Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline and Treatment

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Treatment

Castle Craig provides specialised care for benzodiazepine withdrawal, offering compassionate support and proven treatment strategies for recovery.

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Page Clinically Reviewed on 18 July 202427 August 2025 by Kerry Canning, MBChB | Medical Editor

Benzodiazepines are sedative medications that are used to treat severe cases of anxiety and/or insomnia. They are indicated for short-term (2–4 weeks) relief only and should be reserved for serious cases where symptoms are disabling or leading to significant distress.¹  

Benzodiazepines vary in their onset of action and duration of effect, but can assist in relieving symptoms within 30–90 minutes. Commonly prescribed examples of benzodiazepines are diazepam (Valium), lorazepam and alprazolam (Xanax). Prolonged use is not recommended due to their addictive potential when used for longer than 4 weeks.²

Withdrawing from benzodiazepines can be a difficult process and is often accompanied by a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. These may include pain, tremors, nausea, anxiety, depression and confusion. Cognitive issues such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating can also occur during prescription tranquiliser withdrawal.³

Whilst managing these symptoms can be challenging, there are effective strategies and professional support available to help you. If you or someone you know requires detox for sedative withdrawal, we encourage you to reach out to Castle Craig today on 01721 546 263. Our help centre staff will answer any questions you have about our on-site inpatient benzodiazepine detox, designed to make the process as safe, manageable and comfortable as possible.

What Does “Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms” Mean? 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms occur when someone stops using medications like diazepam or other sedatives after regular use. The body and brain, having adapted to the presence of these substances, must readjust to functioning without them. This adjustment period creates both physical and psychological challenges that can significantly impact daily life and wellbeing.

Understanding withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines is essential for anyone considering recovery. The experience can be complex and unpredictable, often lasting weeks or months, making it difficult to manage alone. Professional medical support provides essential guidance during this vulnerable period, offering supervised tapering programmes and therapeutic interventions that improve safety, comfort and the likelihood of successful long-term recovery from benzo dependence.

Key Takeaways

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Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal 

If you are attempting to stop benzodiazepines, understanding the withdrawal symptoms is an essential first step towards successful recovery. These withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration, depending on the duration of use and the type of benzodiazepine you have been using.

It’s important to be aware that this process is different for everyone. Whilst some may experience mild withdrawal symptoms, others may have more severe problems. These can include psychological symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, irritability and even depression.³ Managing the symptoms of withdrawal is not just about getting through the physical discomfort, but also involves coping with the psychological side effects of stopping benzodiazepines.

Physical Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Detoxification

The physical symptoms of coming off benzodiazepine medicine can vary in intensity and duration and can depend on various factors. These factors include type, dose and duration of benzodiazepine use, rate of withdrawal, use of other medications and characteristics specific to the user, including underlying health conditions and personality traits. Depending on these factors, individuals can experience different types and severities of withdrawal symptoms. For example, an individual taking a short-acting benzodiazepine can experience side effects within several hours; however, for long-acting preparations, symptoms can arise up to three weeks after the drug is stopped.  

The physical symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can include ^3,4 :

• Head and/or neck pain 
• Headaches
• Dizziness 
• Blurred or double vision 
• Tremors or muscle twitches
• Seizures 
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal cramps 
• Changes in appetite and/or weight 
• Physical symptoms of anxiety such as chest tightness, heart palpitations, sweating and shaking
• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia and nightmares.

These physical side effects can occur during the initial or acute benzo withdrawal phase, which typically lasts for a few weeks. However, some people may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that persist for months or even years after stopping benzodiazepine use. This is known as Benzodiazepine Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome (PWS) or Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Protracted symptoms can include a burning sensation in the limbs, ongoing pain, persistent muscle jerks and gastrointestinal problems.^3,5

Psychological Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal 

Beyond the physical discomfort, individuals can experience a range of psychological symptoms when withdrawing from benzodiazepines. These symptoms, part of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, can be challenging but understanding them can help you navigate this difficult process. 

Psychological symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can include ^3,4 :

• Anxiety: You may feel an overwhelming sense of dread or worry, often without a clear cause. This heightened anxiety can lead to panic attacks, where you feel an intense fear that often comes with physical symptoms like a racing heart, feeling faint, nausea and trembling⁶
• Changes in mood: Some individuals can experience states of low mood, such as mild to moderate depression when withdrawing from benzodiazepines. Others can feel restless, irritable or aggressive
• Confusion or psychosis: In severe cases, individuals can lose touch with reality, perceiving things that no one else can or holding strong false beliefs
• Altered thought patterns: Obsessional or paranoid thoughts can arise during withdrawal, which can be incredibly distressing for individuals 
• Cognitive changes: Memory loss and poor concentration can occur, possibly due to functional or structural changes within the brain⁵ 

If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, please reach out and seek professional help. You’re not alone, and there are resources available to support you through the journey to recovery.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline

Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine an exact course or timeline of events in benzodiazepine withdrawal. Every individual’s journey will differ in terms of the symptoms they experience and the duration of these withdrawal effects. However, three possible phases of withdrawal have been identified, which can help to distinguish between early and later processes. 

The benzodiazepine withdrawal timeline can be divided into three phases:

• Immediate or early withdrawal:
  • Symptoms appearing shortly after benzodiazepine use is stopped are sometimes called rebound symptoms.
  • These symptoms can resemble the condition that the benzodiazepine was initially prescribed to treat, e.g., anxiety or insomnia.
  • Rebound symptoms can occur more commonly with short-acting drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam) as they remain in the body for a shorter amount of time.
  • Drug tapering, where the dose of the drug is reduced gradually over time, may help alleviate rebound symptoms.
• Acute withdrawal:
  • Most withdrawal symptoms occur during this phase.
  • This phase typically lasts between 5–28 days.
  • Symptoms can begin a few days after stopping benzodiazepine use and can last for several months.
  • This phase can necessitate medical intervention to manage problematic symptoms.
• Protracted withdrawal:
  • Lingering withdrawal symptoms, also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)⁵, can occur in some cases.
  • Research has shown that up to 25% of individuals using benzodiazepines over extended periods experience protracted withdrawal, with symptoms lasting for 12 months or more.
  • Treatment options for this phase of withdrawal can feature therapy and/or medical management.

It’s important to note that withdrawal can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. If you’re considering stopping benzodiazepines, it’s essential to do so under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can guide you through the process safely.⁷

Risks Associated With Prescription Sedative Withdrawal 

It’s important to consider the risk factors that can intensify the benzo detoxification process. The following are some risk factors that may affect the severity and duration of side effects:

• Long-term use: Prolonged use of benzodiazepines  increases the risk of severe and/or extended withdrawal symptoms 
• Benzodiazepine misuse: Using a benzodiazepine without a prescription or not following prescribed instructions, can lead to more serious symptoms of withdrawal. This also applies to suddenly stopping the medication, which is not recommended
• Co-occurring mental health conditions: If an individual has an underlying condition like anxiety or depression, they may experience more severe or prolonged withdrawal symptoms 
• Polydrug misuse: Substance misuse involving multiple drugs can complicate the withdrawal process and increase its severity

It is important to remember that withdrawal should never be attempted without medical supervision. It’s fundamental to seek professional help to ensure greater safety and a more comfortable detox process.⁷

Can You Detox from Benzodiazepines at Home?

You might be wondering if it’s possible to detox from benzodiazepines at home. It’s important to know that attempting this without professional medical supervision can come with very high risks. Benzodiazepine dependence is a serious condition, and the symptoms of withdrawal can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

While home detox can seem like a convenient and private option, it doesn’t provide the same level of safety as a medically managed detoxification programme. At home, you won’t have access to immediate medical intervention if withdrawal symptoms become severe. This lack of immediate care can lead to dangerous situations.

