Benzo Detox in New Orleans
NOLA Detox provides benzo detox for individuals facing benzodiazepine dependence and benzodiazepine addiction.
Benzodiazepines — including drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan — are among the most difficult substances to safely detox from. Because benzo withdrawal can cause severe symptoms including seizures, psychosis, and cardiovascular complications, medically supervised benzodiazepine detox is not just recommended: it’s essential.
At NOLA Detox and Recovery Center, our benzo detox program in Louisiana provides the expert medical supervision needed to navigate benzodiazepine withdrawal safely — with locations in New Orleans and Slidell.
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What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications primarily used to treat anxiety, panic disorder, seizure disorders, and sleep problems. They work by enhancing the effect of GABA — a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity — producing calming, sedative effects.
While therapeutically valuable when used as prescribed, benzodiazepines carry significant risk for dependence and addiction, particularly with long-term use or misuse. Physical dependence can develop even in patients following a doctor’s prescription, making benzodiazepine addiction a condition that affects people from all backgrounds.
Commonly misused benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
Feel Better in Sobriety
Why Benzo Detox Requires Medical Supervision
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is in the same class as alcohol withdrawal — both act on GABA receptors, and both can produce life-threatening withdrawal complications. Symptoms of benzo withdrawal can include:
- Severe anxiety and panic
- Insomnia
- Tremors and muscle spasms
- Headaches and nausea
- Perceptual disturbances (sensitivity to light, sound, touch)
- Seizures
- Psychosis
Attempting to stop benzodiazepines abruptly — or to taper without medical supervision — carries serious medical risk. Benzodiazepine detox should always be conducted under clinical supervision.
We work with your insurance.
NOLA Detox accepts most major insurance plans, and both campuses accept Medicaid. Don’t let coverage be a barrier; our admissions team will verify your benefits for free, same day.
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What to Expect
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
It takes roughly five days for half a benzo like Xanax to fully leave your system, depending on the dose you took. However, withdrawal symptoms can set in as early as 12 hours after you stop taking them. The severity of these symptoms depends on how long you’ve been taking benzos, the method you used to take the benzo, and how large the dose was. Your symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
You’ll first experience an acute withdrawal phase, which lasts up to two weeks. You’ll experience physical and mental symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Agitation or tremors
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
During the protracted withdrawal stage (lasting up to six months), your mood will fluctuate between normal and depressed states with periods of hyperactivity called a rebound effect. You can also have trouble sleeping and experience sudden episodes of anger.
There’s also the possibility that you’ll develop benzo-induced depression or anxiety, which can last for up to a year after stopping use. This is especially common if you were taking these drugs long-term. While uncommon, seizures are known to occur during benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Our Benzo Detox Program
Our medical team has extensive experience managing benzodiazepine withdrawal. Our approach is individualized — there is no single protocol that fits every patient — and typically involves:
Comprehensive Clinical Assessment Before beginning detox, our team evaluates your dosage history, duration of use, overall health status, and any co-occurring conditions to develop a safe, personalized taper plan.
Medically Supervised Taper Protocol Benzo detox is typically managed through a gradual tapering of the medication rather than abrupt cessation. Our medical team monitors vital signs, withdrawal symptoms, and mental status throughout the process, adjusting the taper rate as clinically indicated.
24/7 Monitoring Our nursing and medical staff are available around the clock during the detox phase, ensuring that any emerging complications are identified and addressed immediately.
Symptom Management Adjunctive medications may be used to manage specific withdrawal symptoms — including seizure-preventive agents, sleep support, and medications to address anxiety during the taper.
Transition to Continued Treatment Benzo detox is the first step in recovery, not the whole of it. Following detox, patients are encouraged to engage in our inpatient or intensive outpatient programming to address the psychological dimensions of benzodiazepine dependence.
Detoxification at a Treatment Center
How long it takes to detox from benzos depends on several factors. Because of the type of withdrawal symptoms, you can have with benzos, a slow, tapering detox under medical supervision is the safest way to recover. It can be tempting to simply quick cold-turkey, but among people taking benzos for longer than six months, about 40 percent experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when they quit suddenly.
Therefore, inpatient treatment is much safer than detoxing at home. The program at NOLA Detox and Recovery Center offers a safe and supportive environment, as well as 24/hour care. Physicians, counselors, and other associates are available to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms, which can make the process much more comfortable.
After rehab, you’ll need a game plan to continue your care. This comes in the form of counseling, group therapy, and aftercare support. Our team can help you develop a plan that will work best for you.
Our Locations
NOLA Strong. NOLA Sober. NOLA Detox.
New Orleans- Residential Treatment Center
New Orleans- Outpatient Treatment Center
Slidell- Inpatient and Outpatient Services
Get answers
Benzo Detox FAQ
HOW TO CURE BENZO WITHDRAWAL?
WHAT IS BENZO DETOX LIKE?
CAN YOU DIE FROM BENZO WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS?
Contact NOLA Detox and Recovery Center for Benzo Detox Help
If you’re struggling with benzo addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Detox is the first step on the road to recovery. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be difficult, but facilities such as NOLA Detox and Recovery Center are ready to help. Contact us at (504) 420-2985 or visit our campus today.
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