Benzodiazepines (commonly known as benzos) are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While they can be effective short-term, prolonged use often leads to dependence. When someone tries to stop or reduce their use after a period of regular use, they may experience benzo withdrawal, which can be both physically and psychologically distressing. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we help individuals in Mississippi safely navigate withdrawal and begin their recovery journey with confidence.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzos include medications such as Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Valium (diazepam). These drugs work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which slows brain activity and produces a calming effect.
Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of benzos and becomes less responsive without them. When use stops suddenly, the central nervous system can become overactive, leading to intense withdrawal symptoms.
How Benzo Dependence Develops
Dependence doesn’t happen overnight. It often begins with a legitimate prescription for anxiety, panic attacks, or sleep disorders. As tolerance builds, the same dose becomes less effective, prompting some users to take more. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on the drug to maintain equilibrium.
Neurologically, long-term benzo use reduces natural GABA production and receptor sensitivity. This means that when someone stops using the drug, there’s a temporary GABA deficit—leading to excessive brain excitability, anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzo withdrawal can range from mild discomfort to severe medical emergencies. Symptoms typically include:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Irritability and mood swings
- Insomnia and vivid dreams
- Sweating and tremors
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea and gastrointestinal issues
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Psychological symptoms can last much longer than physical ones. Many individuals report depression, derealization, and cognitive fog weeks after physical symptoms resolve.
The Withdrawal Timeline
Benzo withdrawal isn’t the same for everyone. The severity and duration depend on factors such as:
- Which benzo was used (short-acting vs. long-acting)
- Dosage and frequency
- Duration of use
- Co-occurring substance use or mental health conditions
General timeline:
- Days 1–4: Rebound anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and irritability. Seizure risk is highest.
- Days 5–14: Symptoms intensify before gradually subsiding. Depression, nausea, tremors, and cravings may continue.
- Week 3 and beyond: Emotional symptoms like anxiety and insomnia may persist. Some individuals experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) lasting for months.
What Is PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
PAWS refers to lingering psychological and cognitive symptoms that can continue for weeks or even months after benzo cessation. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression or mood swings
- Low stress tolerance
- Insomnia
- Social withdrawal
While PAWS can be discouraging, it’s treatable. Structured therapy, peer support, medication management, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce its intensity over time.
Why You Shouldn’t Quit Benzos Cold Turkey
Benzo withdrawal can be life-threatening, especially when stopped abruptly. Seizures, hallucinations, and cardiac complications are real risks. That’s why medically supervised detox is essential.
At-home withdrawal is not recommended. In fact, abrupt cessation can cause more damage to the brain and increase the risk of relapse. A tapering protocol managed by medical professionals is the safest way to reduce dependency.
A Safe Medical Detox Program
At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center’s detox program, we provide 24/7 medical monitoring, symptom relief, and psychological support to make withdrawal safer and more comfortable.
Treatment often includes:
- Gradual tapering of the benzo
- Non-addictive medications for sleep and anxiety
- Nutritional support and hydration
- Onsite mental health care
Our team understands how frightening withdrawal can be—and we’re here to walk with you through every stage.
Therapy After Detox: Rewiring the Brain
After detox, healing is far from over. That’s when structured therapy begins. Many individuals benefit from:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
- Group Therapy: To connect with others who understand the struggle.
- Trauma-Informed Counseling: To address underlying causes of substance use.
- Mindfulness and Stress Management: To retrain the brain’s response to triggers.
We also provide access to our intensive outpatient program, which offers structured recovery without requiring a residential stay.
A Personal Story of Benzo Withdrawal
After two years of using Xanax for anxiety, Sarah (name changed for privacy) found herself needing higher doses just to function. When she tried to stop on her own, she experienced seizures and panic attacks so intense she thought she was dying. At MSDATC, she received a medically managed taper, therapeutic support, and a new toolbox of coping skills. Today, she is more than a year sober and mentors others who are early in their recovery journey.
Start Healing Safely
If you or someone you love is struggling with benzo withdrawal, know that help is available. You don’t have to go through this alone. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you safely detox and rebuild your life.
Reach out now to begin the first step toward lasting recovery.
(855) 334-6120
MississippiDATC.com
13251 Reece Bergeron Road, Biloxi, MS 39532
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect During Detox