How dangerous are benzo withdrawal symptoms? Benzos are prescription medications—so you might be surprised to learn that withdrawal symptoms can be deadly. You should always seek help from drug and alcohol detox programs in Mississippi at Woodland Recovery Center if you’re experiencing benzo withdrawal symptoms.
Woodland Recovery Center offers a range of addiction treatment programs, including benzo detox and treatment. Give us a call today at 662.222.2989 to learn more about the programs at Woodland Recovery Center.
What Are Benzos?
Benzos—short for benzodiazepines—are a commonly used type of prescription medication. Benzos are often prescribed as a short-term treatment for anxiety. They’re also used to treat panic attacks and insomnia. Some of the most commonly used benzos include:
- Alprazolam (brand name Xanax)
- Diazepam (brand name Valium)
- Lorazepam (brand name Ativan)
- Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin
Unfortunately, even taking a benzo prescription as directed can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Benzos are also frequently used as recreational drugs. Dangerously combining benzos with alcohol is a common practice, especially among college-aged young adults.
Benzos should only ever be taken as directed by a doctor. But even if you follow dosage instructions, you still might fight yourself developing a dependence, which typically leads to withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug.
The Dangers of Benzo Withdrawal
Do you understand how dangerous benzo withdrawal symptoms are? Benzos produce a euphoric, relaxing sensation. They result in a sense of peacefulness or tiredness, which is why they’re often used to treat anxiety and sleep issues. The effect of benzos occurs because of how they interact with the nervous system. Benzos are a depressant. They slow down heart rate and breathing rate. They also have a tendency to slow down racing thoughts and bring a sense of calmness.
However, benzo withdrawal is dangerous because benzos can be an effective short-term aid for anxiety. As a person’s body adjusts to the effects of benzos on respiratory and cardiovascular functions, abruptly stopping benzo use can result in unexpected and sometimes serious consequences. Some of the more severe dangers of benzo withdrawal include seizures, psychosis, and heart issues.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzo dependence is often the result of recreational benzo use. However, it’s possible to experience severe withdrawal symptoms even after taking benzos as a prescribed medication. Individuals react differently to different drugs. This means that if two people are given the same dose, one might have no problem, while the other may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms of benzo withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Delirium
- Shaking and tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional changes
Although benzos are often prescribed to treat mental health concerns, stopping use often has the opposite effect. It’s common for benzo withdrawal to trigger mental health challenges that may require professional intervention. It doesn’t matter whether you took benzos as prescribed—if you’re experiencing benzo withdrawal symptoms, you must contact a professional detox center immediately to avoid serious or deadly health complications.
Find Relief with Treatment for Benzo Use at Woodland Recovery Center
If you’re still wondering, “How dangerous are benzo withdrawal symptoms?” the answer is: very. You should never try to ignore or push through withdrawal symptoms. Seeking out professional help makes the detox process easier and less uncomfortable. More importantly, it reduces the risk of experiencing serious health complications.
Woodland Recovery Center offers full-spectrum care for benzo dependence. Our programs included detox, inpatient and outpatient care, and aftercare to support your ongoing recovery from benzo dependence. We also provide support for co-occurring conditions like anxiety. Contact us at 662.222.2989 today to get help with benzo withdrawal symptoms at Woodland Recovery Center.
