Treatment options include medication adjustment, dietary modifications, hydration, probiotics, exercise, stress management and medical evaluation if symptoms persist. By understanding benzo belly, individuals can take proactive steps to alleviate discomfort and improve digestive health. Taking certain anxiety medications, then stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms. A little-known withdrawal symptom of benzodiazepines is “benzo belly.” But, attending a medical detox program can help with benzo withdrawal pain relief.
Consult a healthcare professional before starting new exercises, particularly during withdrawal. Healthcare providers may prescribe alternative medications or recommend dietary changes and therapies to manage symptoms during the withdrawal process. While the exact cause of ‘Benzo Belly’ remains unclear, it is widely recognized as a withdrawal-related phenomenon.
Choosing Purpose for Effective Medical Detox
Some of the most commonly prescribed benzos include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan. Essentially, benzo belly happens because of the changes in the brain and the gut after long-term use. Some people experience muscle tension all over their body, but cramps in the abdomen and GI tract are most common.
If so, dual diagnosis treatment programs can address both struggles. Once you complete detox, therapy helps you understand your addiction and manage your anxiety. However, this can be minimized by tapering the drug during medical detox. Although these tips won’t treat the source of “benzo belly,” they may alleviate the symptoms. Dr. Michael DeShields, MD, ASAM, DABAM, is a distinguished Medical Director with nearly 40 years of expertise in addiction medicine.
Addiction Treatment
This reduces the risk of dependence and subsequent withdrawal symptoms. For individuals who have been using benzodiazepines for an extended period, a gradual tapering of the dosage is recommended. This is because abrupt cessation can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress.
The Experience Blog
Unlike most other drugs, benzo withdrawal has phases of withdrawal. One of the main factors is the impact of benzodiazepine on the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain, nervous system, and body.
- Research indicates that a well-managed withdrawal strategy can improve the likelihood of successful discontinuation and long-term recovery.
- Additionally, for individuals using benzodiazepines for panic attacks, seizure disorders, or pain relief, doctors can prescribe alternative medications or treatments.
- Benzo belly describes the gastrointestinal problems that are common after you stop taking benzos.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
- Although benzodiazepines can be highly effective, their long-term use comes with risks, including dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
- When you’re under stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and lead to gastrointestinal issues.
More Questions about Treatment?
If someone develops an addiction to a benzodiazepine medication, it means they cannot stop using the medication without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are often uncomfortable and the reason that people continue using addictive substances like benzos. Benzo detox typically involves tapering or gradually reducing your daily dose. Including “benzo belly.” Stopping benzos, cold-turkey is never recommended due to severe risks, including seizures. For most drugs, withdrawal symptoms typically last 1 to 2 weeks after the last dose.
They also take into account the potential impact of withdrawal on existing conditions. Withdrawal symptoms often include gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. These symptoms can adversely affect the gut microbiome and lead to long-term digestive issues. Self-care and mental health support play a vital role in coping with the emotional and psychological toll of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Given the potential for long-lasting and distressing symptoms, it is crucial for individuals experiencing benzo Belly to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can offer guidance on safely tapering off benzodiazepines and provide support for managing withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to note that suddenly stopping benzodiazepine use without medical supervision can lead to severe complications, including grand mal seizures and delirium. Benzo withdrawal pain relief, including “benzo belly,” is one focus of medical detox. Medical detox is generally an inpatient program – meaning you live in the treatment center.
For some people, this discomfort is enough that they end up relapsing. This is why managing benzo withdrawal, pain relief, and anxiety is so important. During benzo detox at Purpose in our medically supervised detox setting, certain prescription drugs may be recommended to relieve symptoms of withdrawal. For example, a diuretic medication may be prescribed to help with water retention. Additionally, for individuals using benzodiazepines for panic attacks, seizure disorders, or pain relief, doctors can prescribe alternative medications or treatments. Benzo belly refers to gastrointestinal issues that may arise as a side effect of benzodiazepine medications.
They typically kick in when you start reducing or stopping benzos and can hang around for months or even years before your gut and nervous system heal. Benzodiazepines are psychoactive prescription drugs that enhance the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. They bind to GABA-A receptors to decrease nerve cell excitability and produce calming effects.
- Common side effects include drooping features, bloodshot eyes, and signs of cognitive impairment.
- The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.
- In general, no; people withdrawing from benzos must be patient and wait for symptoms to go away.
- Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.
- Recognition of the condition is vital for proper management, as abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
The safest way to avoid withdrawal symptoms is to take benzodiazepines exactly as prescribed and work with your doctor on any changes. But if you’re already tapering from benzos at home, these ten practical tips can ease your digestive discomfort and support your body’s healing process. Those who go through benzo withdrawal often experience intense, debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms. Our specialized benzo detox program alleviates symptoms, eases the benzo belly discomfort, and guides you toward lasting recovery. Symptoms of “benzo belly” manifest themselves because this class of medications affectsalmost every cell in the body, including those of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). The duration of benzo belly can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s overall health, dosage and duration of benzodiazepine use, and any concurrent medical conditions.
Clonidine for Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
When benzo withdrawal feels like too much to handle, Ardu Recovery Center is here to provide the exact level of care and support you need. In general, no; people withdrawing from benzos must be patient and wait for symptoms to go away. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
As your brain chemistry gradually readjusts, physical symptoms improve at different rates. The protracted withdrawal phase can last months as your body returns to normal functioning. While tolerance does fade, it’s a gradual process that varies from person to person, and complete healing of your what is benzo belly brain’s natural chemical balance takes time. Many people with “benzo belly” mistakenly become convinced they have developed a new food allergy when in reality they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The main phases of benzo withdrawal include early withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal. In the early withdrawal phase, symptoms typically start within a few hours to a few days of the last dose.
For people prescribed benzos by their doctor, they should discussdiscontinuing the drugif they have been using it for more than four weeks. Evidence shows that benzodiazepines are not effective following this period and continued use only increases the chances of addiction. Did your benzo use leave you struggling with addiction and your initial struggles of anxiety?