Many people begin taking benzodiazepines after being prescribed them by a doctor for anxiety, insomnia, panic disorders or seizures, but they can be addictive.
When you take benzodiazepines regularly, your body adjusts to their sedative and relaxant effects. If you’ve been taking benzos for more than four weeks, you may have developed a physical dependence on them.
When you have a physical dependence on benzos, it can be dangerous to stop taking them without a medical plan because your nervous system can come under strain, causing withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening in extreme cases.
If you’re struggling to manage your use of diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide or another benzodiazepine, a medically-managed benzo detox can help you come off benzos safely.
Your detox process will depend on whether you choose private or statutory-funded rehab, whether you’re an inpatient or an outpatient, and how much medical care you need. You may be recommended a tapered detox, which is where you gradually reduce your dose of benzodiazepines.
Every detox path should begin with a medical assessment. Be honest about how high the dose of benzos is that you’re currently taking, whether you use any other substances or alcohol, and give your doctor or healthcare provider some background about your physical and mental health.
Routes to detox in Manchester include:
Detox duration varies a lot from person to person. If you have a mild benzo dependence, you may be able to detox in as little as 10 days. If you have a severe benzo dependence or if you taper, your detox could last several months. Always follow the timeline your doctor has given.
Benzodiazepine detox can be not only uncomfortable and difficult to manage, but it can actually be risky for people with severe dependence. You should always seek medical advice before coming off benzos to ensure you don’t suffer life-threatening withdrawal complications.
Benzodiazepines significantly alter your brain’s chemistry, acting as a depressant on your nervous system. When you take a large dose of benzos for a prolonged period, your nervous system adapts to its presence, shifting towards a more excited state.
When you stop benzodiazepines, your body can go into shock from this heightened state, creating a physiological reliance. [1]
Short-acting benzodiazepines like loprazolam, oxazepam and temazepam are particularly difficult to detox from because they leave the body quickly, making the onset withdrawal symptoms sooner, and more intense.
If you also drink alcohol or take other substances alongside benzos, you’re at a higher risk of complications.
There are a few common and more serious withdrawal symptoms you could encounter during benzo detox to be aware of. People with mild benzodiazepine dependence will be more likely to have milder symptoms, and this is also true if you’re prescribed a tapered benzo detox programme.
Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include:
If you have a high level of physical dependence on the benzodiazepine you’re taking, you may be more likely to also experience severe withdrawal symptoms:
If you do experience any of these red-flag risks, alert your detox provider, or seek urgent medical help.
Detox is an important step towards recovery from benzodiazepines, but it is only the beginning of the journey. Without ongoing rehabilitation and aftercare, you are at higher risk of cravings, emotional difficulties and relapse.
To give yourself the best chance of successful long-term recovery, you should receive some ongoing treatment that looks at how your addiction began, and any mental health problems that contributed to your addiction.
Dual diagnosis care like therapy and anxiety management can help you understand your feelings better and discover alternative coping strategies.
Peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous Manchester and SMART Recovery Manchester offer in-person community recovery support across Manchester.
Aftercare planning, relapse prevention and rebuilding daily routines can also help you manage addiction triggers, change your daily habits and create an environment that aligns with your sobriety.
You should also ensure that any physical health conditions that you initially started taking benzos for are treated with alternative medication or care like sleep support for insomnia, so ensure you speak to your doctor about this.
Signs that you may need help for your benzodiazepine use include taking more than you’ve been prescribed, trying and failing to cut down, or feeling unable to cope. If you’re showing any of these signs of dependence, you may need detox in order to come off benzos.
Rehab 4 Addiction offer free, confidential and non-judgemental advice about detox options for benzodiazepines. Our friendly helpline staff can also refer you to top rehabs in Manchester. Call 0800 140 4690, or +44 345 222 3508 from abroad.
Below, we outline some frequently asked questions around this important topic:
Some people are able to continue working while detoxing from benzos. If you’re able to get a GP-led or outpatient detox, you may be able to work, but always follow your doctor’s detox plan. Consider your job demands. If your withdrawal symptoms make working difficult, you may benefit from a break while you detox.
Yes. Family members of people going through benzo detox in Manchester can seek support from family therapy. Recovery groups like NA Manchester often allow family members to come along to certain meetings. Understanding more about addiction can help you to support your loved one.
Benzo relapse doesn’t mean your treatment has failed. The sooner you begin your recovery again, the easier it will be this time. Seek help early by following your relapse prevention plan if you have one, and re-engage with Manchester addiction support services.
