Etizolam Withdrawal and Detox

Etizolam Info

• Etizolam Addiction and Abuse
• Etizolam Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Etizolam Treatment and Rehab
• Etizolam Withdrawal and Detox

Etizolam is also referred to as a ‘benzodiazepine analogue’ because although it has a different chemical structure, it is related to the benzodiazepine family. However, you can still experience similar effects to regular benzodiazepines, as well as withdrawal symptoms. When heavily consumed, tolerance can manifest, which means you’ll begin to take larger doses of the drug in order to achieve the same effects.

Etizolam can, therefore, put you at risk of becoming addicted. When you try to quit the drug after extended use, you can experience severe withdrawal symptoms – similar to those induced by benzodiazepines. The drug works by binding to receptors in your brain and causing sedation. If Etizolam is consumed for longer than recommended (or too frequently), this eventually replaces those receptors, controlling the way your muscles relax and induce sleep.

Such drugs are not recommended for long-term treatment. If you’re concerned about experiencing withdrawal or if a loved one is abusing Etizolam, it’s best to look for safe ways to detox and quit using.

What Is Etizolam Withdrawal?

Generally, withdrawal from certain drugs will lead to mostly physical withdrawal symptoms, but those of a psychological nature can also occur. The severity of such symptoms will depend on different factors; in some cases, the psychological symptoms you experience can be more intense than those that are physical.

Etizolam withdrawal is a serious condition, because of the way the drug affects the body. Etizolam functions as a central nervous system depressant, causing a state of sedation and relaxation. This can be helpful if you need an extra hand unwinding from time to time. However, prolonged use can lead to physical dependency, and there’s a high chance of experiencing some withdrawal symptoms when you try to give up.

Etizolam withdrawal can take hold after about eight hours, or as the drug begins to wear off. Peak withdrawal symptoms occur between three to five days after your last dose. During this period, your body is vulnerable to harsh side-effects, and you’re at a high risk of returning to substance abuse. In turn, this also means there is a high risk of experiencing an Etizolam overdose.

Causes of Etizolam Withdrawal

Since every drug acts somewhat differently on each of us, your experience of withdrawal will be unique. Drug withdrawal has been compared to the brain acting like a spring that holds down natural chemical production in the presence of intoxicating substances. When these substances are no longer in your system, the ‘spring’ becomes loose, allowing a rush of chemicals and sending huge amounts of adrenaline into the body. This is usually difficult for the body to cope with and is what causes withdrawal.

When you suddenly stop taking Etizolam after a prolonged period of use, it’s hard for your body to adjust, leading to the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. When you’ve developed both tolerance and experience withdrawal symptoms, it means you’ve become physically dependent on the drug. At this stage, you’ll require regular ingestion of Etizolam in order to maintain your state of balance that’s been created by the drug.

When the levels of Etizolam in your system drop, it becomes unbalanced. This can cause several issues with your neurotransmitters, hormones and other imbalances that can be categorised as withdrawal symptoms. You could begin to feel sick and mentally off-balance. Severe and potentially dangerous symptoms such as seizures can also occur, based on the quantity of Etizolam you’ve used.

Phases of Etizolam Withdrawal

Etizolam withdrawal can occur in three main phases:

During the early withdrawal phase, you can experience a return of insomnia and anxiety, as your brain rebounds without the substance present. The symptoms for which Etizolam was initially prescribed to suppress may return in greater intensity. Early withdrawal usually begins within a few hours to days after quitting and can continue for days after.

Meanwhile, acute withdrawal can begin a few days after quitting Etizolam. It can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to end, as this phase makes up the bulk of withdrawal.

Protracted withdrawal occurs in only a small number of individuals. However, this phase can last several months or even years after quitting heavy abuse of Etizolam. You can experience depression and mood swings (that may be difficult to manage). Usually, the symptoms occur unexpectedly and without warning. Protracted withdrawal can be managed via the help of mental health services and support.

