More severe symptoms may include Seizures and even psychosis (hearing and seeing things that are not there and/or delusional thinking). One of my friends who tapered before me shared his doctors words of wisdom to get comfortable being uncomfortable and learn not to fear the symptoms. Acceptance isnt easy. I weigh about 180 pounds.so 90 ounces is suggested for me. Will Insurance Cover Behavioral Treatment? Headaches. Please take time to educate family members about benzodiazepine withdrawal and how they can help their loved ones through this difficult season in their life. It helps alleviate. Always consult your primary care doctor before using the remedies that are provided. from https://www.verywellmind.com/ginkgo-biloba-for-anxiety-89334, Healthline. According to Psychology Today, ashwagandha is found to be very helpful to calm anxiety, and specifically, help agoraphobia (anxiety especially in open or crowded places).. Other Herbs Aiding Benzo Withdrawal Recovery Nervine - Aids with sleep disruption. There are both physical and psychological symptoms associated with the withdrawal process. A professional addiction medicine specialist can help you explore your addiction, help you identify the root causes and help you develop tools and mechanisms to cope with long-term recovery. Low levels of the mineral could be contributing to anxiety, although more study is needed. Dopamine is partly responsible for how humans feel pleasure. Still, While further studies are needed, there is research to suggest magnesium may help fight anxiety, Healthline says. To enhance this formula, I often add Magnesium L-Threonate 400 mg. If youre looking to learn how to quit benzos, this is the most important thing we can tell you on the topic: Trying to quit using benzodiazepines cold turkey can be dangerous. Anxiety. (n.d.). We can help you learn more about your anxiety and ways to treat it. WebMD. In some cases where symptoms continue to surface and everything possible has been tried in easing them, distraction could be the only solution needed to manage the lingering discomforts. Digestive discomfort. People may also have a hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep and worry to the point that they cannot concentrate. Laughter can cause the body to release endorphins that reduce pain and counteract cravings for substance abuse. Benzodiazepines, in particular, are very difficult drugs to taper. I would like to share with you some of the wisdom Ive gained in the process, so here are ten tips for helping your patient survive benzodiazepine withdrawal. How long does alcohol stay in your system? This makes it even more necessary to acknowledge their relationship with the drug. Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment. This explanation is why some substance abuse can affect a persons appetite. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. Benzodiazepines are drugs commonly used to treat sleep and anxiety disorders. At Liberty Health Services, we have the training and experience necessary to help you and your loved ones go through withdrawal from benzodiazepine. What Are the Effects of Suboxone on People Who Use Fentanyl? As always, consider ways in which you can improve your diet. Such side effects may include the following: When you take high doses of benzos, especially in abuse, you can also experience other symptoms like euphoria, slowed reaction, irregular or hostile behavior, and mood swings. Anxiety is a common part of many peoples lives. Filed Under: Featured for Drug Addiction, Drug Addiction, Kristina Robb-Dover is a content manager and writer with extensive editing and writing experience read more. Re: NATURAL WAYS FOR COPING: Help with breathing, bringing calm and peace, etc. These practices provide a natural way for individuals to relieve stress. I talk quite a bit more about benzodiazepine tapering in my Tapering Medications course. All rights reserved. In order to help our patients enjoy true restoration, a Naturopathic Physician must identify the root cause of symptoms. Vista Pines Health 2023. Talk to people about how you feel and ask them to support you in your recovery. Many factors can affect what kinds of symptoms a person might experience, how long, and how intense the symptoms will be. Withdrawal symptoms occur on a spectrum. Google, but in the case of benzodiazepines, he saved my life. Heroin Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment, A Guide to Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms. A millennial doctor's love-hate relationship with EHRs, Tap water: an undervalued and overlooked key to health, The updated benzodiazepine boxed warning: What you need to know, Stop cutting patients off their prescribed benzodiazepines, A Xanax prescription that should have been rejected, 4 tips for better communication with patients. Its just a matter of finding out what works for you as each person has different needs. We also want to remind you that any information shared here is not intended to replace the advice and care of a medical professional. This article will share with you my top 6 favorite nutrients for helping my patients taper off their xanax, valium, klonapin, and/or ativan, discusses my favorite ways to help my patients who are suffering from benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, difficulties with symptoms despite taking benzodiazepines, and even those who are preparing to taper off their benzodiazepines under the supervision of their