Benzo Detox Treatment for Veterans & Active Duty

Benzodiazepines, also referred to as "benzos," are prescription medications that are frequently used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, and panic attacks. Although benzos are highly addictive and can cause physical and psychological dependence, they can be beneficial for short-term use. A person who tries to stop taking benzos may encounter dangerous and even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. A professional benzo detox program is highly advised to assist people in withdrawing from these medicines safely and painlessly. Banyan's military rehab center provides a secure, helpful, and productive environment in which to achieve long-lasting recovery.

Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is potentially dangerous in addition to being an uncomfortable process that can result in a range of physical and psychological symptoms. The symptoms of benzo withdrawal can vary depending on factors such as the individual's dose, frequency and duration of use, and overall health status.

Common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Muscle spasms

In severe cases, these withdrawal symptoms can also include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Psychosis

As distressing as these withdrawal symptoms can be, there is a whole other level of danger to consider when abruptly stopping one’s drug use.

Can You Die from Benzo Withdrawal?

Yes, in some cases, benzo withdrawal can be life-threatening, and individuals can die from complications related to withdrawal. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures, which can lead to respiratory failure, aspiration pneumonia, and other serious complications. Additionally, withdrawal from long-term or high-dose benzodiazepine use can cause delirium tremens (DTs), a severe and potentially deadly form of withdrawal that can cause seizures, hallucinations, and cardiovascular collapse. This makes seeking out care at our veteran’s detox center that much more crucial.

Benzo Withdrawal Timeline

Similar to the severity of symptoms themselves, the timeline of withdrawal from benzodiazepines will vary depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, those undergoing a benzodiazepine withdrawal process will experience many of the same stages and symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and tremors, are frequently experienced by clients during the first few days to weeks following the final dose of the benzo. The most difficult period of withdrawal is frequently this one, and people may need medical assistance to control their symptoms.

The post-acute stage usually lasts for several months after the last dose of medication, during which individuals may experience less severe but more persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating. This stage can be challenging as individuals may feel like they are not making progress in their recovery, but with proper support and treatment, these symptoms can be managed.

Pursue Benzo Detox at Our Rehab for Veterans

For service members looking to overcome their dependence on benzodiazepines in a safe and medically monitored environment, Banyan has the resources for you. Once withdrawals are effectively managed, clients move on to the appropriate veterans recovery program for their specific addiction. This is where they will be able to access our variety of programs and therapies that ensure the root cause of their disorder is properly addressed.

To learn more about how Banyan Treatment Centers Veterans in Recovery Program can help you or a loved one, contact us today.

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