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Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription tranquilizer typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety-related disorders and persistent sleep issues like insomnia. Commonly prescribed brand name benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin, and all benzodiazepines have a high potential for misuse. Even when taken as prescribed by a licensed medical professional, daily benzodiazepine use can progress into a physical and psychological dependence over time. Benzodiazepine addiction is relatively common, considering high prescription rates throughout the U.S. and widespread accessibility of prescription medications.

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If you or someone you love has been misusing a benzodiazepine medication or has been struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. We have developed a medical detox program that takes all possible symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal into consideration. In addition to effectively treating physical and psychological symptoms as soon as they develop, we prepare our clients to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. To learn more about our medical detox program or to begin your personal journey of healing, contact us today.

 What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription medication; a central nervous system tranquilizer that works to reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and produce sedation. There are currently around 15 FDA-approved benzodiazepines in the U.S. including medications like diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, and clonazepam. Benzodiazepines can be broken down into three distinctive categories: ultra short-acting, short-acting, and long-acting. When taken as prescribed, these medications are typically effective and safe to use. However, when taken in higher doses than recommended or when combined with other medications or recreational substances, benzodiazepine use can lead to serious health concerns, including overdose. 

When taken at regular doses to reduce anxiety or induce sleep, benzodiazepine medications are usually well-tolerated but can result in side effects like dizziness, excessive drowsiness, and lack of coordination. When taking a benzodiazepine it is important to follow the directions of your prescribing physician, and if you feel as if you might be developing a dependence, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Side Effects of Benzodiazepines

Common side effects associated with benzodiazepine use include dizziness and increased drowsiness. It is important to avoid driving or operating other heavy machinery after taking a benzodiazepine, seeing as coordination can be compromised. When taken other than as prescribed, serious side effects can develop. These side effects might include:

  • Muscle weakness.
  • Confusion.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Light-headedness. 
  • Memory problems. 
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Constipation.
  • Persistent headaches. 
  • Low blood pressure. 
  • Incontinence and difficulty urinating. 
  • Changes in sexual desire. 

One of the most significant side effects associated with benzodiazepine use is the development of a dependence, which can easily transition into a substance use disorder when left unaddressed. 

Signs of Benzodiazepine Abuse

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines the signs and symptoms associated with drug addiction. If you have two or more of the following symptoms, reaching out for some degree of professional help is a good idea. 

  1. You use benzodiazepines more often than you intend to in higher doses than intended. 
  2. You have attempted to cut back or quit on your own with limited success. 
  3. You spend a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of benzodiazepines. 
  4. You often experience intense cravings for benzodiazepines. 
  5. You have started to neglect personal obligations and responsibilities because of your benzodiazepine use. 
  6. You have experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your benzodiazepine use (issues with friends and family). 
  7. You neglect activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed in order to use benzodiazepines.
  8. You engage in risk-taking behaviors while under the influence of benzodiazepines, like combining benzodiazepines with other chemical substances or driving while intoxicated. 
  9. You continue to use benzodiazepines despite worsening symptoms of a pre-existing physical or mental health issue. 
  10.  You develop a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose of the medication is required in order for the desired effects to be produced. 
  11.  You experience withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop using benzodiazepines.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Overdose

Rates of benzodiazepine overdose have been on the rise in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nationwide supply of illicit benzodiazepines has increased since 2019. From 2019 to 2020, emergency room visits related to benzodiazepine overdose increased by nearly 25 percent, both with and without opioid involvement. From January to June 2020, nearly 93 percent of all benzodiazepine overdoses also involved an opioid narcotic. Nearly 67 percent of overdoses involved fentanyl, a synthetic opioid — the majority of this fentanyl was illicitly manufactured and sold. 

If a person experiences a benzodiazepine overdose, it is important that professional medical help is sought immediately. Symptoms associated with benzodiazepine overdose include:

  • Impaired cognitive ability/disorientation. 
  • Respiratory depression. 
  • Slurred speech.
  • Excessive drowsiness or lack of consciousness. 
  • Coma. 

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Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal vary in severity depending on the frequency of use and the amount taken on a daily basis. Both physical and psychological symptoms can be severe when left untreated, and certain physical withdrawal symptoms can prove life-threatening in the case of severe benzodiazepine use disorders. 