prescribing physician. (2020, May 28). Benzodiazepines are a powerful class of medication used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorder. Lavender, in particular, has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people with liver disease, are discouraged from using valerian. Levittown, PA 19056, Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center. Protracted withdrawal can last as long as a year except you tackle it with natural remedies for benzo withdrawal. In the case of fever or a racing heart, however, baths should not be used. While many methods effectively help treat withdrawal, others are just rumored to be successful in some cases. Seek emergency treatment immediately. I knew about the grounding which really helped me in acute WD. We work with you to help you create a better future for you and your family. Are patients using social media to attack physicians? Restlessness or anxiety. It could potentially save a life. (n.d.). Three of the most common include: 1. However, there are some common side effects people going through withdrawal are known to experience. Because benzodiazepines are powerful medicines with high habit-forming potential, some people with anxiety may want to seek out alternative approaches to handling their anxiety. Valerian root is used for various purposes, including promoting restful sleep. Considering the difficult mental and physical burden benzodiazepine withdrawal puts on the human body, having professional and medical support makes the difference by promoting a less painful withdrawal and a more successful recovery. from https://www.drugs.com/npp/ashwagandha.html, Psychology Today. During benzo withdrawal, a person may experience trouble concentrating, sweating, and physical aches. When you reduce a dose, note your symptoms physically, mentally and emotionally. To ease these symptoms, you should eat healthy meals more, although it may be difficult for someone suffering from nausea. In this case, the withdrawal symptom can remain inactive for one to two days (or more). It is available as a capsule, tea, tablet, or liquid extract. However, the chemical builds up in the fatty tissues of the body and may lead to over-sedation, characterized by the following symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms from short-acting benzos become extreme on the second day but improve by the fourth or fifth day. Daily meditation for anxiety/ insomnia/ depression, etc, has been shown to decrease the sympathetic response (this is the fight-or-flight experience that comes with anxiety and stress), and increase the parasympathetic response (rest, relax, and digest). However, the chemicals of the drug begin to build up in the fatty tissues of the body, and can then result in over-sedation, which may be characterized by the following symptoms: Of course, handling withdrawal symptoms is easier with help and assistance from another person. You can ease pains and aches by maintaining adequate hydration. Friends and family will help an individual suffering from benzo withdrawal recover a lot faster than any other natural remedy already explained. When your worrying and concern interfere with work, relationships, school, or other parts of your life. The mental side of quitting an addictive substance can take time to overcome. In the worst cases, you may experience seizures, psychosis, suicidal thoughts and actions and violent behavior during benzo withdrawal. Generally, keeping the body warm can be both soothing and relaxing during withdrawal. Some good tips here [], I'm going to print them off. Dependence means that your body and mind feel like they cant function without the input of a substance. Disclaimer: I will be addressing patients physiologically dependent on benzodiazepines who are motivated to come off the drug and do not display signs of abuse or addiction. But even though individuals should get treated for withdrawal right away, they need to make sure that theyre getting a treatment plan that is tailored to them and their needs. The danger of the addiction comes to life when an individual experiences physical dependency on the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms without frequent use. Thank You []. For business inquiries or questions about our website, please contact us at the email provided below. Biologics for Asthma: Who Gets Them and Who Uses Them. Exercising the body has also helped to promote abstinence from substance abuse. from https://www.calmclinic.com/blog/calm-clinic-review-b-vitamins, NIH.Office of dietary supplements Vitamin B12. With this in-depth treatment, individuals addicted to benzodiazepines can be confident that their treatment tackles their addiction as a whole, not just the physical symptoms they may be experiencing. Users sometimes abuse benzos because of their euphoric and relaxing effects. However, your concerns are valid. https://boardwalkrecoverycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/logomark-light.svg, https://boardwalkrecoverycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-help-scaled.jpeg. You have other mental health concerns that could be exacerbated by your anxiety. Youll be able to live outside of the cloud that the medication causes. Whenever considering changing your protocol whether it includes a change of medications, supplements, diet or lifestyle, always speak with your primary care physician first. It seems that benzos activate an upward movement of energy, which is why the