When people have been taking benzodiazepines (benzos) for an extended period, they develop a dependence on these drugs. Whether they are prescribed benzos or taking them illicitly, the brain develops an addiction to them. One question people often have after being on benzos is, “Is benzo withdrawal dangerous?” Yes, quitting benzos cold turkey without medically supervised detox can be dangerous and life-threatening.
Understanding Benzodiazepines
Benzos are a central nervous system depressant used to treat anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and panic disorders. Benzos work by increasing the neurotransmitter GABA. This causes the body to relax, experience calmness, and slow down natural responses to anxiety, panic, and stress.
When benzos are used for several months, taken in high doses, or abused for long periods, the brain’s chemistry and neurotransmitter levels change. The brain develops a dependence on benzos to function. This is why people will start craving benzos after their effects wear off.
The Risks of Long-Term Benzo Use
There are numerous risks associated with long-term benzo use. As the body adjusts to benzos, it builds a tolerance to the drug. As tolerance builds, it makes it seem like the drug is no longer working. However, it is, even though it may not feel like it.
Unfortunately, people will start self-medicating and taking higher doses. Those abusing benzos will increase the dosage to experience the desired effects. The cycle of increased tolerance and increased dosing leads to dependence and, eventually, addiction. If benzos are discontinued abruptly, the body experiences withdrawal. Some of the benzo withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening.
Another risk of long-term use is cognitive impairments, such as confusion, memory problems, and difficulties focusing and concentrating. Some people may also notice an increase in mental health symptoms or the development of other conditions like depression.
What Are the Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal?
Benzo withdrawal includes psychological and physical symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Sweating
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Delirium
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Blurred vision
- Panic attacks
- Mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
The intensity and severity of benzo withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person. It depends on the frequency of use, duration, and dosage taken.
Why Is Benzo Withdrawal Dangerous?
One of the more serious risks of benzo withdrawal is seizures. Without proper medical supervision, seizures can result in injuries and even death. Hallucinations and delirium are also dangerous withdrawal symptoms, as people could get into accidents and injure themselves.
Additionally, some people experience thoughts of self-harm and suicide during benzo withdrawal. Without supervision, they could easily act on these thoughts and hurt or even kill themselves. Furthermore, the physical discomfort from withdrawal can make people relapse. When they do, they could take a much higher dosage and accidentally overdose.
There is also the risk of dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. People going through unsupervised withdrawal will not remember to drink plenty of fluids. As the body becomes further dehydrated, there is the risk of death.
Potential Complication of Benzo Withdrawal
Aside from the dangerous withdrawal symptoms, there are other potential complications of benzo withdrawal. Some people will experience PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) even with medically supervised withdrawal. PAWS symptoms can linger for months or even years and can include:
- Rebound and persistent anxiety
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Ongoing cognitive impairments
- Lethargy and generalized weakness
- Mood swings
- Aggression and outbursts of anger
- Sensory disturbances
- Cravings for benzos
Fortunately, PAWS symptoms can be managed effectively with medical supervision and treatment until they fully subside.
The Importance of Medical Supervision During Benzo Detox
Medical supervision during benzo detox is vital to prevent and reduce the life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision also provides access to various FDA-approved medications. These can be prescribed to help address specific withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings.
In addition, people have access to different types of individual and group therapy to help them manage withdrawal and address any mental health concerns. This added emotional support and counseling are beneficial for helping people complete detox.
Safe and Effective Treatment Options for Benzo Withdrawal
There are different safe and effective treatment options, so benzo withdrawal is not dangerous. Tapering is one option where the dosage is gradually reduced over time. Tapering helps minimize withdrawal symptoms. It also allows the body to adjust to a lower dosage before it is reduced again.
Another safe and effective treatment option is using medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms. Medications can be used short-term until a person is fully detoxed from benzos.
Other safe and effective treatment options include incorporating evidence-based and holistic treatment modalities. There should be a part of a comprehensive detox and addiction treatment plan.
When to Seek Professional Help for Benzo Withdrawal
It is vital to seek professional help for benzo withdrawal before discontinuing the drug. Withdrawal must be medically supervised using the most appropriate methods based on individual needs. Whether a person was prescribed benzos or is taking them illicitly, professional help is needed. Supervised withdrawal helps prevent and reduce potentially severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Navigating Benzo Withdrawal Safely
Is benzo withdrawal dangerous? It can be if you attempt to quit cold turkey or without proper medical supervision. At Retreat of Broward, we offer personalized and comprehensive benzo detox treatment for safe withdrawal. Our treatment facility is located in beautiful Pompano Beach, FL. We are also equipped to treat mental health disorders if you want to discontinue benzos safely. Contact us now to start safe benzo detox treatment today.
