Can Herbs Help With Benzo Withdrawal?

Herbs & Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Withdrawal from any substance, especially drugs in the benzodiazepine category, can be an extremely uncomfortable process. Since withdrawal can be painful and potentially dangerous, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. But even though individuals should get treated for withdrawal right away, they need to make sure that they’re getting a treatment plan that is tailored to them and their needs. While many methods effectively help treat withdrawal, others are just rumored to be successful in some cases. Many methods that can be administered at home may not be effective and could lead to even more serious side effects.

Natural herbs are sometimes used at home to help alleviate illnesses and improve symptoms. Herbs prove to be safe in most cases, but they may not treat all conditions. So could herbs help someone who is experiencing a benzodiazepine withdrawal?

What Causes Benzo Withdrawal?

Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs that are prescribed to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia, and related illnesses. 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.

An individual experiences benzo withdrawal if they stop using a benzodiazepine suddenly after using it heavily or for an extended period of time. In most cases, people who have benzodiazepine withdrawal are dependent on one or more benzodiazepine drugs. The most common benzos are Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Klonopin, and Ativan.

Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal vary for every individual and may depend on several factors like which benzo they use, how heavily they use it, how long they’ve used it, etc. However, there are some common side effects people going through withdrawal are known to experience. Someone who is have a benzodiazepine withdrawal may face one or more of the following side effects:

Aches and pains
Abnormal body sensations
Insomnia
Nausea
Seizures
Delirium
Detachment from reality
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Muscle spasms
Depression

As you can see, benzodiazepine withdrawal could potentially exacerbate the symptoms that the drugs are designed to treat. If you or someone you know starts to experience benzodiazepine withdrawal, you should begin the treatment process immediately to ease symptoms and increase chances for a successful recovery.

Can Herbs Help Treat Benzo Withdrawal?

It is said that some natural vitamins or remedies including Kava, Melatonin, and Progesterone may be able to help treat the side effects of benzo withdrawal. However, there isn’t sufficient evidence to support the idea that these methods can effectively treat benzo withdrawal.

How to Ease Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

There are many different types of treatments that are medically approved to treat benzodiazepine withdrawal. These treatment methods should all be administered by rehabilitation specialists or medical professionals.

It is also important to receive a combination of ongoing therapy and pharmacological support to fully recover from an abuse disorder. Doctors and rehabilitation specialists may offer cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, certain medications, or other related treatment options.

Strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, mindfulness training, and exercise can help individuals alleviate anxiety long after they stop using benzodiazepines. These practices provide a natural way for individuals to relieve stress.

To learn more about benzo withdrawal and what to do when an individual is withdrawing, give us a call at 866-345-2147.