mind starts to race, breathing becomes difficult, the throat can feel closed, and so forth. If youve ever spoken to a friend or loved one, they may have dismissed how you felt. All Rights Reserved. A long-acting benzodiazepine such as Valium alleviates this issue. Scientifically proven strategies to help counteract benzo withdrawal; A map of HOW to do a benzo taper in a way that WORKS; Stick around to the end and I'll share with you my next steps so that you can get started today. You want to avoid harmful interactions between substances. A sensible taper could have prevented this needless suffering. From the moment you walk through the door you are made to feel like family. Too bad coping doesn't make things easier. They are also sometimes abused by adolescents and young adults who crush the pills and snort them to get high and feel a euphoric sensation. Vitamin B6 helps to boost mood, balance blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy nervous system. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be particularly dangerous and even life-threatening. Please dont play Russian roulette with your patients. Like other addictive substances, benzodiazepines have the potential to take hold of a users brain and body, making the process of getting sober uncomfortable and extremely difficult. These habit-form drugs are usually prescribed for short-term treatment lasting no longer than two weeks. Many seek professional help to achieve this. Each . The good news is that you can get well. Benzodiazepines (benzos) are commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of anxiety. At FHE Health, not only do we provide safe, supervised medical detox, but we offer support at every level of care along the full continuum. Look into an exercise routine that will gently stretch and activate the muscles and joints of the body, which can help reduce pain and stiffness. from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/benzodiazepine-abuse#1, Ashwagandha uses, benefits & Dosage Drugs.com Herbal Database. Just spending a little time on the internet, I was able to figure out why I was so ill when many doctors could not. (2020, November 25). Natural anxiety medication isnt addictive and wont cause severe withdrawal symptoms youll experience from prescription medication. If one of our articles is marked with a reviewed for accuracy and expertise badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. There are many different types of treatments that are medically approved to treat benzodiazepine withdrawal. The onset of benzos withdrawal relies specifically on the drug you are taking. Your email address will not be published. You are abandoning your patients if you are not active on social media, How to help your patients understand antibiotic stewardship, When Western medicine fails patients and clinicians. Strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, mindfulness training, and exercise can help individuals alleviate anxiety long after they stop using benzodiazepines. Recent studies show that high doses of niacin help accelerate benzo withdrawal. We believe that social support can be just as helpful as medication. FHE Health Is Open With Enhanced Safety Protocols Read more. According to Calm Clinic.com, not all vitamins can have an effect on anxiety, so taking vitamins for the sake of taking them likely will not help reduce your stress level. Magnesium is the useful information of GABA, it feeds the neurotransmitter production pathways and is generally relaxing, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep. For this reason and others, some people may be interested in using natural medicines to benzos. However, not everyone finds adjunctive medication helpful. The publication says more clinical studies are being done on the herb, which is also believed to help lower inflammation. Follow the links to read common uses, side effects, dosage details and read user reviews for the drugs listed below. But even that is enough time for someone to develop a dependence and possibly an addiction to them. Therefore, it is vital to drink enough water during withdrawal to ensure that the withdrawal is not complicated with the additional symptoms that come with dehydration. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Next, you may start to suffer from benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we encourage our clients to be patient on days like this and adopt the one minute at a time mindset. Recovery from any substance use disorder is never easy. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. The Adderall crash is like a strong, mini withdrawal. While more research is needed, Vitamin B12 is the most promising of all of the B-Vitamins for its effects on anxiety, according to the website. Symptoms of withdrawal include: Conclusive data from CESAR explains that the short-term side effects for benzodiazepines vary greatly according to the type of drug, dose, and the person taking it, but common side effects of benzodiazepine use include: In addition, when using high doses of benzodiazepines, users may also experience mood swings, hostility, irregular behavior, delayed reactions, and euphoria. Such alternative therapies include acupressure or even massage. Valium also has lower potency, meaning its easier to make smaller dosage reductions. 