Adjunctive medications are not necessary but may be helpful in some cases. It does not have a physical dependence risk and relieves emotional withdrawal symptoms. 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. As the National Institutes of Health explains, this vitamin is needed for proper red blood cell formation, brain and nerve function, and DNA synthesis, and as CalmClinic.com notes, low levels of B12 can affect mood, bringing on anxiety and depression issues. Mix the following into small cup of water: Sig: Typically I have patients drink this powder in water before bed but it may also be used for daytime symptoms. About 2,000 benzos have been produced, and only about 15 have been FDA-approved in the U.S., according to WebMD. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance, Mayo Clinic explains. On those days, the patient must learn to survive, one minute at a time, telling themselves they will get through this round of symptoms because they have survived it before. Individuals who complete medical detox prior to treatment have higher success rates of recovery, avoiding relapse, and long-term sobriety. People in recovery have to find drug-free ways to relieve pain and stress here are some that are proven to work. Some days are so bad that coping skills provide minimal help. Individuals who use benzodiazepines are at risk for abuse and addiction, especially if they have abused other drugs in the past. Dizziness, Cramps in the abdomen, unstable thinking, anxiety, neck pain, etc., are a few of the most common symptoms of benzo withdrawal. They are there to offer persuasion and reminder to keep up with the practices already mentioned above. However, its important to know the severity of your symptoms by speaking to a doctor first. GABA is often prescribed for example, for those who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. Protracted withdrawal can last as long as a year except you tackle it with natural remedies for benzo withdrawal. Always stay hydrated as much as possible. But quitting almost anything that provides positive feedback in the brain is easier said than done. Drink lots of water: Typically I recommend half your weight in ounces. The information contained in this post is for educational purposes only. The herb has been used to improve cognition, including in cases of Alzheimers disease. Below are a few other ways to manage anxiety. from https://www.calmclinic.com/blog/calm-clinic-review-b-vitamins, NIH.Office of dietary supplements Vitamin B12. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Be sure to use cool water that has been boiled so that the water is free of parasites or bacteria. This result is an indication that acupuncture can be quite valuable in helping to deal with withdrawal symptoms. Strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, mindfulness training, and exercise can help individuals alleviate anxiety long after they stop using benzodiazepines. Please dont play Russian roulette with your patients. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be intense and difficult to endure. What Helps With Benzodiazepine Withdrawal? Due to the natural process of building a tolerance, over time, a person will require a higher volume of benzodiazepines to reach the familiar high. Your email address will not be published. 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. Hot Bath 6. So could herbs help someone who is experiencing a benzodiazepine withdrawal? Medication used to treat benzodiazepine withdrawal Some medications may be used during the detox process to help manage withdrawal symptoms, such as: Buspirone This medication is often used to treat people with co-occurring disorders such as anxiety. The problem, though, is that if you became addicted to these drugs after having been prescribed them to treat anxiety, you may feel that anxiety more strongly when you stop taking benzos. In the worst cases, you may experience seizures, psychosis, suicidal thoughts and actions and violent behavior during benzo withdrawal. When it comes to minerals, you could take a look at magnesium, which could naturally help the body regulate stress and lower anxiety levels. 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. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018. Therefore, when using benzo, it is not advisable to suddenly stop it, resulting in a hazardous side effect. The mental side of quitting an addictive substance can take time to overcome. Drink a warm cup of soothing, caffeine-free tea before bed, try meditation, and stay active during the day. Some of the types of natural ways to ease the symptoms of benzo withdrawal are: It can be difficult to admit to yourself and loved ones that you struggle with addiction. Herbs prove to be safe in most cases, but they may not treat all conditions. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or periods of contemplative prayer. Nutrition 4. When this is the case, engaging in activities that will keep ones mind off the symptoms and pains may be the perfect recourse. Rehab Success Rate Does It Really Work? When a person is struggling with benzodiazepine abuse and addiction, knowing how to get off benzos and actually being able to do so successfully are two very different things. In trying to eliminate the withdrawal symptoms, do not attempt to engage in anything that may worsen rather than alleviate the symptoms. The danger of the addiction comes to life when an individual experiences physical dependency on the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms without frequent use. These practices provide a natural way for individuals to relieve stress. Marijuana can result in increased appetite, craving for unhealthy foods, and weight gain. A little validation of their condition goes a long way toward alleviating the patients suffering. Some cannabis researchers, on the other hand, describe