Benzodiazepines like diazepam, chlordiazepoxide and lorazepam are prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal, but they can be addictive. This usually happens when they’re taken for more than four weeks.
While doctors do manage benzodiazepine prescriptions to reduce the chances of addiction, many people then turn to street benzos like etizolam, which can be sold in counterfeit packaging or loose in bags.
If you’ve found yourself dependent on benzos, the first step towards recovery is detox. Detox is the process of stopping the drugs and managing your withdrawal symptoms.
Coming off benzodiazepines too quickly can be life-threatening, as you could experience serious withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
Find out how you can navigate benzo detox in Leeds safely and comfortably.
Safely detoxing from benzodiazepines looks different for everyone. While some people may be able to detox under the care of a GP, others require more support. Whichever route to detox you take, safe benzo detox in Leeds will follow this process:
Your doctor should also assess the illness that caused you to first begin taking the benzodiazepines. They may decide to treat this first before your detox, to ensure it doesn’t worsen.
Once you’ve completed detox, the drug will have left your system and your body will have adjusted, which means you’re now safe to be discharged from medical care.
However, detox is only the first step of recovery. A holistic recovery provider can offer further treatment to address the psychological side of addiction, root causes, and help you build a solid foundation for recovery and prevent relapse.
If you’ve become physically dependent on benzodiazepines by taking them for a prolonged period, your brain and body will have adjusted to their presence. Abruptly stopping can send your nervous system into shock, causing dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Benzos work by acting as a sedative for the brain and muscles. They’re known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists, which have relaxant properties.[1] The longer you take them, and the higher your dose, the more your body will rely on them to keep your nervous system working normally.
If you quit cold turkey, your body will struggle to keep your nervous system working, which can result in severe withdrawal symptoms like suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and seizures, which can be deadly.
This is why you should only begin detox under the instruction of a healthcare provider who has checked that it’s the right time for you to stop, and that you have the right support to do so safely.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include emotional difficulties and physical symptoms which can range from mild to severe. Benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
If you have a mild addiction, you may only experience mild withdrawal symptoms. If you have a high level of dependence, you’re more likely to experience riskier detox complications.
These will be managed by your detox provider with medical monitoring, support and possibly medication.
Residential rehab offers an inpatient service where you temporarily move into your treatment centre while you detox. This offers the most safety and security, as you will receive 24/7 medical monitoring and support to ensure any withdrawal complications are managed carefully.
These are private facilities, but many major healthcare insurers cover detox fees. Check your policy to find out if this covers detox funding. It’s also possible to get funding through NHS services, but you will need to meet strict criteria, and join a long waiting list.
Residential rehabs also offer the opportunity to receive ongoing rehabilitation treatment and aftercare after detox.
Forward Leeds can offer you an assessment to look at whether detox is safe at home through community services or if you require a referral to an inpatient setting. You can also get addiction support through Addictions Plus.
Outpatient benzo detox allows you to detox at home. You’ll receive help managing preparation for your detox, planning and regular check-ins and support. Outpatient detox can include tapering.[2]
Private rehabs also offer outpatient detox, which can be done in stand-alone accommodation away from your home.
No matter which detox route you take, it’s important to be seen by a doctor or addiction specialist to ensure you receive the right path for you.
Detox is just the first stage of recovery from benzos. To sustain sobriety into long-term recovery, it’s really important to investigate what the causes of your addiction are.
Emotional difficulties and lifestyle factors can contribute to benzo dependence, as can undiagnosed conditions like insomnia, depression or anxiety. Finding alternative ways to treat the illnesses you were taking benzos for can give you better coping strategies.
Therapy, relapse prevention planning and aftercare can help you build a strong foundation and prevent relapse.
Making the first move towards recovery is brave. The sooner you seek help, the easier your recovery will be, so you’re making the right choice.
Never try benzo detox without a medical opinion, and always seek urgent advice if your symptoms escalate.
Once you’ve decided which detox route you want to persue, either make an appointment with your GP or contact a private detox provider.
Rehab4Addiction offer advice and referrals to private rehabs. To find out how you can enrol into benzo detox in Leeds, call 0800 140 4690, or +44 345 222 3508 from abroad.
Below, we outline some frequently asked questions around the benzo detox process in Leeds:
Benzo detox can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of benzodiazepine and severity of your dependence. If you need a tapered detox, this can also take longer.
If you’re dependent on a short-acting benzo, you may be prescribed a benzodiadepine with a longer half-life during your taper. Only healthcare professionals can determine this. Your detox plan will be decided after your assessment.
Yes, outpatient detox gives you the flexibility to carry on with your daily responsibilities like work or education. However, some people may require a more focused approach. Ask your healthcare provider if you want to be assessed for outpatient suitability.
[1] https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/benzodiazepine-z-drug-withdrawal/
