The benzo withdrawal timeline can be short or long but typically involves uncomfortable physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. As you may realize, not knowing what to expect—not being familiar with benzo detox steps or not expecting discomfort of any kind—can prevent a person from going through the process. Hopefully, the information you read here will inspire your benzo detox and withdrawal journey at a drug detox center near you. If you live in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, or Hill Country, TX, The Right Step can help you taper off the drug safely.
The Link Between Benzo Abuse and Drug Addiction
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, are drugs that depress or slow down activity in the brain. The class of drugs comes in short- and long-acting forms and are widely prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Benzos act on the central nervous system (CNS), as the class of drugs sedates patients to help them relax or sleep better.
While the medication is safe when taken as directed, some people abuse benzos. Acts of abuse include taking benzos prescribed to someone else or taking the drug illicitly—for example, crushing the tablet to snort, smoke, or inject it into a vein. Doing any of this increases benzos’ effects and the risk of developing an addiction.
Long-term drug abuse often leads to physical and psychological dependence on benzos. At this point, people may lose control over their drug-abusing habit and experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms if they skip a dose. They may also find quitting without benzo detox and substance abuse treatment difficult.
Common Symptoms During the Benzo Detox Timeline
Learning what goes on during the benzo withdrawal timeline can help you to prepare for what’s to come, should you choose to overcome benzo addiction and start your rehab journey at a drug rehab center.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Although the withdrawal process and duration are different for each person, almost everyone will experience benzo withdrawal symptoms—such as the following:
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Tremors
People living with a co-occurring disorder and those who use benzos with alcohol or other drugs may experience more severe or long-lasting symptoms.
‘Rebound’ Symptoms
Common symptoms also include “rebound” symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
- Sleep disturbances
Factors determining the timeline length include whether the short- or long-acting drug was abused and for how long.
Stage by Stage: The Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
Days 1–2
The first symptoms are anxiety, trouble sleeping, nausea, headache, and loss of appetite. They typically show up within six to 12 hours of the last dose of the short-acting benzo. It can take 24–48 hours for initial long-acting benzo withdrawal symptoms to arise.
Days 3–7
Symptoms usually peak while insomnia and anxiety intensify around three to seven days after the last dose of short-acting benzos. Mental symptoms such as agitation or irritability may set in at this time. Your doctor may also monitor you for signs of seizures at this stage or administer medication to lessen the symptoms.
Days 8–14
You may feel much better, although some symptoms can continue off and on. This is especially the case for people addicted to long-acting benzos, which take longer to leave the body.
Day 15 and Beyond
Acute symptoms improve or start to subside. Some patients experience protracted withdrawal symptoms such as persistent cravings, anxiety, or insomnia. Therefore, they should continue receiving mental health support for as long as needed.
The Last of the Benzo Detox Stages: Further Addiction Treatment
The catch to ending benzo abuse is having to endure the benzo withdrawal timeline. On the bright side, you will feel like your old self again and ready for further addiction treatment after being stabilized by the treatment team at a drug detox center. During substance abuse treatment, you will undergo behavioral therapy and other interventions. The point of addiction treatment is to educate you about the destruction of drug abuse, teach you positive ways to cope with your addiction triggers, and provide you with a support network.
The following programs and therapies at The Right Step are designed to walk you through the entire process from drug detox to rehab aftercare:
- 12-step program
- Chronic relapse track
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Inpatient drug rehab
- Outpatient addiction treatment
The Right Step also offers dual diagnosis treatment for people with co-occurring disorders. These programs have helped countless individuals in their journey to recovery.
Learn More About the Drug Detox Center at The Right Step
The path to benzo addiction recovery involves challenges that professional help can help you overcome. The Right Step will connect you with a team of medical doctors and mental health professionals who will provide support at all stages of recovery. Please call 17135283709 to speak with a counselor today.