serious withdrawal symptoms that can include aggression, anger, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, depression, restlessness, headaches, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Natural anxiety medication isnt addictive and wont cause severe withdrawal symptoms youll experience from prescription medication. This helps ease the worst of your withdrawal symptoms safely. The first tip is an obvious one. Withdrawal usually comes with powerful cravings, and willpower alone may not be enough to carry you through. For this reason, Liberty Health Services' benzo addiction treatment program in New Hampshire is the safest and most effective option. It doesnt matter how benzodiazepine addiction takes hold, though. Having a slow elimination rate gives the body the opportunity to adjust gradually to the lessened levels of benzodiazepines in the blood. Tapering can help reduce or eliminate withdrawal signs and symptoms. Mental Health Treatment in Pembroke Pines. Whats more, its challenging to control without medication. Having family or friends who can help with daily tasks, understanding the symptoms, and emotional support are very important in this process. Vomiting and nausea from opiate withdrawal can cause loss of electrolytes. If youre starting the first day at a new job, youll also deal with anxiety that dissipates once you get through it. Youll have more time and money. Their presence alone is a great distraction from any pain or discomfort, which is necessary for their general health. We can help you learn more about your anxiety and ways to treat it. Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. They are most effective when used for short periods but occasionally prescribed for longer durations. GABA is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). To safely taper off benzodiazepines, medical professionals use a type of benzodiazepine that allows benzodiazepine users to get the same effects of the drug while slowly weaning off their use. A neti pot or other saline nasal irrigation system can be used to clear out sinuses and limit symptoms of seasonal allergies. Another benefit of diazepam is that it comes in small doses, which not all benzodiazepines do. Ginkgo biloba. 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. It can help immensely to talk to people who understand the experience of benzo withdrawal and recovery. 5. Some medications can help an individual taper off the use of benzodiazepines. People may also have a hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep and worry to the point that they cannot concentrate. The onset of benzos withdrawal relies specifically on the drug you are taking. 8. NATURAL WAYS FOR COPING WITH BENZO WITHDRAWAL: Bringing calm, breath support drink the amount of water in ounces = half of your body weight in pounds. Many methods that can be administered at home may not be effective and could lead to even more serious side effects. Dr. Nicole Cain consults with clients via telehealth and in person. Yes, we all hate Dr. Diazepam can be effectively used in medication-assisted therapy because it has a slow elimination rate, meaning that the components of the drug leave the body slowly over time. The Adderall crash is like a strong, mini withdrawal. Dopamine is partly responsible for how humans feel pleasure. Hydration 5. Sadly, the majority of individuals abusing benzodiazepines initially accessed the drugs from a prescription. Of course, if your patient is able to taper directly from their current benzodiazepine, this is the simplest course of action. Headaches. Too bad coping doesn't make things easier. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium). Although some medications help with withdrawal, medication-assisted therapy alone will most likely not be enough to completely assist a user from remaining abstinent from benzodiazepines. Still, if you have been taken them for a long while (about six months or more), there are risks and side effects associated with the usage, such as cognitive and sedation issues. Since benzodiazepines are extremely dangerous, seeking alternative options might work best for you. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. The American Academy of Family Physicians reported that benzodiazepines are typically not the only drug of abuse used by individuals. A staggering number of people deal with this annually and turn to potent drugs to manage their symptoms. Can Ginkgo Biloba Help with Taming Your Anxiety? 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. It could potentially save a life. I know many who are going through this process alone, and I have no idea how they do it. You can ease pains and aches by maintaining adequate hydration. It also says that people who have anxiety and stress along with sleeplessness and nervous depletion may benefit from ashwagandha. Thanks so much for sharing. Many health researches advise that most people are chronically dehydrated. Benzodiazepines are Prescribed to Help Treat Anxiety. Carminative - Relaxes your stomach and aids in treating nausea. In fact, some benzodiazepines are actually intended to have a slow release of impact on the body. Thank You []. However, there is not enough sufficient evidence to support that these methods can effectively treat benzo withdrawal. For example, among those taking benzos for more than six months, about 40% of them experience moderate to severe signs and symptoms when they suddenly quit. Some of the components are powerful antioxidants that can help heal the brain from damage caused by benzodiazepine. After an Adderall binge, you are likely to be starving and sleep-deprived. You can eat a lot of vegetables and fruit too they work wonders. Unfortunately, the literature is sparse and often anecdotal at best. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. More Information About Our Rehab Programs! It is available as a capsule, tea, tablet, or liquid extract. There are many ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your life. The dependence on benzo occurs similarly to how it does with other addictive drugs. How Do Opioids Impact Your Nervous System? This explanation is why some substance abuse can affect a persons appetite. Since withdrawal can be painful and potentially dangerous, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Now that Im further along in my taper, I have developed a core group of friends that I can call or text with less need for the forums. (n.d.). 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. (2020, November 25). The long-term side effects of benzodiazepines go beyond withdrawal. Unfortunately, they are also commonly misused and can be addictive. Psych Central shares three art techniques that can help us visualize what our anxiety looks like to us. Often, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms can result in the patient being branded a drug seeker when this is far from the truth. To learn more about how you or a loved one could benefit from treatment for benzo addiction, contact FHE Health today. 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. You will have access to 24/7 care and support. Vitamin B6 helps to boost mood, balance blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy nervous system. methadone, which helps to relieve withdrawal symptoms and makes the detoxification period easier. Encourage coping skills. We believe that social support can be just as helpful as medication. (2021, January 20). Exercising the body has also helped to promote abstinence from substance abuse. from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201401/ashwagandha-anxiety, Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012, July). Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, intense nausea, fevers and powerful cravings in the best cases. 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. In fact, the Drug Enforcement Administration reports that the severity of an individuals withdrawal depends on their personal drug abuse. A taper that is too quick, will likely result in rebound symptoms (anxiety, seizures, panic, heart racing etc), and symptoms may persist months to years after the medications have been discontinued. 1. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers benzodiazepines as a Schedule IV controlled substance. 6. Below is a list of common natural remedies used to treat or reduce the symptoms of Benzodiazepine+Withdrawal. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/, Wong, C. (2020, March 07). Depending on the medication, it must often be tapered as well and carries the potential of its own discontinuation syndrome. 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. 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. Recent studies show that high doses of niacin help accelerate benzo withdrawal. Make sure you reduce caffeine intake, stop screen time at least an hour before bed, and eliminate unnecessary noise from the bedroom. Anyone suffering from benzo withdrawal symptoms needs loved ones around them because these friends and family give comfort and solace. Then I say it will be okay and keep suffering until I freak out again. (n.d.). The duration of this rebound period depends on which benzodiazepine you were taking, the dosage, and the duration of taking this medication. This will help a lot during the process of drug withdrawal too. One way to handle benzodiazepine withdrawal is to taper off of the drug. Ironically, other medications can be used to help individuals with benzodiazepine withdrawal, as well. (2020, May 28). At Liberty Health Services, we have the training and experience necessary to help you and your loved ones go through withdrawal from benzodiazepine. The most common benzos are Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Klonopin, and Ativan. Please read the comment policy. If were going on a date with a new person for the first time, its normal to feel anxious about how the experience will turn out. Valium also has lower potency, meaning its easier to make smaller dosage reductions. What Is High-Functioning Anxiety Disorder? As physicians, we are experts at prescribing medications. Your anxiety is so severe that you feel hopeless and depressed, leading you to use drugs or alcohol to cope. GABA inhibits signal transmission in the brain and thus has a calming effect on the nervous system. You might also opt to try an herbal sleep aid such as: Melatonin: Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone that plays a part in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle. Recovery from any substance use disorder is never easy. Believe your patient. 858-888-0101 info@boardwalkrecoverycenter.com 1940 Garnet Avenue Suite 120San Diego, Ca 92109. Some days are so bad that coping skills provide minimal help. Other treatment methods, such as group counseling and therapy, are more beneficial to the psychological side effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal. As mentioned before, you may want to speak with a medical or mental health professional who can give you more information about natural remedies you may be considering. (2014, January 08). As always, consider ways in which you can improve your diet. In a benzo withdrawal management program, your withdrawal process will be guided and supervised by medical and therapeutic professionals who will ensure that you are safe and as comfortable as possible. Learn more here: Take it slow: The research shows that those who taper more slowly tend to do better in the long term. Tremors. Benzo withdrawal can be very challenging and should ideally always be done under care and supervision. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or periods of contemplative prayer. 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