Timeline of Etizolam Withdrawal

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Etizolam has a half-life of 3.4 hours and tends to take effect within half an hour to two hours. The timeline for Etizolam withdrawal varies from one person to the next, but will generally follow thus:

Days 1 – 3

During the initial stage, your body and brain begin to respond to the absence of the drug in your system. You can experience withdrawal symptoms within about six hours after your last dose. Symptoms that occur during this period include nausea, vomiting, dry heaves and difficulty sleeping.

Days 4 – 7

Your initial symptoms begin to lessen in intensity. Cravings may continue, but the most challenging period is now over. An intensified feeling of exhaustion may be present, but the most difficult withdrawal symptoms will have passed.

Days 8 – 14

At this time, you might begin to experience psychological withdrawal symptoms on top of your remaining physical symptoms, which can include anxiety, irritability and insomnia. Even when you’re able to fall asleep, you could experience unpleasant dreams.

Days 15 – 28

The symptoms you experienced during the second week of withdrawal may reappear at this stage. However, you’re already relieved of the most intense withdrawal symptoms by now.

What Is Etizolam Detoxification?

A thorough detoxification is the safest method to rid your body of Etizolam. Detoxification (or ‘detox’) involves removing any traces of the drug from your body, whilst avoiding any rebound side effects caused by the reactivation of the central nervous system.

This method of detoxification is highly recommended, but should only be carried out alongside a doctor to ensure your safety. Via a tapering schedule, potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms can be managed and controlled accordingly. During detox, longer-acting benzodiazepines may be substituted for Etizolam, before you’re gradually weaned off. Medications might also be prescribed to control certain withdrawal symptoms, which can be helpful.

Seeking medical help during Etizolam detoxification will give your body the chance to expel all the toxins slowly and avoid intense withdrawal symptoms all the while. Attempting a ‘cold turkey’ detox or cutting off your dosage abruptly only increases the chances of negative effects and painful withdrawal symptoms. Entering a rehab facility for treatment is the safest form of Etizolam detox. There, you’ll work with a team of medical professionals to ensure recovery in a safe and healthy manner.

Etizolam detox process

The detox process is best performed under medical supervision, where addiction specialists employ effective safety protocols. At a qualified treatment centre, physicians and other caregivers can offer you the best resources necessary to undergo a safe detox. The Etizolam detox process can be completed in three steps:

• Evaluation: In order to begin the Etizolam detox programme, you’ll first be evaluated by medical staff, taking your addiction and medical needs into consideration. Normally, the detox process can be affected by a wide range of variables, which is why evaluation is a key element. The information collected by staff during your assessment will help to devise a highly individualised recovery plan for you.
• Detoxification: Abusing drugs pollutes the body with toxins. Detoxification is a naturally-occurring process, carried out by the body to rid itself of toxic substances. Detox can be a very difficult process and withdrawal symptoms can be severe. However, the constant supervision of physical and mental health professionals can manage your detox symptoms.
• Aftercare: This is where you can transition back into your community and learn how to employ the use of skills learnt during treatment. In some cases, regular therapy sessions are recommended to ensure that results achieved in detox are maintained.

Home detox

In addition to the risk of seizures, you can also experience a rebound effect, as your original insomnia and anxiety make a return. Proper treatment is required to detox from Etizolam because the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Rather than a home detox, the safest way is to seek help at a detox centre or get in touch with a healthcare professional for assistance.

Detoxing from benzodiazepine related drugs like Etizolam can be dangerous, and can lead to seizures. During the first few weeks when symptoms can be intense, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Medical professionals can provide treatment for these symptoms and prescribe alternative medications that you might be unable to access during a home detox.

Why can detoxification at home be harmful?

Detoxification at home is not recommended, as there’s a high chance you’ll return to using drugs to mitigate the pain and discomfort of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, anxiety, tremors and chills.

