Benzodiazepine for Alcohol Withdrawal: What to Expect?

Achieving sobriety after alcohol addiction can be hard because once you quit alcohol, alcohol withdrawal symptoms send your brain into a state of panic, which is when benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal come in and calm down your brain. At ChoicePoint, we provide a safe alcohol detox for withdrawal symptoms at drug and alcohol rehab in New Jersey. Call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to begin your journey. 

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What Happens When You Stop Drinking?

Once an individual becomes addicted to alcohol, quitting is difficult. That’s because alcohol is a depressant that hinders brain performance, making one dependent on alcohol. This leads to alcohol withdrawal symptoms1, sending the brain into a state of chaos. 

What Does Alcohol Withdrawal Make You Feel?

These symptoms can be unmanageable, and only proper medically supervised alcohol detox helps you to flush alcohol out of your system. Initial detox involves the use of medications such as benzodiazepines.  

What Are Benzodiazepines and How Do They Work?

Benzodiazepines, often termed as benzos, are synthetic prescription drugs that act on the nervous system and cause drowsiness and feelings of calm 2. Mainly, they are used against insomnia, seizures, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and in some cases for sedation during medical procedures. 

The mechanism by which benzodiazepines work for alcohol withdrawal is:

• They amplify the activity of the sedating neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid 
• (GABA) in the brain that is reduced by alcoholism.
• It increases glutamate, which is a brain stimulant. 
• This leads to a reduced production of other neurotransmitters (serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, and norepinephrine).
• Consequently, your brain becomes too excited, and you experience withdrawal symptoms. 
• Benzos diminish all these, boost GABA,  resulting in a state of calmness3. 

3 Commonly Prescribed Benzodiazepines For Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Commonly used Benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal symptoms are:

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)

At ChoicePoint, you can consult our licensed professional medical staff. They will help you with a safe alcohol detox. Call us at 844.445.2565. 

Medical Support for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Efficiency Of Different Benzos

Some of these benzos are short-acting, and some are long-acting for alcoholism. Sometimes their effects can be felt immediately, and for some benzos, such as Ativan, several hours are required for their effects to be felt. 

3 Ways Of Using Benzodiazepines For Alcohol Withdrawal

Benzodiazepines are used in 3 ways for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

Fixed Dose Regimen (FDR)

• This dose is administered based on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the time since the last drink was consumed. For instance, an individual coming 5 days after the peak of withdrawal symptoms has passed may need a lower dose as compared to the individual who needs help on the second day. Usually, diazepam is administered. 
• This is ideal for mild symptoms.
• Best for outpatient treatment.

Symptom Monitored Loading Dose (SMLD)

• The dosage of benzodiazepines depends on the level of pain. If you are experiencing high levels of pain, you will get a high dosage. 
• This is best for mild to severe symptoms. 
• ChoicePoint offers it during inpatient treatment.

Loading Dose Regime (LDR)

• This involves long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam.
• This is suited for treating seizures.
• Most commonly used during inpatient treatment. 

What Happens When You Overdose on Benzodiazepines? 

Benzodiazepines help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but it is advised to consume them in limited amounts and for a limited period. Research findings suggest that 40% of individuals get affected by severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms after consuming for more than six months4. That’s why it is recommended to take benzos on clinical recommendations. It’s a sign of danger when you start experiencing these symptoms:

• Seizures
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Skin irritation
• Muscle and joint pain
• Blurred vision

If you experience these symptoms, contact ChoicePoint 844.445.2565. We provide a benzodiazepine detox program where licensed medical professionals will help you with recovery. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

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FAQs: Benzodiazepine For Alcohol Withdrawal: What To Expect?

1. How much time does your body require to get rid of alcohol?

Different factors control how long alcohol stays in your system. These are:

• Age
• Sex
• Body type
• Frequency and amount of alcohol consumption

It usually takes 3 to 7 days to flush alcohol out of the body, but in severe cases of alcohol use disorder, it may take longer. 

2. What are the early signs of alcohol withdrawal?

Early signs of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Cravings
• Lack of concentration
• Palpatations

3. For how long can you take benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines start showing their effects within three weeks when taken regularly. Increasing the dose might make you dependent on it or result in withdrawal symptoms. 

4. Can alcohol and benzodiazepines be consumed together?

It is not at all recommended to take alcohol and benzos together. Their occasional interactions can result in severe consequences. It is ideal to refrain from consuming alcohol while using benzodiazepines. 

Sources

1. Day E, Daly C. Clinical management of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Addiction. 2022 Mar;117(3):804-14.
2. Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Hollier J, Sagrera CE, Delacroix BM, Abubakar T, Cornett EM, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. Benzodiazepines: uses, dangers, and clinical considerations. Neurology international. 2021 Nov 10;13(4):594-607.
3. Malone D, Costin BN, MacElroy D, Al‐Hegelan M, Thompson J, Bronshteyn Y. Phenobarbital versus benzodiazepines in alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Neuropsychopharmacology Reports. 2023 Dec;43(4):532-41.
4. Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK. Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low-dose flumazenil. British journal of clinical pharmacology. 2014 Feb;77(2):285-94.