You’re Not Alone: Finding a Safe Path Through Benzo and Opioid Withdrawal
If you or someone you care about is struggling with dependence on benzos or opioids, you’re likely feeling a mix of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. Withdrawal from these substances is not something to face alone—it’s not just intensely uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous without the right medical care and a solid treatment plan in place. Detox is an essential first step, but it’s only the beginning. True recovery comes from addressing the full picture and creating a foundation for long-term healing.
At Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center, we understand how heavy this moment can feel. That’s why our mission is to meet you where you are, offering compassion—not judgment—as we work together to create a personalized path to recovery. Our approach goes beyond detox, focusing on the whole person to help you rediscover not just sobriety, but a life full of purpose and hope.
Why Is It So Hard to Quit Benzos and Opioids on Your Own?
Benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin) and opioids (such as heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers) are incredibly powerful substances that significantly affect the brain’s central nervous system. Over time, your body adapts to their presence, becoming physically dependent. This means your system literally relies on these drugs to function normally.
Stopping them suddenly—especially without medical supervision—can send your body into shock. Symptoms of withdrawal can be severe, including:
- Intense anxiety or overwhelming panic attacks
- Muscle pain, tremors, and extreme restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Hallucinations or even seizures (especially with benzodiazepine withdrawal)
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Dangerous spikes or drops in heart rate and blood pressure
These symptoms don’t just make withdrawal difficult—they can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s so critical to withdraw from benzos and opioids in a safe, medically supervised environment, where trained professionals can monitor and support you every step of the way.
What’s the Difference Between Detox and Comprehensive Treatment?
Detox focuses on removing substances from the body, stabilizing you medically as you begin withdrawal. Think of it as the emergency response—it addresses the immediate crisis but doesn’t treat the underlying causes of addiction or prepare you for life after the substances are gone.
A full treatment plan goes much further. It includes:
- Medical detox with round-the-clock monitoring and medication support to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety.
- Individual therapy to address the root causes of addiction, whether emotional pain, trauma, or mental health challenges.
- Group support to connect with others who understand your journey and provide encouragement.
- Mental health care for co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, which often go hand-in-hand with substance use.
- Life skills training to equip you with tools for stress management, coping, and relapse prevention.
- Aftercare planning to ensure you have ongoing support and resources after leaving treatment.
At Arrowwood, we believe detox is just the start of a larger journey. True healing requires addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
Is It Dangerous to Detox from Benzos and Opioids at Home?
Yes. Trying to detox from benzos or opioids “cold turkey” at home is not only incredibly difficult but also dangerous. Benzodiazepine withdrawal, in particular, can trigger life-threatening complications such as seizures, psychosis, and heart irregularities if not managed properly.
Even if you’ve detoxed from other substances before, benzos and opioids require a carefully controlled tapering process. This involves trained professionals gradually reducing your dosage while monitoring your physical and mental health. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to ease discomfort and reduce risks during withdrawal.
For your safety, we encourage starting with a confidential consultation with our admissions team. We’ll help you explore your options and create a plan tailored to your needs.
How Long Does Withdrawal Last?
The timeline for withdrawal depends on several factors, such as:
- How long you’ve used the substances
- The specific drugs involved
- Your dosage and frequency
- Whether you’ve attempted to quit before
Typically:
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms peak around 48–72 hours after the last dose and may subside within 7–10 days.
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal can begin within 24 hours of stopping, peak within the first week, and last for several weeks—or even months in some cases.
Even after the acute withdrawal phase, lingering symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or mood swings (known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms) may persist. This is why ongoing care is crucial for lasting recovery.
FAQ: What’s the Safest Way to Stop Using Benzos and Opioids?
The safest and most effective way to stop using benzos and opioids is to enter a medically supervised detox program and follow it with a personalized treatment plan. Trying to quit on your own can lead to serious health risks or relapse.
At Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center, we provide a safe, structured environment where you’ll be supported every step of the way—from detox to aftercare.
What Does Treatment After Detox Look Like?
After detox, we help you transition into one of our core programs, based on your needs and recovery goals:
- Residential Inpatient Care: Live on-site with 24/7 support, daily therapy sessions, and access to holistic wellness activities.
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): A full-day program offering intensive care while allowing you to live off-site.
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Flexible treatment tailored to fit your schedule, ideal for balancing recovery with rebuilding daily life.
- Family Therapy and Aftercare: Addiction impacts families, so we provide resources for loved ones and create a plan for long-term success after treatment.
Why Choose Arrowwood for Benzo and Opioid Treatment?
At Arrowwood, we’re more than just another treatment facility—we’re a team of compassionate experts who truly care about your recovery. We focus on creating a safe, personalized environment where healing feels possible. Here’s what we offer:
- Safe, medically monitored detox for benzos and opioids
- Experienced clinicians trained in trauma and dual diagnosis care
- Customized treatment plans designed around your unique needs
- A peaceful, modern space that fosters healing and growth
- Ongoing support to help you maintain recovery even after leaving treatment
We don’t just want you to get clean—we want to help you build a life that feels worth staying clean for.
When Should You Reach Out for Help?
If you’re:
- Taking more than your prescribed dose just to function
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms between doses
- Mixing benzos and opioids to amplify effects
- Using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma
- Feeling like you can’t stop, even if you want to
…it’s time to talk to someone who understands.
Healing Starts with One Brave Step
You don’t have to have all the answers right now. The important thing is that you’re here, looking for a way forward. That takes courage.
At Arrowwood, we’re ready to guide you through the next steps—safely, compassionately, and at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, you’ll be met with respect, not judgment.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with benzo and opioid addiction, contact us today. We’ll help you create a personalized care plan that supports not just detox, but long-term healing.
You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible.