends on dosage, duration of use, and health status. It usually lasts 1–2 weeks, although some people may need a longer taper.
2. Can withdrawal from benzos kill you?
Yes. Severe withdrawal complications, such as seizures, may be life-threatening without medical supervision.
3. What medications are used during benzo detox?
Doctors may prescribe long-acting benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, or non-addictive anxiety medications to ease withdrawal.
4. Is drug detox enough to stop benzo addiction?
No. Detox is only the first step. Long-term recovery requires rehab programs that address underlying mental health issues.
5. Why do people relapse after quitting benzodiazepines?
Because of persistent mental cravings, dependence, and untreated co-occurring issues, complete rehab programs significantly reduce relapse risk.
Resources:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. “Withdrawal Management for Benzodiazepine Dependence.” Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings, NCBI Bookshelf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/
- PubMed (NIH). “Detoxification from Benzodiazepines: Schedules and Strategies.” PubMed, 1991, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1675694/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.” NIDA DrugFacts, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
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- About the Author
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Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership.
In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston’s Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.
