As part of medical detox, medications help control cravings and reduce lethargy. Mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically last a week or two. More severe symptoms can last for several weeks or longer, depending on the situation. Each specific type of benzodiazepine has different lengths of time required for it to leave a patient’s bloodstream. For shorter-acting benzos, such as Xanax, withdrawal can start within 10 to 12 hours.
Treatments
It’s like the brain is trying to find its balance again, and this can be really tough. Withdrawal isn’t just a mental battle; it hits the body hard too. Muscle aches and headaches are pretty common, and don’t be surprised by chills or sweating. These symptoms can be tough to handle and might need some medical help to keep things safe and comfy. Many people think marijuana has no withdrawal symptoms, benzodiazepine withdrawal but long-term users can experience discomfort when they quit.
Economic Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
Compassionate treatment and care are available at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team now to schedule an appointment or ask questions. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Valium as a Schedule IV controlled substance. If you or someone you love struggles with Valium abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery programs. You may also contact us with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
- John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
- If you take Xanax long enough, your brain gets used to the extra stimulation from the drug and will stop making as much natural GABA.
- Seizures are a less common, but dangerous symptom of Ativan withdrawal.
- Professional medical supervision not only makes the detox process safer but also greatly enhances the chances of successful withdrawal, reducing the likelihood of severe complications.
Medically Supervised Detox
Receiving treatment from mental health and medical professionals can help people complete detox. Then, people with addiction can begin to work toward long-term recovery. Valium is one of the most common anti-anxiety medications in the United States. People who develop Valium addiction often need comprehensive treatment and continuing support to stop using it and avoid relapse. The study also found that patients who received cognitive-behavioral therapy tapered despite the presence of withdrawal symptoms.
- Many people relapse without medical supervision and benzodiazepine withdrawal support.
- During the acute phase of withdrawal, individuals might endure these particular emotional symptoms.
- This period is when many symptoms peak, then gradually diminish over the next few weeks.
- Verywell Mind says the best way to quit using clonazepam is to go through a tapering process, during which the dosage is gradually reduced over time.
- The intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines (benzos) can vary greatly.
How Long do Withdrawal Symptoms from Benzodiazepines Last?
Both are typically treated by administering long-acting benzodiazepines in a physician-assisted medical detox program. Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are controlled substance medications used as tranquilizers and sedatives. However, they are very addictive, and an addiction to them can be challenging to break. Thankfully, benzo addiction treatment programs are highly successful. By the third or fourth week, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms begins to decrease, though they may not completely resolve. Individuals may still experience lingering benzo withdrawal symptoms, such as mild anxiety, fatigue, and disturbed sleep patterns.
- Benzodiazepines work essentially by enhancing the brain’s reception of GABA.
- It is common that patients experiencing symptoms do not recognize that their poor physical and mental health is related to their long-term use of the benzodiazepines.
- People with Valium dependence or addiction must seek treatment to avoid life-threatening complications, including overdose.
- However, for long-acting benzo users, this period is when withdrawal symptoms peak, beginning to lessen around the 3rd to 4th week.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
The brain grows accustomed to their presence, leading to increased tolerance, which means higher doses are required to achieve the same therapeutic effects. Xanax is also a short-acting benzodiazepine, meaning that your body will feel the effects of withdrawal symptoms sooner than with other benzodiazepines. A Halfway house multitude of complications can arise from the abrupt withdrawal of benzodiazepines, many of which require hospital admission.
