You’ll then benefit from an individual treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. For this drug addiction treatment method to work, people often need ongoing educational, psychiatric, psychological, and counseling help. Faster reductions are possible but require more intensive clinical contact and support.

• In their analysis of six retrospective studies, half of them showed no significant relationship between BZD use and mortality.
• This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.
• The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary widely, lasting from a few days 3 to several weeks and several months 4.
• While there is no FDA-approved medication to treat benzodiazepine withdrawal, your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal FAQs

• Such measures may give only temporary relief at first, but if practised regularly can speed the recovery of normal muscle tone – which will eventually occur spontaneously.
• Abrupt or over-rapid withdrawal, especially from high dosage, can give rise to severe symptoms (convulsions, psychotic reactions, acute anxiety states) and may increase the risk of protracted withdrawal symptoms (see Chapter 3).
• Patients learn behavior modification and coping skills while managing withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, photophobia, or reduced appetite.
• When undergoing a taper, patients often experience an increase in symptoms after each reduction in dosage.

Therefore, medical supervision is necessary when stopping benzodiazepine use. A gradual tapering plan profoundly reduces the risk of dangerous outcomes for a safer withdrawal process. During this stage, the symptoms tend to be most intense as the body tries to adjust to the absence of the drug. Psychological effects, including severe anxiety, irritability, and panic attacks, are common, along with physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and dizziness. This phase can be challenging and may require medical support for safety, especially for individuals at risk of severe complications like seizures.

Coping with protracted symptoms

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications known as tranquilizers, commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and other conditions. They enhance the neurotransmitter GABA’s effect in the brain, which results in sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. Below is a breakdown of benzodiazepines, categorized by their generic names, brand names, common uses, and half-life information. The essence of benzodiazepine withdrawal lies in the brain’s reaction to withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines the absence of the drug.

How to Celebrate Milestones in Recovery Without Substances

Mentors should be prepared https://ponudaza5.hr/2022/09/23/the-deadly-and-preventable-consequences-of-drunk/ to repeat encouragements again and again, week after week, as their words are soon forgotten. Your doctor’s agreement and co-operation is necessary since he/she will be prescribing the medication. Many doctors are uncertain how to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal and hesitate to undertake it. But you can reassure your doctor that you intend to be in charge of your own program and will proceed at whatever pace you find comfortable, although you may value his advice from time to time.

How Exercise Supports Sobriety and Mental Health

Establishing a robust support system, including support groups or family engagement, is also vital. These networks provide emotional support, accountability, and shared experience, helping individuals navigate challenging moments without resorting to benzodiazepine use. To manage panic attacks during benzodiazepine withdrawal, individuals can engage in relaxation techniques and stress management. These techniques may include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and mindfulness. It is important to note that benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous and should be managed by a healthcare professional. Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can lead to seizures and other life-threatening complications.