This article has been medically reviewed by Dr Robert Lefever, a world-leading addictions specialist.
You may have heard or come across the term Benzodiazepine Detox in a movie or book you read, but never did it cross your mind to check up what it meant? Benzodiazepine is used in treating different conditions, but it can quickly become addictive. In seeking out help, the first stage is typically detoxification which is put in place to help patients get rid of the drug in the system of the individual. This will allow them to get the appropriate help that they need.
If you are reading this because you or someone close to you is abusing the drug, kindly call us on 0203 955 7700 for assistance.
What is Benzodiazepine?
Benzodiazepine refers to prescription drugs used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions such as panic attacks, anxiety, sleep disorders (insomnia), alcohol addiction and epilepsy, and psychological conditions such as muscle tension, agitation and seizures.
Over the years, benzodiazepines have become some of the most widely abused drugs in the world. Users of benzodiazepines mainly mix the drugs with other substances.
Benzodiazepines are addictive, and whether they’re taken legally or not, the prescription drug has the power to restructure the human brain. They slow down the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines, popularly known as Benzos, are the most effective and efficient short-term treatments for conditions that affect regular heartbeats, respiratory functions, body temperatures and blood pressure.
Taking any kind of benzodiazepine increases the amount of a neurochemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your system. GABA is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. GABA Inhibits signal transmission in the brain and, as a result, has a calming effect on the nervous system.
As the intake rate steadily increases, the body adapts to the benzodiazepines and eventually negatively impacts its normal functionality when they’re not taken.
Overdose from benzodiazepine.
Abusing benzos by consuming more of the drugs without proper prescription by medical professionals poses a significant risk that can be unbearable and dangerous to the life of individuals who fall in such bracket. In addition, visiting multiple doctors to obtain the same or similar medication is another form of drug’s abuse.
Below are some common effects of benzos overdose:
- Impaired coordination
- Respiratory depression
- Decreased reflexes
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
Long-term abuse of benzodiazepine or an extreme dose of the drugs initiate cravings for the drug, which lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug has not been introduced into the body period much longer than it is used to being without it. While many illegal substance abuse withdrawals can last for a few days and some weeks, benzos withdrawal can last a few weeks to a few years.
Severe withdrawal symptoms dissolve in about a week to three months. Symptoms of benzo withdrawal include
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Cognitive difficulty
If you are reading this because you or someone close to you is abusing the drug, kindly call us on 0203 955 7700 for assistance.
Benzodiazepine Detox
Benzodiazepines such as estazolam, flurazepam, temazepam and triazolam fall under the shorter-acting benzodiazepines and are used to treat insomnia. On the other hand, benzos with a longer duration are used to treat patients experiencing insomnia with daytime anxiety. These benzos include Xanax, Chlordiazepoxide, Clorazepate, Diazepam.
As to how they are abused or which people abuse Benzos, prescription drugs abuse is mainly associated with young adults and teenagers who take the drug orally or snort it to get high, benzos are associated with amnesia, irritability, hostility and restlessness.
Benzodiazepine Detox is the first stage in the recovery from an addiction to Benzodiazepine. This process involves medical professionals who ensure proper supervision of the whole process. It typically entails prescribing lower doses of benzodiazepines to patients to curb the dependency rate until its use in the patient’s life is entirely brought to an abrupt end.
The Phases of The Benzodiazepine Detox
Benzo detox has two phases associated with known as
- Acute Withdrawal Phase (and)
- Protracted Withdrawal Phase
Acute Withdrawal Phase
The withdrawal phase is the first phase of benzodiazepine detox. Ironically it is characterised by anxiety which is one of the conditions that the drug was created to fight. The Acute Withdrawal Phase can last 5-14 days, with the symptoms returning during the Protracted Phase. Some of the symptoms ones may experience include;
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Feelings of excitement
- Palpitations
Protracted Withdrawal Phase
This phase of benzodiazepine detox shares similarities in the symptoms experienced during the Acute Withdrawal Phase. This phase lasts for as long as 12 to 18 months. The body at this stage is still trying to reach stability without the benzodiazepine; it is characterised by rewiring the brain to help it attain normal functionality.
Some common symptoms that happen to be present at the Protracted Withdrawal Phase despite showing at the Acute Withdrawal Phase include;
- Lesser forms of anxiety
- Depression
- Mild insomnia
- Difficulty in concentrating
Conclusion
Surviving a benzo detox is best achieved under the care of a physician who properly monitors vital signs and unforeseen withdrawal complications to be prevented or treated immediately.
Substance abuse treatment instantly the following detox addresses the health of the addicted brain by returning it to its normal state of functionality which allows the victim of benzodiazepine overdose to rebuild their lives in a condition that is idle for long-term recovery.
An addicted brain creates the impression in the mind of its victim that it cannot do anything without the drug it is addicted to.
The addicted brain convinces its carrier that they don’t have a problem and that others have just been too critical. In this state, the addicted brain is trying to retain the supply of the drug it precedes necessary to function every day.
These thoughts begin to wash away soon after the detox ends and after the early when treatment has passed.
If you are reading this because you or someone close to you is abusing the drug, kindly call us on 0203 955 7700 for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should one be prescribed benzodiazepines?
How often should one take benzodiazepines?
Avoid taking them regularly
Not take them for more than four weeks
This is because benzodiazepines after regular intake are less effective. This is because the human brain will adapt to its use and impede the normal functionality of the brain in the long run.
Who should not take benzodiazepines?
Severe lung disease
Severe kidney disease
Challenge with breathing properly during sleep
In light of this, it is worthy to note that medical professionals will be cautious about administering benzodiazepines if an individual has;
Lung and Chest problems
Muscle weakness
A history of drug abuse
A history of alcohol abuse
Contrarily, Benzodiazepines are not suitable for children. But in the case of underlining health issues such as anxiety caused by fear, diazepam will be prescribed.
What do you need to do before taking any medication?
What drug is it?
What are the benefits and risks of taking the drug?
How, when and how much of the drug do you need to take?
What are the possible side effects of the drug, and how likely are you to develop them?
How long do you need to take the drug before it begins to work?
Sources
- Neuroadaptive processes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems in benzodiazepine dependence
- The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and its management.
- Protracted withdrawal syndromes from benzodiazepines
- Benzodiazepine dependence: focus on withdrawal syndrome
- Detoxification from benzodiazepines: schedules and strategies
- Benzo withdrawal: Timeline and symptoms
- Prescribed Benzodiazepines and Suicide Risk: A Review of the Literature
- The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
