Is Withdrawal Treatment for Benzodiazepines Dangerous?
Unfortunately, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be extremely dangerous, especially if undertaken without the use of safe, reliable detox in a professional rehab center. In treatment centers that provide this kind of help, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be managed and the severe symptoms can be treated safely.
Call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to find detox options for your substance use disorder.
Symptoms and Treatment of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
According to the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine dependence include:
- Depersonalization
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hypersensitivity
Being honest about the amount of benzodiazepines you were taking can help ensure your safety.
- Sleep disturbances
- Physical tremors
- Seizures
- Panic attacks
- Sweating
- Problems concentration
- Nausea
- Vomiting or dry retching
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Psychotic reactions
In general, it is more likely that the more intense and dangerous symptoms will occur if you have been abusing the drug. However, it is always necessary––even if you were taking the medication exactly as prescribed by a doctor––to seek medical help for benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal.
The treatment goals for these symptoms include:
- Slowly weaning the individual off the drug itself, which both diminishes dependence gradually and minimizes withdrawal symptoms during this time
- Giving the patient other medications to treat any lingering effects associa
ted with withdrawal - Beginning a behavioral therapy program, if possible, that can help patients cope with withdrawal symptoms as well as stress, triggers, and any co-occurring mental disorders
- Ensuring that the patient’s safety comes first at all times before helping them transition into a full addiction treatment program
Is the Treatment of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Dangerous?
Usually, once you are admitted into treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal, your symptoms can be managed safely and without any serious side effects for you. Those who attempt to detox alone from benzodiazepine withdrawal are the ones in serious trouble, as the symptoms can intensify so quickly that many individuals do not have time to reach the help they need when this occurs.
Therefore, it is important to attend professional detox treatment (preferably in an inpatient facility) as soon as you know you will be experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal.
According to the American Journal of Forensic Medical Pathology, some cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal do end in death, but this usually occurs when individuals do not seek the treatment they need or doctors do not know the full story about the patient’s needs before attempting treatment. This is why it is always necessary to be honest with your doctor in rehab treatment.
- Tell your doctor just how high the doses of benzodiazepines you or your loved one was taking. Once your doctor has this information, it will make it easier for them to help you.
- If you have been abusing any other drugs or dangerous substances, it is necessary to be honest about these as well.
- Take your detox medication exactly how your doctor prescribes it in order to avoid any problematic effects.
Seek Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Treatment Now
If you are experiencing or believe you are about to undergo benzodiazepine withdrawal, seek treatment immediately. In a professional detox center, you will not be in the danger you would be in if you attempted to withdraw on your own. Call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) now to find facilities that will be beneficial to your needs.
