The Gay Benzo Detox Process: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Benzodiazepines (benzos) can be very effective in treating various conditions, such as anxiety and insomnia. While they can be incredibly useful for gay people with these conditions, benzo use can also quickly lead to dependence. Once the gay person becomes dependent on benzos, it can be very difficult to stop, as they will most likely experience unpleasant and potentially dangerous benzo withdrawal. 

What to Know About Benzo Detox for a Gay Person?

Benzo detox is the first step of the benzo withdrawal treatment process in a gay person. Gay clients are usually medically monitored under 24/7 supervision as they go through benzo withdrawal symptoms.

Because some withdrawal symptoms can cause permanent damage to the brain of the gay person or even death, it’s important that they seek out medical monitoring and supervision during this time. The duration of these symptoms depends on gay individual factors, such as:

• How long the benzodiazepine was used
• Intake method
• The medical history of the gay person 

Here at Pride Detox, we offer inpatient benzodiazepine detox programs, meaning you’d stay in our luxurious, welcoming rooms and have access to professionals during your recovery. Our detox program is also available to those gay persons who have a less severe addiction and want to continue their work or school during their detox and follow-up treatment. Though going through detox sounds uncomfortable, it’s required to get them on the path to recovery. 

What are the Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal for a Gay Person?

Benzo withdrawal can be an intense experience for a gay person, requiring careful management and support. Removing benzos from the system of a gay person is the first step to recovery, and doing this in a safe, professionally staffed environment is important because they may have become dependent on benzos, which may have affected their brain’s chemical makeup. In severe dependency cases, suddenly stopping the intake of benzos (benzodiazepines) could lead to delirium, a lost sense of self, and psychosis in the gay individual.

After detoxing from benzos, the brain of the gay person takes time to recalibrate in the absence of the substance. These symptoms may present as they transition from benzo detox into ongoing inpatient or outpatient treatment: difficulty focusing, insomnia, restlessness, detachment, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, tremors, mood swings, hallucinations, delirium, suicidal thoughts, amongst others. Understanding these symptoms and seeking professional help can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.

Factors That Influence the Duration of Benzodiazepine Detox for a Gay Person 

While timelines vary significantly among gay individuals, acute withdrawal symptoms generally surface within a few days to a week following the last dose and can persist for several weeks. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can persist for several months. 

That being said, here are some of the factors that may influence the length of a benzodiazepine detox for a gay person:

• Dosage of Benzodiazepine
  The dosage of benzodiazepine plays a vital role in determining the detox timeline of a gay person. The reason why this matters a lot is that higher doses usually imply longer detox times.
• Length of Use
  The duration of benzodiazepine use can significantly influence the detox process for a gay person. A long-term benzo addiction often leads to more severe and extended withdrawal experiences in these people.
• Physical Health Condition
  The gay individual’s overall physical health can dramatically impact the course and duration of withdrawal. Certain health conditions might complicate the benzo detox process, extending its duration.
• Psychological Factors
  The mental and emotional state of a gay individual can heavily influence the benzo  detox timeline. If the gay person has high stress levels, for instance, it can worsen withdrawal symptoms and potentially elongate the benzo detox process.

What to Expect Post-Benzo Detox as a Gay Person 

Post-detox, gay individuals typically transition into a phase of rehabilitation and therapy, which serves as the backbone of long-term recovery. It’s also common for them to experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) after the benzo detoxing process. 

The rehabilitation phase aids to build their coping mechanisms, repair damaged relationships, support them through Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, and foster new, healthier habits for them.

• Understanding PAWS (Post-acute Withdrawal Syndrome)
  In some cases, gay individuals may experience PAWS, characterized by withdrawal symptoms that extend beyond the typical benzo detox period. Recognizing and managing PAWS is critical for successful benzo addiction recovery.
• Therapy
  There are various therapeutic approaches employed during the rehabilitation phase post-benzo detox for a gay person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used and has proven effective in helping gay individuals understand the triggers leading to substance misuse and develop strategies to handle such triggers effectively.

Motivational interviewing, another technique, helps gay individuals find the motivation for change within themselves. Other therapies, such as group therapy and support groups, are also common post-benzo detox for gay people. 

• Physical Wellness
  Physical wellness is vital to the gay person. Nutritional counseling, physical fitness programs, and learning techniques to manage stress, such as through yoga or meditation, are often integrated into the rehabilitation process for the gay individual.
• Treating Mental Health Conditions
  It’s also common during this phase of the gay person so as to address any co-occurring mental illness disorders and behavioral health conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders, that often accompany substance use disorders. Addressing these conditions is important in reducing the risk of benzo addiction relapse.

What is the Best Benzo Withdrawal Treatment for a Gay Person?

The best and safest treatment for benzo withdrawal for a gay person is a medically supervised detox, followed by inpatient treatment for the addiction if needed. A supervised detox helps smoothen the transition from using the substance to being clean with 24/7 care and medication-assisted treatment. Detoxing from benzos at home is not only extremely painful but also dangerous and potentially life-threatening to the gay person. 

Take the First Steps to recovery with Pride Detox

Are you or a gay loved one struggling with benzo addiction? Pride Detox is here to help.

Along with a benzodiazepine detox, we offer a full suite of detox programs for all types of addictive substances.

Our holistic and evidence-based interventions include medication-assisted treatment, group and individual counseling, psychotherapy (CBT or DBT), and holistic therapies. After completing your treatment program, you can transition to less intensive care or sober living. We provide an aftercare plan with coping techniques and relapse prevention strategies to support your ongoing recovery. Contact us today at 1-562-545-3289 to take the first step toward recovery.