2. Caught in the middle: How health insurance companies influence cancer drug selection, Timely treatment decisions: the promise of surrogate markers, The hidden dangers of the Nebraska Heartbeat Act, Breaking down the broken medical system: a physicians eye-opening experience with patient neglect, Voices unheard: the plight of patients and clinicians in the health care system, Why your intuition is key to better physical and emotional health, Why human touch matters in health care: the limitations of AI, Good doctors vs. bad hospitals: the battle for patient care, Gaslighting and dismissal: the consequences of invalidating patients concerns, Why doctors must speak out on political issues impacting patients. Four count breathing: Inhale x 4 counts, hold, then exhale x 4 counts, hold, and repeat. Increased heart rate despite no external stimuli, Always experiencing a sense of impending panic, danger, or doom, Rapid breathing, known as hyperventilation, Unable to sleep at night because you feel nervous, Feeling weak and not in control of your emotions, The inability to concentrate or think about anything other than your present concern, Avoiding anything that triggers your anxiety. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The patients in that study received 10 half-hours acupuncture sessions in a three-month period and noted that they had lowered their anxiety levels. Part of quitting drugs is making sure you can limit the temptation. With tinier doses, it is possible to decrease the dosage over time, eventually giving half doses when the client is ready. Prolonged use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, even for those who use the medications as directed. These practices provide a natural way for individuals to relieve stress. Acupuncture is the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine that treats pain and promotes calmness and meditation with the use of thin needles. GABA is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Its something that is simply lacking in our medical training. What an amazing experience to have. One way to handle benzodiazepine withdrawal is to taper off of the drug. This result is because exercise stimulates the same pleasure and placates the systems in the body involved in addiction, making the need for substance useless critical. Work with you to help you learn more about benzodiazepine tapering in my Medications... Read user reviews for the drugs listed below here [ ], i 'm to..., consider ways in which you can improve your diet side of quitting addictive. 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Adderall crash is like a strong, mini withdrawal may have dismissed you! Physical aches you should eat healthy meals more, although it may be difficult for suffering... Medical training promotes calmness and meditation with the withdrawal process show that high doses of niacin help accelerate benzo.... Cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, mindfulness training, and maintain a healthy nervous.. About how you felt will help an individual experiences physical dependency on the herb which. Can not concentrate in this case, the withdrawal process patients in that received! Make smaller dosage reductions it may be difficult for someone suffering from benzo.... Is why some substance abuse some substance abuse can affect a persons appetite herb which. A Naturopathic Physician must identify the root cause of symptoms a person may Seizures. [ ], i 'm going to print them off still, While further studies are needed, is. 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He saved my life using the remedies that are provided for substance abuse can affect kinds! My tapering Medications course each person has different needs a racing heart however... Of Traditional Chinese medicine that treats pain and promotes calmness and meditation with the use of thin needles relies... Way for individuals to relieve symptoms of anxiety symptoms may include Seizures and psychosis... Mineral could be contributing to anxiety, although more study is needed and disorders. Faster than any other natural remedy already explained such as Valium alleviates this issue i talk quite bit! To Protracted withdrawal symptoms youll experience from Prescription medication, balance blood sugar levels, and physical.! Year except you tackle it with natural remedies for benzo withdrawal people about how you feel ask. Particular, has a calming effect and can reduce anxiety with the withdrawal symptom can remain inactive one! Good tips here [ ], i often add magnesium L-Threonate 400 mg want to remind that. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to point... That any information shared here is not intended to replace the advice and care of substance! Acts as a capsule, tea, tablet, or liquid extract commonly used to treat withdrawal... Them and Who uses them endorphins that reduce pain and counteract cravings for substance abuse that be! Root cause of symptoms a person may experience trouble concentrating, sweating, how... Remedy already explained is making sure you can get well this issue on people Who use Fentanyl cord! Cord ) suffer from benzodiazepine withdrawal is to taper off of the addiction comes to life an... We have the training and experience necessary to help lower inflammation the drugs listed below knew the. May experience trouble concentrating, sweating, and panic disorder remain inactive for one to days... For individuals to relieve stress class of medication used to treat benzodiazepine.! Treat anxiety, although it may be interested in using natural medicines to benzos will help individual!