Detox is hardly pain-free, but a medical team can provide medication therapy, designed to control and manage painful symptoms throughout the process. Drug abuse and dependence is a complex disorder that requires comprehensive treatment over a specific period of time.

Having proper assistance through detox and therapy can help you safely overcome addiction and learn how to cope with stressful or trigger situations, without resorting to drug abuse.

Medically supervised Etizolam withdrawal detox

Detoxification means eliminating all traces of drugs from the body, whilst managing the withdrawal symptoms that may occur in the process. Since abruptly quitting Etizolam can result in uncomfortable, painful or frightening symptoms, medical supervision during this process can make it easier and safer for you. However, it’s essential to understand that detoxification alone is not considered treatment, but rather an effective first step to overcoming Etizolam addiction.

If you’re finding it challenging to discontinue the use of Etizolam on your own, you can benefit from proper support and medical care via medically supervised withdrawal and detox. Under medical monitoring, you’re in the care of experienced physicians at all times, who can minimise your discomfort and reduce any severe symptoms associated with detox.

Medically supervised Etizolam withdrawal detox is highly effective and much safer than unsupervised detoxification. Residential Etizolam withdrawal is commonly recommended, as withdrawal symptoms can peak within a few days and last weeks or even months after. When you’ve successfully completed the detox programme, your odds of a relapse are considerably lowered, and this can prevent unnecessary physical discomfort.

Some commonly used medications during Etizolam detox include:

• Flumazenil: This fast-acting drug is more often used for treating an overdose, but may be able to assist in detox as well. It functions by stopping Etizolam’s chemical actions from attaching to your GABA receptors. It’s said that Flumazenil ‘tricks’ the body into thinking you’re still ingesting Etizolam, even though you’re actually taking something less harmful.
• Buspirone: This medication is non-addictive and helps to relieve anxiety – one of the main symptoms that occur during detox. Buspirone takes a long time to kick in, and your doctor may decide to prescribe it after you’ve gone through the initial stages of detox.
• Acamprosate: While this drug is mainly used to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome, there are similarities between withdrawal from alcohol and that of benzodiazepine medications. Since alcohol and Etizolam are central nervous system depressants, the drug may be able to control common symptoms of withdrawal, such as anxiety, jitteriness and sleeplessness that occur during detox.
• Alternative medications: during detox, your physician might recommend herbal mixtures, vitamins, minerals and other unregulated supplements that have been successful. While these alternatives have not been scientifically proven, they can help you regain your physical health, and reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment for Withdrawal

In many situations, withdrawal from addictive drugs involves both dangerous and distressing symptoms. This is why medically assisted detox is the safest course to take when you want to quit using Etizolam. If you’re also abusing other drugs and/or alcohol alongside Etizolam, this can increase the risks of complications during withdrawal, which makes seeking professional help even more crucial.

Etizolam withdrawal treatment can occur in a treatment centre or hospital setting. To begin with, medical and mental health professionals may:

• Assess how severely dependent you’ve become on the drug.
• Monitor your vital signs, such as your temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
• Slowly taper your regular dose of the drug.
• Administer medications to ease discomfort.
• Administer medications to lower your risk of seizures.
• Recommend participation in further treatment and therapy.

Etizolam withdrawal can be a potentially risky and uncomfortable process. However, receiving proper care can build the foundation for long-term recovery. If you need help finding a programme that can help you safely quit Etizolam for good, get in touch with us today.

Withdrawing from Etizolam: Treatment methods and options

There are several treatment centres available to help you withdraw safely from Etizolam. Usually, the best setting – if you’ve been taking high daily doses of the drug – is an inpatient or residential treatment centre. Such centres incorporate withdrawal and detox protocols that are effective and can easily help you get started with recovery. If you or someone you know is abusing Etizolam, there are different treatment methods and options you might consider:

• Detox centres: these are medically monitored facilities and they can provide certain medications to ease withdrawal and minimise other medical complications. Professional caregivers are on hand to supervise you throughout the process.
• Intensive outpatient: treatment involves group setting up a timeline and healing at home; supervision is provided from a distance, but medical help is available quickly if arranged.