A safer alternative is gradual dose reduction (i.e., benzo drug tapering) under medical supervision. This process involves slowly lowering the dose of the drug over time, which can help to minimise withdrawal symptoms.⁷

Contact Castle Craig Benzodiazepine Detox Centre

:Castle Craig is located in West Linton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH46 7DH. Our serene surroundings in the Scottish Borders provide the ideal privacy for a focused recovery from benzo misuse, while the secure and private environment supports your progress towards a healthier future.

 

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Professional Withdrawal Management and Treatment for Benzodiazepines

Professional benzodiazepine withdrawal treatment provides safe, medically supervised care to help manage the often challenging symptoms of stopping drugs such as diazepam, lorazepam or alprazolam. In dedicated detox facilities across the UK, patients can begin recovery in a controlled environment with 24-hour medical support, gradual tapering programmes and access to addiction therapy to reduce relapse risk.

Benzo withdrawal treatment prepares individuals for ongoing rehab by addressing both the physical dependence and psychological factors that contribute to addiction. Comprehensive benzodiazepines withdrawal treatment often includes specialised medication management and post acute withdrawal syndrome treatment to support those experiencing prolonged symptoms. This integrated approach to treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal ensures patients receive the compassionate care and clinical expertise needed for successful long-term recovery.

Benefits of Medical Prescription Drug Detox 

Clinical detox offers a medically managed route for prescription drug withdrawal. This first step in recovery provides the necessary support to discontinue benzodiazepine use safely. In a supervised setting, skilled medical professionals are available to monitor and manage evolving withdrawal symptoms and make timely adjustments to treatment. By slowly tapering off benzo medication, this approach facilitates the careful management of severe withdrawal symptoms.⁷ 

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment After Detox

Inpatient detox sets a strong foundation for recovery; however, the journey does not end there. It is equally important to continue engaging in recovery strategies after benzodiazepine detox. A benzodiazepine addiction treatment programme ensures a comprehensive approach to your ongoing care, involving individual psychotherapy, group therapy, 12-step therapy, and lifestyle coaching.

A continuing benzodiazepine addiction treatment plan might include ^7,8 :

Getting Help for Sedative Medication Withdrawal at Castle Craig

Seeking help for benzodiazepine addiction is a courageous step, and Castle Craig is committed to making the admissions process as smooth and supportive as possible. The first step is to contact Castle Craig’s admissions team on 01721 546 263 for a free and confidential phone call. During the initial consultation, you can discuss your concerns, ask questions and get a clear understanding of what treatment involves.

The admissions team will conduct a drug addiction assessment to evaluate your medical history, addiction severity and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment is reviewed by our Consultant Psychiatrist and helps to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our team ensures that the process is straightforward and that all necessary information is collected to facilitate a smooth transition into the treatment programme.

Medically Managed Benzo Detox

Benzo detoxification is a critical first step in recovering from benzodiazepine addiction. Castle Craig offers a medically managed detox programme that prioritises safety and comfort. The detox process at our clinic is managed by a team of experienced medical professionals who provide 24-hour care. This support is valuable as benzodiazepine withdrawal can be challenging and sometimes dangerous if not properly managed.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Therapy Programme

As benzodiazepine detoxification can take many weeks, the therapy programme begins as soon as the patient is stable enough. This ensures that any underlying mental health conditions are treated simultaneously, alongside the addiction. Residential rehab delivers both detoxification and addiction counselling for benzodiazepines through a multidisciplinary team working together to meet your needs.

Continuing Care During Outpatient Benzodiazepine Rehab

Continuing care with Castle Craig through our outpatient clinic allows you to receive ongoing support tailored to your needs. Our outpatient resources provide access to experienced professionals who can guide you through each step of your recovery, helping to maintain your progress and prevent relapse.

Reach Out for Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, reaching out for help is crucial. Our team is ready to provide the support and care needed to overcome addiction and build a healthier future. Please don’t hesitate to contact Castle Craig’s admissions team for advice on starting the process. 

CALL NOW: 01721 546 263