Frequently Asked Questions

What is benzodiazepine dependence? 

Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed For anxiety disorder or as a sleep aid and are meant to be for short term use. Most prescribers end up putting patients on benzodiazepines for longer than they should, which results in a need to increase the dosage so that the benzo can maintain its effectiveness. Over time, this creates a benzo brain injury. Benzos work on the GABA receptors in the brain which is the brains “calming” chemical, or break pedal. During benzo usage these neurons stop effectively producing themselves and rely on the medication to release the GABA receptors and to keep the nervous system calm. When you have reached dependence The brain has stopped producing its own GABA and the medication no longer works. This may result in what we call a physical dependence to benzodiazepines. A host of symptoms may become present during this stage, including increased anxiety, heart palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, internal tremors, tremors, electric sensations in the body, as well as a whole host of other symptoms. The symptoms can become debilitating for some. Many people end up agoraphobic unable to leave their home, their brains are mostly in a state of fight or flight constantly. not all patients experience this, but a large majority at one point will experience some type of interdose dependence withdrawal. Some peoples symptoms are milder than others.

What is the difference between addiction and a physical dependence to the medication? 

Often times in the substance abuse world, and the medical Industry, medical professionals diagnose physical dependence on benzodiazepines as an addiction. This could not be further from the truth. The majority of people who have been put on benzos take them as prescribed and are suffering from a physical dependence on the medication not an addiction due to wanting to get high. Most people addicted to benzodiazepines are not addicts in fact only .2% abuse benzos. Addiction is typically when somebody abuses a drug or medication to get high off of it. Most benzodiazepine sufferers We’re put on a benzo to help with either anxiety or some form of depression sometimes and because the medical community is grossly unaware of what could potentially happen taking benzodiazepines - even short term, many benzo users are left to suffer debilitating side effects from the medication. This is often misdiagnosed as an addiction problem. Benzo users are left with either being cut off cold turkey, or being placed on very rapid tapers by their physicians and suffer side effects due to the nature of coming off too quickly.

Why did my benzo stop working ? 

For most people benzodiazepines eventually lose their effectiveness, leaving the patient wondering why their symptoms are getting worse and the symptoms that they started taking the benzodiazepines in the first place are getting worse. Eventually the brain reaches tolerance leaving the patient needing more and more of the medication. Often times physicians will just increase the dose of the medication which ultimately leads to a higher dosage and reaching tolerance in the higher dosage and the patient with nowhere left to turn. this happens to the majority of people taking benzodiazepines whether it has been a month or 20 years. Unfortunately, the medical community is unaware of this problem leading to increasing patient dosages and an inability to effectively deprescribe the patient. Ultimately the benzo needs to be tapered very slowly in order to give the brain and body ample time to heal.

What kind of symptoms may I experience during
benzo withdrawal, while in tolerance, & during tapering ? 

  • Worsening anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Internal tremors
  • Depression
  • Suicidality 
  • Electric sensations in the body and brain
  • Tinnitus
  • Nausea 
  • DePersonalization
  • Derealization
  • Brain fog
  • Memory loss
  • Tingling sensations
  • Heart palpitations
  • Skin crawling
  • Wanting to crawl out of your skin
  • Pupil dilation
  • Feeling overstimulation
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Feeling bedridden
  • Agoraphobia
  • Fear of driving
  • Fear of social situations
  • Twitching
  • Air hunger
  • Muscle spasms 
  • Burning skin 
  • Vision issues 
  • Fatigue
  • Vertigo 
  • Numbness 
  • Weakness 

What does it mean when I’m in benzo tolerance?

Benzo tolerance happens when the medication becomes ineffective, and the symptoms he started taking it for in the first place start to worsen. There are also a host of debilitating effects that happened during the stage and the only way to stop it is to come off safely and slowly.

What does kindling mean? 

Kindling is described when there is a subsequent use of a medication followed by worsened severity in withdrawal symptoms. It is a neurological condition associated with going on benzos ( or other substances) and coming off of them with the same cycle of the medication not working and going through increasingly worsened withdrawal symptoms.

This often happens as a repeated withdrawal syndrome from taking a medication that you have withdrawn from previously. The medication no longer works and is followed by more severe withdrawal symptoms. 

What is the safest way to come off of benzodiazepines? 

