What Happens to Your Body During Benzo Withdrawal

Discover how benzo withdrawal impacts GABA and glutamate receptors, causing nervous system dysregulation, emotional challenges, and physical symptoms. Learn why these changes occur and how your body works to heal during this difficult process.

YOUR BODY IS RESILIENT, AND THIS SUFFERING WILL NOT LAST FOREVER

If you’ve found yourself asking this question during benzo withdrawal, you’re not alone. The symptoms you’re experiencing can feel overwhelming, frightening, and even impossible to explain to others. This page is here to help you understand what’s happening to your body and mind during this process and why it feels the way it does.


Benzodiazepines primarily target GABA receptors in your brain and nervous system. These receptors act as a "brake" on your body’s natural activity, helping you feel calm, relaxed, and balanced. Over time, the use of benzodiazepines creates profound changes in these receptors—and in the entire delicate system that regulates your body’s balance, called homeostasis.


When you stop taking benzodiazepines, the nervous system must readjust. This process affects not only your GABA receptors but also other neurotransmitters like glutamate, which acts as the "gas pedal" to GABA’s brake. These disruptions are at the core of what makes benzodiazepine withdrawal so challenging.  Readjusting take time.  A lot of time.


Let’s break this down further:


GABA Receptors: Your Body’s "Brakes"


Your brain has a vast network—like a forest—of GABA receptors. These receptors are designed to respond to natural signals that help keep your nervous system calm and balanced. Benzodiazepines artificially flood this forest with chemicals that amplify the calming effects of GABA.


To maintain balance, your body compensates by reducing the number and sensitivity of GABA receptors. Over time, the "forest" of GABA receptors becomes compromised, thinning out and leaving your nervous system more reliant on the medication to stay calm.


When benzodiazepines are removed, your body is left without enough functional GABA receptors to keep the nervous system in check. This results in:


  • Heightened anxiety and panic
  • Overactive physical sensations, like burning or tingling
  • Difficulty relaxing or sleeping



Glutamate Receptors: The "Gas Pedal"


Glutamate works in opposition to GABA, stimulating activity in the nervous system. When benzodiazepines suppress GABA activity, your body compensates by ramping up glutamate receptor activity to maintain balance. This creates an overstimulated state that can feel like a constant fight-or-flight response.


During withdrawal, glutamate levels can spike because the brain is still overcompensating. This leads to symptoms such as:

  • Insomnia and restlessness
  • Racing thoughts or intrusive fears
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch



Why Does This Happen?


These changes to GABA and glutamate receptors occur because your body is always striving for equilibrium. Benzodiazepines disrupt this balance, forcing your body to adapt. When the medication is removed, your body needs time to rebuild and regulate its natural systems. Unfortunately, this healing process often results in withdrawal symptoms as the nervous system struggles to stabilize.


Factors that affect how long this process takes include:

  • The dosage and duration of benzodiazepine use
  • Your genetics and overall health
  • Whether withdrawal was sudden or gradual



The Healing Process


The good news is that your brain and body are designed to heal. Over time, the "forest" of GABA receptors will regrow, and glutamate activity will normalize. However, this process can be slow, and symptoms may persist for weeks, months, or even longer.


While it can feel unbearable at times, it’s important to remember:


  • Your body is not broken—it is healing.
  • You are not alone in this experience.



You Are Not Alone


Benzodiazepine withdrawal is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face, but healing is possible. You are not alone, and there are resources to support you. Explore the rest of this site for tools, coping strategies, and meditations tailored to help you through this process.



Remember: Your body is resilient, and this suffering will not last forever.

What is happening to me

Coping Strategies for Benzo Withdrawal

While the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be overwhelming, there are ways to help manage the experience and support your healing. Time and distraction are key—allowing your body the space to heal while keeping your mind focused on anything other than the symptoms. Here are some strategies that may help:

Practice Radical Patience

Healing takes time. It can feel unbearably slow, but reminding yourself that this is a process—and not permanent—can help you stay grounded.


Consider keeping a journal to track small improvements over time, even if they feel insignificant in the moment.

Engage in Gentle Distraction

Finding ways to shift your focus can make the experience more bearable.


Consider:

  • Watching comforting or uplifting movies or shows


  • Doing simple, repetitive activities like puzzles, knitting, or coloring



  • Listening to calming or uplifting music, audiobooks, or guided meditations


The goal isn’t to ignore your symptoms but to prevent hyper-focusing on them.

Create a Soothing Routine

Establishing a predictable daily routine can give your brain a sense of stability, which is often disrupted during withdrawal.


Include:

  • Morning rituals like light stretching or a warm drink


  • Evening wind-downs such as a warm bath or calming herbal tea


  • Structured breaks for rest and distraction



  • Exercise:  walking, walking, walking!


Limit Overstimulation

Your nervous system is hyperactive, so reducing sensory overload can help ease symptoms.


Try:

  • Using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs in loud environment


  • Dimming lights or wearing sunglasses indoors if light sensitivity is an issue



  • Taking breaks from screens and digital devices


Lean on Support

You don’t have to go through this alone.


  • Online communities: Join forums or groups of others going through withdrawal for shared understanding and encouragement.  Benzobuddies.com is my favorite!


  • Trusted friends or family: Let them know how they can help—whether it’s listening or simply being there.


Take It One Day at a Time

Withdrawal is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on getting through today instead of worrying about the long road ahead. Over time, these small victories add up to healing.



Remember, while the symptoms of withdrawal can feel insurmountable, you are not broken. Your body is working tirelessly to repair itself. Every moment you endure brings you closer to peace and recovery.