How long do benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms last? There is no definitive answer to the questions. Some symptoms may last for a few hours, while some can last for several months after you quit taking the drug. In rare cases, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms for several years after quitting.
A benzodiazepine addiction treatment program can provide medication-assisted treatment or holistic therapy while you are going through detox. You can get help with your symptoms or relative discomfort/pain from a treatment specialist. Regardless of how long the symptoms last, a treatment center can provide the support you need to stay focused on recovery.
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How Long Do Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Once you stop taking a benzo prescription, you can expect the withdrawal symptoms to begin within 24 hours. The most intense withdrawal symptoms can last roughly three to seven days. After that, the worst symptoms will start to taper off.
There is no specific timeline that specifies how long it will take you to get over the symptoms. The length of time that it takes you to recover through detox depends on several factors such as:
- How long you have been taking benzodiazepines
- The amount of your daily dosage
- The type of benzo your doctor prescribed for you
- The method that you use to consume the benzo on a regular basis
- Any underlying medical health issues you have
- Other substances (including alcohol) that you may be currently using
Why Do Doctors Prescribe Benzos?
Some of the most common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Klonopin, Restoril, and Valium. The primary purpose of the drug is to help you overcome symptoms relating to insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, or seizures. Some people take drugs to relieve muscle tension.
When you take the drug, you will feel instant anxiety relief. Also, you may experience feelings of pleasure or euphoria. The overall effect of the drug is to reduce anxiety while giving you an overall feeling of wellness. The initial purpose of benzos was to provide a short-term solution to anxiety. However, it is not uncommon for doctors to fill out a long-term prescription.
Benzodiazepines and Addiction
Benzos are highly addictive substances. Once you begin taking them, your brain forms a dependency on the drug. Over time, it will become harder to quit taking the medication. However, the effects of the medication wear off the longer you use it. As a result, you may seek a higher dosage from your doctor or another source.
The longer you stay on the drug, the more severe your addiction will be. As a result, your withdrawal symptoms will also be more severe. For this reason, you should seek help from a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program in Northern IL.
Get Help for Benzo Addiction Today
How long do benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms last? Ask your treatment specialist at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. We offer comprehensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. To find out more, call us at 855.786.1978. We can help you get on the road to recovery. Don’t wait any longer.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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