After some time, you become dependent on the drug just to feel normal. With benzos, this can happen after just three to four weeks. While many countries recommend that benzos should only be prescribed for two to four weeks, this advice is largely ignored by doctors and patients. Estimates of long-term use among benzo users range from 25-75%.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
If you suddenly stop taking benzos, you may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. Between 15–44% of chronic benzo users experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, including feelings of anxiety and depression. Sudden withdrawal from benzos can have serious or even life-threatening side effects.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle aches and muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Poor memory and concentration
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Delusions
In severe cases, withdrawal from benzos can result in post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS are symptoms that you still experience more than two weeks after withdrawing from a substance. PAWS symptoms include depression, anxiety, and insomnia and can last for many months.
Medically Assisted Detox
Withdrawing from benzos without professional medical supervision can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous. Medically assisted detox uses various strategies to ease