The only safe and effective way at this time to come off of benzodiazepines is very slow tapers. They should be individualized as everybody’s taper is very different and everybody’s symptoms are very different. Typically a patient will have to switch their benzo to a longer acting benzo such as Valium. Patients coming off of benzos and tapering should be collaborative and patient guided working with your physician,  as only the patient will know when they are ready to drop the next small dosage, based on their symptoms. Some patients drop every two weeks some patients drop once a month and the recommended drop is 5% to 10% of the daily amount of benzos every two weeks to a month depending on how your body tolerates the decrease. Some patients noticed that as they are decreasing and as difficult as it is, they start to feel some relief. 

What resources are available to me? 

Many patients coming off of benzodiazepines experience a lot of depression and suicidality is common. There are a few but very effective benzo coaches available. We also have nursing staff with experience available to speak with directly via text or call once you have signed on to a program. You are able to book sessions by calling us directly. What is special about the benzo coaches is that they have gone through the same things that you are going through right now. It’s impossible to describe to somebody who hasn’t gone through this what it feels like and most people don’t understand or take it seriously. This can be very frustrating and we are here to help.

There’s also a free suicide hotline should you have suicidal
thoughts - 1-800-273-8255

What is the safest way to come off of benzodiazepines? 

The only safe and effective way at this time to come off of benzodiazepines is very slow tapers. They should be individualized as everybody’s taper is very different and everybody’s symptoms are very different. Typically a patient will have to switch their benzo to a longer acting benzo such as Valium. Patients coming off of benzos and tapering should be collaborative and patient guided working with your physician,  as only the patient will know when they are ready to drop the next small dosage, based on their symptoms. Some patients drop every two weeks some patients drop once a month and the recommended drop is 5% to 10% of the daily amount of benzos every two weeks to a month depending on how your body tolerates the decrease. Some patients noticed that as they are decreasing and as difficult as it is, they start to feel some relief. 

What are Windows and Waves?

Windows and Waves: Understanding the Stages of Benzodiazepine and Xanax Withdrawal

If you or a loved one has been taking benzodiazepines or Xanax (alprazolam) for an extended period of time, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the medication or reduce your dosage. Benzodiazepine and Xanax withdrawal can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is a necessary step towards recovery and long-term health.

One way to understand the stages of benzodiazepine and Xanax withdrawal is through the concept of "windows" and "waves." These terms refer to the fluctuating nature of withdrawal symptoms, which can come and go in cycles.

Waves
Waves refer to the periods of time when withdrawal symptoms are at their most intense. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and muscle spasms.

Waves can last for several days or weeks, depending on the length of time the medication was taken and the dosage. In severe cases, windows may be accompanied by delirium tremens (DTs), a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause high fever, rapid heartbeat, and severe confusion.

Windows
Windows refer to the periods of time between waves when withdrawal symptoms are less intense or absent. During windows, you may experience a temporary relief from withdrawal symptoms, which can give you a chance to rest and recover.

It is important to note that windows do not necessarily mean that you are "cured" of withdrawal symptoms – they are simply a natural part of the withdrawal process.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine and Xanax Withdrawal

It is important to seek medical treatment for benzodiazepine and Xanax withdrawal to manage the symptoms and prevent complications. Withdrawal from these medications can be dangerous and should not be attempted without medical supervision.

Treatment for benzodiazepine and Xanax withdrawal typically involves a slow tapering schedule, in which the dosage of the medication is gradually reduced over time. This helps to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and allows the body to adjust to the absence of the medication.

In addition to a tapering schedule, your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia. They may also recommend benzo coaching or support groups to help you cope with the emotional challenges of withdrawal and recovery.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and attend all recommended follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery from benzodiazepine and Xanax withdrawal.

Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back from seeking help for benzodiazepine or Xanax dependence. There are resources available to support you on the journey towards recovery. Take the first step towards a healthier future today.

The dangers of cold turkeying benzos! 

There are soldiers on the ground educating and bringing awareness to the medical community regarding taking patients off of their medication improperly. The only safe and effective way to heal the brain properly and safely come off of benzodiazepines is to do a slow gradual taper. Following the Ashton method which is available to you online for free is the most effective way to come off of benzodiazepines. Please show this manual to your physician and request that they follow these guidelines that were created for the safest most effective benzo tapers.

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