Symptoms commonly associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

  • Insomnia and other sleep disturbances. 
  • Increased symptoms of anxiety, including panic attacks. 
  • Increased agitation and irritability. 
  • Hand tremors. 
  • Nausea, vomiting, and dry retching. 
  • Profuse sweating/night sweats.
  • Difficulties concentrating. 
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss. 
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Perception changes, 
  • Muscular and joint pain and stiffness. 

In more severe cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal, serious health-related complications like seizures are possible, and incidences of psychosis have been reported. It is crucial for symptoms to be closely monitored by a team of professionals in a safe, structured environment. 

In the majority of cases the withdrawal period can be broken down into three distinctive stages: early stage withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and late stage withdrawal. If a person seeks professional help before acute withdrawal begins, symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 14 days. Symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, like rebound anxiety, might continue for months unless adequately treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. 

  1. Early Stage Withdrawal — Mild or moderate anxiety and/or insomnia might begin within 8 to 24 hours after the final dose and last for between 1 and 4 days. 
  2. Acute Withdrawal — During this stage of the withdrawal process, physical and psychological symptoms peak in severity and can last for between 10 and 14 days. 
  3. Late Stage Withdrawal — During this stage of the withdrawal process more serious symptoms begin to subside, though a person might experience mood disruptions and lingering psychological symptoms for several months. 

Benzodiazepine Detox

Benzodiazepine detox is important for several reasons. First of all, it is crucial that all symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal are closely monitored in a medical environment. This way symptoms can be effectively treated as soon as they develop. Secondly, seeking care from a medical detox center ensures individualized, comprehensive treatment. Those who detox in a traditional hospital setting or state-funded detox center are typically monitored, medicated, and sent on their way. In a privately-owned center like Princeton Detox & Recovery Center, clients are treated on a highly individualized basis and they have access to a range of services, including individual, group, and family therapy, case management, and aftercare planning. Finally, medical benzodiazepine detox prepares clients to take the next step on their journeys of addiction recovery, preparing them for the road ahead while guiding them through a safe and comfortable withdrawal. 

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Benzodiazepine Treatment Options

The treatment methods utilized during benzodiazepine detox vary on a person-to-person basis, though a combination of tapering and comfort medications are generally most effective. When a person is tapered off of a medication their dosage is slowly reduced over time, preventing the central nervous system from going into shock and eliminating the risk of more serious physical symptoms. In addition to tapering, medical detox centers like Princeton Detox & Recovery Center often utilize over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, therapeutic interventions, and proven holistic modalities.

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Recovery Is Possible

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a benzodiazepine use disorder of any severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our medically monitored detox program was designed with client comfort in mind. We provide our clients with a safe, pain-free benzodiazepine withdrawal in a therapeutic setting, actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help you will be put in contact with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors, who will help you determine whether or not our benzodiazepine detox program is right for you. If we believe our program is a good fit, we will proceed with a brief pre-assessment and a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check. We accept coverage from most major national health insurance providers as well as most regional providers throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. To learn more about benzodiazepine addiction and treatment or to begin your own personal journey of benzodiazepine addiction recovery, contact us today. 

Benzodiazepine FAQs

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down the central nervous system and produces a calming, sedative effect. When GABA is released, anxiety is calmed, making benzodiazepines the medication of choice among those suffering from moderate or severe anxiety disorders.

There are several factors which affect how long a benzodiazepine medication like Valium, Xanax, or Klonopin stays in the system. These factors include what dose of the medication was being taken on a daily basis, whether or not other chemical substances were being simultaneously used, and whether or not there are any underlying, pre-existing medical conditions. Most benzodiazepines stay in the system for around 5 days, though Valium can stay in the system for between 10 and 30 days.

Yes, benzodiazepines are highly addictive. The calming effect produced by the medication can be addictive in and of itself. Additionally, the more the drug is introduced to the brain and central nervous system, the more they will adapt to its presence, leading to the development of a physical tolerance and to withdrawal.

Benzodiazepines are not opiates — they are a completely separate class of chemical substance. However, benzodiazepines and opiates are often combined, increasing the risk of drug-related overdose.

The duration of benzodiazepine withdrawal depends largely on the severity of the substance use disorder, though as a general rule physical stabilization is achieved at between 7 and 14 days after the final dose.

Amanda Hilzer

Reviewed for accuracy by:

Amanda Hilzer M.Ed, CAADC, IADAC, ICCS, LCADC, CCS


Amanda graduated from Lehigh University with both an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Education degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked in the field of substance use disorder treatment and mental health treatment as a counselor and as a clinical manager for over 14 years.

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7034a2.htm