Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline and Treatment
Are you or someone you know experiencing benzo withdrawals? Tree House Recovery in Wilmington, NC, offers safe, compassionate, evidence based benzodiazepine withdrawal management. Near the Cape Fear River, our facility provides a peaceful setting for those in addiction recovery.
TL;DR: Benzo withdrawal can trigger severe, even life-threatening symptoms—like seizures, panic, and psychosis—within hours of stopping use, and can linger for months without proper care. At Tree House Recovery in Wilmington, NC, we provide medically supervised detox, long-term support, and evidence-based treatment to help you safely manage withdrawal and build lasting recovery.
Call (910) 812-1728 now for a free confidential assessment with our North Carolina admissions team.
What Is Benzo Withdrawal?
Benzo withdrawal occurs when an individual decreases or stops consuming benzodiazepines after physical and mental dependency forms. Abruptly stopping use triggers an overactive nervous system, causing severe withdrawal symptoms.
Benzo withdrawal symptoms range from mild to life-threatening, based on health, dosage, and duration of use.1
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome
Benzo withdrawal syndrome starts when a person abruptly stops or rapidly reduces benzodiazepine intake after developing dependence. Benzodiazepines increase GABA activity, calming the brain. When use has suddenly stopped, the nervous system’s hyperactivity kicks in, which can lead to benzo withdrawal syndrome
Benzo withdrawal syndrome includes symptoms like tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or psychosis.2 Because these symptoms can be life-threatening, medically managed detox for benzo addiction is critical.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
After the acute withdrawal phase, many people face lingering symptoms of benzo withdrawal—known as protracted or post‑acute benzo withdrawal.
Common challenges with post-acute withdrawal syndrome include[3]:
- Persistent anxiety
- Sleep disturbance
- Memory issues
- Brain fog
These neurochemical imbalances require extended care beyond detox.
At Tree House Recovery in Wilmington, NC, we provide long-term support to help you manage PAWS, protect your mental health, and prevent relapse. Our North Carolina team offers structure, therapy, and real tools for lasting recovery.
If you’re struggling with benzo withdrawal, we’re here to help.
Understanding Benzodiazepine Withdrawals
If benzo withdrawal feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Addiction counselor Rob Mo breaks down benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and what to expect.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzo withdrawal is a serious medical challenge. If a person discontinues benzodiazepines like Xanax or Klonopin, this can trigger intense symptoms. Professional care is essential for safe recovery.
Common Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
- Physical: Muscle spasms, tremors, nausea, rapid heartbeat
- Psychological: Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, delusions
- Cognitive: Confusion, memory issues, mood swings, brain fog
- Severe: Seizures, suicidal thoughts, psychosis
At Tree House Recovery in Wilmington, North Carolina, our expert team evidence-based treatment from substance abuse disorders. With compassionate, tailored care, we help you manage symptoms and rebuild your life.
Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
Benzo withdrawal can be life-threatening. That’s why understanding the timeline of symptoms is important. The way symptoms present and unfold depends on the type of benzo used, dosage amount, and the duration of time used.
Timeline for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
- 6–48 Hours: Acute withdrawal begins at this phase. Common symptoms experienced include anxiety, panic, restlessness, and insomnia.
- 2–14 Days: Withdrawal usually peaks at this stage in recovery. This phase carries the highest risk for serious complications like seizures, hallucinations, and intense drug cravings. Medical supervision is critical here.
- Up to 10 Days: Symptoms may intensify, shift, or plateau depending on the health of an individual, support system, and treatment.
- Weeks to Months: Lingering issues like depression, fatigue, and mental fog—known as protracted withdrawal—can persist for weeks or months without proper care.
Withdrawal symptoms are unique to every individual. Symptoms vary based on personal biology, drug history, and mental health. Medical guidance and structured care are necessary when detoxing from benzodiazepines.
Who’s at Risk for Benzo Withdrawals?
Benzodiazepines have properties that deeply affect the nervous system. They’re prescribed for their calming effects, but when stopped abruptly or misused, they can overwhelm the body’s nervous system.
Withdrawal is especially risky for certain groups such as:
- Long-term benzo users
- Older adults, who metabolize drugs at a slower rate
- Those combining benzos with alcohol or opioids
- People with anxiety, PTSD, or other co-occurring disorders
Symptoms can escalate quickly and without warning for those who stop using suddenly. In some cases, benzo detox without medical support leads to seizures, heart complications, or psychological breakdowns. Safe recovery starts with professional help.
Why Medical Detox Is Required for Benzo Withdrawals?
Benzo withdrawals can be life-threatening. Seizures, psychosis, extreme panic, and cardiac distress are not rare—they’re expected risks. That’s why medical detox isn’t optional. It’s necessary to live.
Benzodiazepines directly affect the brain’s central nervous system. When stopped and without medical oversight, the result can be fatal. Medical detox provides 24/7 supervision, seizure prevention protocols, and life-saving interventions when symptoms peak.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of benzo withdrawal seek medical attention immediately.
Benzo Withdrawal Management in Wilmington, NC
At Tree House Recovery in Wilmington, NC, our goal is to guide people through various stages of healing. Our programs address both the physical and psychological toll of benzodiazepine withdrawal, offering addiction expertise within a strong recovery community.
Our treatment options for help you manage benzo withdrawal and achieve long-term recovery include:
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Our IOP provides structured, flexible support for individuals transitioning out of detox.
- Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: We specialize in helping people become and stay sobe. Our aftercare services include alumni support, accountability check-ins, and continued therapy.
- Community Integration: Healing happens in connection. From sober events to fitness activities and group outings in Wilmington, we provide our clients more than treatment—we give them a new way to live.
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Find Help for Benzo Withdrawal Management in Wilmington, NC
Tree House Recovery is more than an addiction center—we’re a trusted partner on the path to lasting transformation. Whether you’re just starting to explore treatment or ready to make a
Call (910) 812-1728 or visit Tree House Recovery to schedule a tour today!
Benzo Withdrawal & Detox: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of benzo withdrawal?
There are various signs that can indicate someone is experiencing benzo withdrawal. Common benzo withdrawal symptoms can be anxiety, panic, insomnia, and restlessness.
Can you die from benzodiazepine withdrawals?
Yes, benzo withdrawal can be deadly in some cases. Medical detox is vital for safely overcoming benzodiazepine addiction.
You cannot detox at home without a medical professional.
How long do benzo withdrawal symptoms last?
Physical and mental Benzo withdrawal symptoms differ but usually peak within 1–2 weeks. However, some people experience protracted withdrawal that can last for several months. How long benzo withdrawals last varies by dosage, usage length, and personal health.
What is protracted benzo withdrawal?
Protracted benzo withdrawal is when symptoms continue for weeks or even months after acute withdrawal ends. This occurs because benzodiazepines affect brain chemistry, and healing takes time.
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Sources
- Regina AC, Gokarakonda SB, Attia FN. Withdrawal Syndromes. [Updated 2024 Sep 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459239/
- Pétursson H. The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction. 1994;89(11):1455-1459. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x
- Rennwald A, Hengartner MP. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) after stopping antidepressants: a systematic review with meta-narrative synthesis. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2025;34:e29. Published 2025 May 13. doi:10.1017/S204579602500023X
- National Guideline Centre (UK). Evidence Review: Risk Factors for Dependence: Medicines Associated With Dependence or Withdrawal Symptoms: Safe Prescribing and Withdrawal Management for Adults: Evidence Review E. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2022. (NICE Guideline, No. 215). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580678/