What Are Benzodiazepines?

Commonly referred to as “benzos,” benzodiazepines are a type of depressant drug often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia. The most commonly known benzos are Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Ativan (lorazepam). While the prescribed medications can be used to effectively treat common conditions, they do carry risks, namely addiction that can lead to users needing professional treatment to overcome. The risks of benzos begin with physical and mental dependence developing even with short-term use. After consistent use, tolerance can build quickly, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. If addiction sets in, stopping use can lead to withdrawal, which can be dangerous if not managed under medical supervision. Muse Treatment offers a benzo detox program Los Angeles residents can access to ensure they can safely withdraw from the substance in a professional setting while also receiving mental health treatment.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Benzodiazepine Use?

Along with possible addiction uses, using benzos for a long period of time can lead to significant cognitive impairments, including difficulties with memory, concentration, and slower decision-making ability. These mental effects can last for months or years after stopping use, but many people will see improvement after stopping use over time.

The physical and mental effects of long-term benzodiazepine use may include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and increased sensitivity to physical pain. Using this medication over a long time can cause the brain to become dependent on the drug’s effects, leading to tolerance and requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Taking benzodiazepines for an extended period and suddenly stopping the medication can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, which is why overcoming benzo dependence should always be done gradually under medical supervision.

What Are the Setbacks in Benzo Withdrawal?

Like any type of process, setbacks can occur during benzo withdrawal. An addiction to Xanax is difficult to overcome, and setbacks are common experiences where symptoms temporarily intensify after periods of improvement. These times can be particularly challenging because they often occur when someone is starting to feel better, leading to feelings of disappointment. During setbacks, some people may experience heightened anxiety, insomnia, and temporary returns of other withdrawal symptoms.

The duration and intensity of the setbacks will vary based on the user, with some lasting hours while others might last for days or weeks. The experience of having a setback will become less frequent and less severe over time as the brain begins to heal and adapt to functioning without benzodiazepines. Despite experiencing a setback during withdrawal, it does not mean treatment is not working. Having access to a strong support system and using coping strategies learned during addiction treatment can help people properly manage these challenging periods.

How Long Do Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Using benzos and developing an addiction to Ativan can lead to withdrawal, which typically occurs in several phases. Symptoms generally begin within one to four days after the last dose, depending on the specific medication, with Xanax withdrawal symptoms starting sooner, while Valium may take longer to experience symptoms. The intense portion of the withdrawal phase usually lasts about two to four weeks, with users reporting anxiety, insomnia, tremors, muscle tension, and nausea symptoms. The intensity of these symptoms often peaks within the first two weeks before gradually beginning to subside.

While the initial withdrawal period can last for a few weeks, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can extend beyond the first phase, lasting anywhere from several months to years. During this period, symptoms tend to come and go, with times of improvement followed by temporary setbacks. The length and severity of withdrawal will often depend on individual factors such as the length of use, dosage, type of benzodiazepine, and health.

Find a Benzo Detox Program Los Angeles Residents Can Access

Due to the dangers of withdrawing from benzos, it’s highly recommended to undergo a benzo detox program Los Angeles residents can access in a professional facility. A medical detox program can help patients safely manage their symptoms to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. A professional addiction treatment center also offers therapy programs to help patients tackle the mental aspects of a benzo addiction after detox concludes. Muse Treatment provides benzo addiction treatment plans that include detox, inpatient treatment services, mental therapy programs, and outpatient aftercare support to ensure our patients receive professional support every step of the way. To learn more about how our Los Angeles addiction treatment facility can get you started on the road to addiction recovery today, please contact Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 to access a customized and medically-supported detox program to overcome benzo addiction today. 

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