By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 22, 2023

Benzodiazepine Addiction Statistics

In the short term, benzodiazepines, including sedatives and sleep aids, are frequently used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Although benzodiazepine usage is very common among adults in the United States, it is unknown by public health professionals how many of these users abuse their medication or fulfill the criteria for benzodiazepine use disorders. According to a recent investigation, even among people who misuse benzodiazepine drugs, benzodiazepine use problems are quite uncommon.

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Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms [2]

Benzodiazepine withdrawal becomes much more severe and fatal most especially without medical supervision. You may develop Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome which could cause more painful effects on your body and mind.

General

• Headache
• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Muscle pain, stiffness, and aches (limbs, back, neck, jaw)

Neurological

• Dizziness
• Paraesthesia or shooting pains in the neck and spine
• Visual disturbances (blurred vision, diplopia, photophobia, image lags behind eye movements)
• Tinnitus
• Faintness and dizziness, a sense of instability
• Confusion, disorientation (may be intermittent): A common cause of disorder in older patients
• Delirium (in the absence of autonomic hyperactivity): Particularly in older patients
• Delusions, paranoia
• Hallucinations (visual, auditory)
• Grand mal seizures 1–12 days after discontinuing benzodiazepines

Gastrointestinal

• Nausea
• Anorexia
• Diarrhea (may resemble irritable bowel syndrome)

Psychological

• Rebound insomnia, nightmares
• Anxiety, panic attacks
• Irritability, restlessness, agitation
• Poor memory and concentration
• Perceptual distortions – sensory hypersensitivity (light, sound, touch, taste), abnormal sensations (e.g., ‘cotton wool’ sensations)
• Metallic taste
• Distortions of body image
• Feelings of unreality, depersonalization, derealization
• Depression, dysphoria

In addition to withdrawal symptoms, benzo detox most commonly also brings on rebound symptoms.  Rebound symptoms are the return of symptoms that may have been present at the start of taking the medication, and the symptoms may intensify for a few days.  This may include insomnia, anxiety, and stress. However, as the body adjusts through the detox process, these symptoms will likely subside or decrease.

Benzo Withdrawal Treatment

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be difficult and it is important to have a Benzodiazepine detox plan in place before you start Benzodiazepine tapering. Benzodiazepines come in many forms, which means that there are many Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines include Benzodiazepine pills and Benzodiazepines that are taken orally, Benzodiazepines that are snorted, Benzodiazepines that can be smoked or injected, and Benzodiazepine liquids.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms usually peak within the first week of Benzodiazepine detox and begin tapering off after about 3 weeks. Benzodiazepines should never be stopped suddenly or without close Benzodiazepine doctor supervision and guidance, as Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and extremely unpleasant is very recommendable to find out a Benzodiazepine Detox treatment.

Detox Centers

Benzodiazepine Detox at Home

As mentioned above, benzodiazepine detox can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.  However, proper care can reduce the probability of developing these symptoms and ensure a safe detox process.  Generally, this means that the individual detoxing will be weaned off of the substance slowly.  Depending on their biology, dosage, and frequency of use, the time it takes to taper off will vary. Trying the benzodiazepines detox at home would be a grave mistake, as benzo’s withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable and dangerous to deal with without medical assistance.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

These provide some psychoeducation for addicts on what they can expect during withdrawal, along with medications as needed. These are programs that last 6-8 hours per day, 5 days each week. Most of the time is spent attending lectures and group therapy sessions.

Benzodiazepine Addiction: Detox Treatment

Benzo addiction can have social and psychological effects on those who struggle with it. Some may find these effects to be the most significant difficulty they encounter.  However, for others, it is the physical effects that are the scariest.  When one stops taking benzodiazepines without tapering off, severe symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and even death can occur.  For this reason, professional treatment at a medical benzodiazepine detox facility is crucial.

Once the benzo detoxification process has been safely completed, then an individualized treatment plan is developed.  Most importantly, during treatment, individuals who have struggled with benzo addiction will learn skills and mechanisms to help them stay off these drugs and lead better lives.

Benzodiazepine Detox Center NJ: If you or someone you love struggles with an addiction to Ativan, valium, or any other form of benzodiazepine, get them the help they need and deserve.  Contact our team at We Level Up New Jersey to get started today!