Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Treatment in Virginia
November 6, 2026 · 7 min read
Medically reviewed by Jeffrey H. Simon, M.D.
Medical Director, Virginia Addiction & Mental Health Center · Last reviewed November 6, 2026
Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam) work well in the short term, but the body adapts quickly. Coming off them safely is a medical process, not a test of willpower.
Why you shouldn't stop suddenly
After weeks or months of daily use, the brain relies on the drug to calm its own signaling. Take it away all at once and that system can overshoot. Short-acting drugs like alprazolam can cause symptoms within a day; longer-acting drugs like diazepam may take several days.
- Rebound anxiety, panic, and insomnia
- Tremor, sweating, racing heart, sensitivity to light and sound
- Irritability, poor concentration, feeling unreal
- In severe cases: seizures, confusion, or hallucinations
A seizure, confusion, or hallucinations is an emergency. Call 911.
How a supervised taper works
A prescriber lowers the dose in small steps and checks in often. Some patients switch to a longer-acting benzodiazepine first so levels stay steadier. Reductions are paused or slowed if symptoms get hard to manage — the goal is finishing, not speed. Therapy such as CBT for anxiety and insomnia runs alongside, so the reason you started the medication is still treated.
Outpatient or inpatient?
Many people taper safely through outpatient care. A medically supervised inpatient setting is safer if you take high doses, combine benzodiazepines with alcohol, opioids or other sedatives, have had withdrawal seizures before, or are using pills from the street. When that's the case, we coordinate a referral to trusted, vetted detox providers and plan your return to outpatient care.
Our approach in Alexandria and virtually across Virginia
Our physicians provide medication management inside our PHP and IOP programs. The structure of several treatment days a week makes a taper easier to watch closely. Not sure which fits? Take the level-of-care quiz or call (571) 586-2883.
Frequently asked questions
- Can benzodiazepine withdrawal be dangerous?
- Yes. After regular use, stopping suddenly can cause seizures and, rarely, delirium. That's why benzodiazepines should be reduced gradually under a prescriber's care, not stopped cold.
- How long does a benzo taper take?
- It depends on the drug, dose and how long you've taken it. Many tapers take weeks to months. Current guidance favors small reductions, often 5–10% every two to four weeks, adjusted to how you feel.
- Can I taper off benzodiazepines as an outpatient?
- Many people can, with a prescriber who sees them regularly. People taking very high doses, using alcohol or other sedatives too, or with a history of withdrawal seizures may need a medically supervised inpatient setting.
- What if I'm buying pills that weren't prescribed to me?
- Tell us. Street 'Xanax' is often counterfeit and may contain fentanyl or other sedatives. We'll talk honestly about the safest plan, which may include a referral to inpatient detox.
Talk with our admissions team
A benefits check takes about five to ten minutes and there is no obligation to enroll. We are in-network with major commercial plans and can tell you what your policy covers before you commit.