Guided Etizolam therapy

If not managed properly, quitting Etizolam can result in disturbing side effects and a relapse into abuse and addiction. Guided therapy involves the administration of medication to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms that occur when you quit substance abuse. A doctor can utilise medications to treat your withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smooth withdrawal and detox from Etizolam.

The main purpose of guided therapy is to safely and successfully transition you to medication-assisted treatment for addiction and withdrawal. Relapse is a major concern when conducting guided therapy, as this can result in overdose. Your physician will discuss the implications of relapse and possible risk of overdose in addition to the benefits of guided Etizolam therapy.

This method of treatment alone cannot guarantee sustained abstinence from Etizolam and other benzodiazepine substances. It also doesn’t address the reasons you became dependent on Etizolam or the damage that your addiction caused to your relationships, finances and employment. Professional rehabilitation is necessary after your guided treatment to provide physical, mental and spiritual balance and help you achieve a full and sustained recovery.

Live a Drug-Free Life Again

Etizolam withdrawal and detox can be a long and bumpy road, especially when you’ve been addicted for a long period of time. Sometimes, it can even feel impossible, but it isn’t. When you’re ready to quit using Etizolam and willing to receive the necessary support, you can recover from abuse and addiction – no matter how heavy the level of abuse or how dependent you feel.

You don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom; you can start treatment now and live a drug-free life again. While ‘getting clean’ is an essential first step, it’s only the beginning of your recovery. Entering rehab can break the physical and psychological hold of Etizolam addiction, and help you build a new, meaningful life.

Preventing relapse

In therapy, you can learn the techniques to process difficult emotions and handle stressful situations, without using substances. You’ll also learn to identify unhealthy patterns and find out how they result in relapse and form better patterns that can contribute to long-term recovery. In addition, preventing relapse is possible with the right kind of social support. Trying to stay drug-free around your old drug-taking friends will only cause you to relapse.

During early recovery, you should have at least one person you can call when faced with the temptation to relapse. This person can be a sponsor from your self-help group or a trusted family member. If you’re going to be in situations where you might be tempted to use again, you should take your drug-free friend along.

Tips for handling cravings

Cravings are an expected component of addiction recovery; they can be relentless and occur during your most vulnerable moments. It’s essential to handle your cravings properly to avoid them resulting in relapse.

When you exercise and are physically active, your body naturally produces chemicals that combat depression and improve your mood, as well as reduce anxiety and stress. You can enjoy the full benefits of exercise from a brisk walk around your neighbourhood, outdoor projects or gardening.

The most significant triggers for cravings include anger, stress and anxiety. Practising some relaxation techniques is the best preventive measure to handle them. Therefore, choose a suitable place and time to practice meditation. You can close your eyes and focus on breathing, then engage natural relaxation by taking deep breaths.

Journaling your thoughts is also a practical way to handle cravings. By being mindful of your life, you can maintain focus and move forward, instead of falling back into old habits.

Find a Treatment Centre

Finding a treatment centre offering services closely suited to your needs is a crucial step in recovery. It’s therefore important to find a treatment centre that can provide you with a full range of medical care. While an addiction treatment professional is in the best position to decide on the appropriate treatment, you can choose the best facility by answering some important questions:

• What’s the distance of the centre from my home? Will I need to travel a long distance to the facility?
• Are the centre’s doctors, nurses and counsellors certified in drug withdrawal and detox treatment?
• Are there medically supervised detox services available?
• Do the centre and its staff have reviews available to the public?
• Does the centre offer specialised treatment for different categories of people?
• Can I continue to work or have access to phone and/or computers, as well as email?
• Will my insurance cover the cost of this rehab or programme?
• How can I complete payment if insurance only covers part of my treatment?
• Can treatment accommodate dual diagnosis issues?

Frequently Asked Questions