For many people, abusing drugs is about getting the high that they have become dependent on and avoiding the dreaded withdrawal that comes from not getting their fix.
Different drugs can have different withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to fatal. So how do the benzo withdrawal effects compare to other drugs?
What Are Benzos?
Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are tranquilizers that are prescribed frequently to treat problems like anxiety and insomnia. They depress the central nervous system and create a calming effect. Examples of these drugs include Valium, Xanax, Librium, and Klonopin. While they are frequently used for medical purposes, they can be abused. Benzos can also be addictive, so a benzo addiction treatment program like ours is often recommended to help people quit.Signs of Benzo Withdrawal
Not only does it depend on the drug, but the benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can also vary drastically from person to person. Factors like genetics, health history, frequency of use, dosage, other drug use, and body weight can all play a role in the severity of the side effects of benzo withdrawal.Although everyone is different, some of the most common benzo withdrawal symptoms to look out for include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Disproportionate sweating
- Mood swings or irritation
- Depression
- Tremors
- Muscle stiffness or aches
- Trouble sleeping
- Poor concentration
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Intense drug cravings
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
How long a person will experience benzo withdrawal symptoms will also depend on the individual as well as the specific symptoms. Severe physical symptoms like excessive sweating and nausea are usually fleeting, only lasting for days or a few weeks maximum. On the other hand, mental symptoms like mood swings and depression can last longer. People may experience drug cravings even a year after the initial withdrawal, but the symptoms are typically not as severe as when they are first weaning their body off of the drug. After detox, a partial hospitalization program may be able to help reduce these lingering symptoms.While it may be tempting to try and stop using on your own, unsupervised drug detox is not only difficult, but also dangerous. You should seek out professional benzo withdrawal help to avoid any serious health complications.
If you or a loved one is ready to get clean, our Philly drug rehab wants to be there for you. With a variety of unique treatment programs and therapies, we help people achieve long-term sobriety.
Reach out to us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about Banyan Philadelphia.
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
