Daily benzodiazepine use and abuse can also result in an addiction to benzos. Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be extremely severe, as well as potentially deadly and can often last longer than those of other drugs, such as opiates. Detoxing from benzos is more difficult than detoxing from heroin, and our facility provides Xanax addiction help to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Post-acute withdrawal (PAWS) symptoms associated with benzo addiction can change rapidly, minute-to-minute, even hour-to-hour. When the patient recovers, symptoms can disappear for a few weeks or months, only to return again.
Benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Sensory distortion
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Depression
- Hypersensitivity to touch and pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
Severe benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
- Psychosis
- Epileptic seizures
- Delirium tremens
- Suicidal behavior, particularly in young people
- Hallucinations
The first signs of withdrawal are typically anxiety and insomnia, and can appear within several hours after stopping last use. This depends on how long it takes for the substance to leave the system, and every person is different. Withdrawal symptoms usually appear in 6-8 hours for those taking short-acting benzos, like Xanax and Ativan.
Rebound anxiety and insomnia show up after a couple of days. During this time, patients can experience extreme discomfort from insomnia and increased anxiety is very common. Other symptoms that appear during this time are increased heart and breathing rate, sweating, and nausea. People who used longer-acting benzodiazepines such as Klonipin and Valium start feeling the first signs of withdrawal during this time.
The symptoms of withdrawal can continue on for at least 10-14 days before completely fading away .The withdrawal symptoms tied to longer-acting benzos begin to peak during this time, eventually fading within 3-4 weeks from the date of last use.
People who have been heavily dependent on benzos may experience protracted withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These are random periods of extreme withdrawal symptoms months after quitting. Tapering down benzo use with the help of a doctor or a medical detox can prevent PAWS.
How to get Xanax Addiction Help
If you or someone close to you may be struggling with Xanax addiction or dependence, Rock Recovery Center is here to assist you. We provide our clients with the tools and resources needed to overcome Xanax addiction. Contact us today to learn more.
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