The Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, a class of pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed in the United Kingdom, play a vital role in managing conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms. While these medications offer effective short-term relief, they have an addictive potential not to be underestimated. Benzodiazepines are classified as highly addictive medications. In the long run, they can cause both physical and psychological changes that will interfere with life quality. Quitting benzodiazepines is the wise thing to do but withdrawal with these drugs is a real thing. Understanding the symptoms of withdrawal and knowing that coping strategies do exist will allow for an easier and smoother transition towards sober living.

What Benzodiazepines Are Prescribed in the UK and Why?

In the United Kingdom, benzodiazepines are widely prescribed to address a range of medical conditions. These medications are known for their calming and sedative effects, are often considered essential in the management of anxiety, insomnia, and muscle disorders. Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Temazepam (Restoril)
• Nitrazepam (Mogadon)

However, benzos have a strong potential for addiction, and at The Providence Projects we often see people needing addiction treatment for a dependence on benzodiazepine medications after having been prescribed a pill form this group by a licensed professional for a reliable reason. Abusing a medication can bring about multiple complications, including physical dependence.

Street Benzos Bringing More Dangerous Effects to Users in Scotland

Recently, new psychoactive substances (NPS) with benzodiazepine-like properties have surfaced in Scotland. Unlike traditional diazepam, these ‘street benzos’ often contain NPS benzodiazepines like etizolam. They are frequently sold as loose, pressed pills, sometimes disguised in counterfeit packaging designed to mimic legitimate medications.

Street benzos may be mislabelled as diazepam and are commonly referred to by generic terms like ‘vallies,’ ‘blues,’ and ‘benzos.’ Most street benzos in the UK are classified as Class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). For those seeking information on the content of street benzos in Scotland, the Welsh Emerging Drug Identification Service (WEDINOS) offers an online drug-checking service. Additionally, the charity Crew provides resources and support for individuals dealing with street benzos, focusing on harm reduction and awareness.

For those seeking information on the content of street benzos in Scotland, the Welsh Emerging Drug Identification Service (WEDINOS) offers an online drug checking service. Additionally, the charity Crew provides resources and support for individuals dealing with street benzos, focusing on harm reduction and awareness.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Medications

The benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological. The severity of these side effects will vary from one person to another. Generally speaking, the longer you have been using benzodiazepines, the more uncomfortable the detox process will be.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms arise due to the brain’s adaptation to prolonged exposure to these sedatives. Benzodiazepines enhance the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms neural activity. With continued use, the brain adjusts by reducing GABA receptor sensitivity and increasing excitatory pathways. When benzodiazepine use is stopped or reduced, this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to withdrawal symptoms. These can range from mild effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and tremors to severe outcomes like seizures, hallucinations, or psychosis. This phenomenon, termed the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, demonstrates the dependence of neural processes on the drug for equilibrium.

At the neurochemical level, withdrawal symptoms reflect a state of heightened neural excitability – the result of suppressed inhibitory pathways and overactive excitatory systems. The study “Benzodiazepine withdrawal: an unfinished story” illustrates how altered GABAergic mechanisms fail to regulate neural firing, producing symptoms like heightened anxiety and sensory sensitivity. Compounding this is a rebound effect in glutamate activity, amplifying neural hyperactivity and increasing the risk of seizures. The severity of withdrawal depends on factors like dosage, duration of use, and whether the benzodiazepine has a short or long half-life. Gradual dose tapering is essential for mitigating severe withdrawal effects, as abrupt cessation poses risks of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Understanding these mechanisms provides critical insights into managing withdrawal safely and effectively.

It’s important to note that benzodiazepine addiction is unlikely to occur whenever you stick to your prescribed medications. Completing a course and discontinuing the use of such medicines will not pose dangers. Prolonged use, however, or taking doses larger than the ones you’ve been prescribed will eventually lead to dependence. People who are dependent and who try to quit will encounter an array of withdrawal symptoms.

Physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Racing pulse
• Seizures

Psychological withdrawal symptoms include:

• Visual and auditory disturbances
• Slurry speech
• Brain fog and cognitive impairment
• Loss of memory
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Hallucinations

The safest way to stop taking benzos is to follow a medically prescribed detox regime where you gradually reduce your intake, or rely on replacement medications under constant supervision.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be very dangerous when not monitored by professionals. Tapering, or safely reducing the number of benzos you take, should be overseen by a medical professional. Otherwise, there is a risk that people who quit benzodiazepines without a structured tapering regime may go into life-threatening seizures, delirium, and other serious symptoms that can significantly harm their health and prevent them from being able to call for help.

While all of the information on withdrawal symptoms may seem overwhelming, we promise that quitting is possible and success will often be hidden around the corner. In our 25+ years of practicing, we’ve helped more than 10,000 people overcome problems with addiction. Some of these people have struggled with benzodiazepines and we can confidently confirm that our therapeutic approach helped them turn their lives around.

Getting Help for Benzodiazepine Dependence

The Providence Projects team is ready to guide you through the benzodiazepine withdrawal process, as well as all through all of the subsequent recovery stages. Seeking professional help for benzodiazepine withdrawals is a critical step towards ensuring a safe and successful recovery journey. At the Providence Projects, we offer expert detoxification options in Bournemouth, serving as a beacon of hope and expertise for individuals in need. Our team of healthcare professionals is experienced in managing withdrawal symptoms, providing a secure environment for you to embark on your journey to recovery. One of the distinctive aspects of our approach is our commitment to individualised care. We understand that each person’s experience with benzodiazepine withdrawal can be different, and therefore, our detoxification programs are tailored to address your specific needs.

We offer a range of therapeutic interventions, medical supervision, and emotional support to guide you through the withdrawal process. Whether it’s managing anxiety, insomnia, or the physical discomfort that may accompany withdrawal, we have the expertise and resources to assist you in regaining control of your life and building a foundation for a benzodiazepine-free future.
If you or a loved one is considering professional help for benzodiazepine withdrawals in Bournemouth, our dedicated team is ready to provide the support and care needed to navigate this challenging journey towards recovery.