It takes a lot of courage to stop using benzodiazepines (benzos). It can also be dangerous to do it by yourself. When you're dependent on Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, or another benzo, a medical detox program can be a safer way to quit using. We provide benzo detox here at Spring Grove Recovery in Colorado Springs.
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications for anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, or seizures. You may know them by brand names like Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, or Valium. While they can be effective, they also carry a high risk of addiction, even when taken as prescribed.
When you take a benzodiazepine regularly, your body and brain begin to adapt to its effects. This is known as physical dependence. You start to rely on the medication to function "normally." If you suddenly stop or drop your dose, your body goes into a state of distress, causing withdrawal symptoms.
In the early stages of recovery, you'll probably hear a lot of different terms. Knowing what they mean can help you feel prepared and more confident in your journey.
The benzo withdrawal experience is challenging, but it's also temporary. The medical detox team at Spring Grove Recovery is here to support you through every phase because your safety is our priority, and your recovery is our goal. Here are some of the common benzo withdrawal symptoms you may experience:
Withdrawal symptoms sometimes happen in two phases. The acute phase is when the intense initial symptoms occur, usually lasting one to two weeks. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome refers to lingering, usually less severe, symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, or sleep disturbances that can come and go for several weeks or months.
Trying to withdraw from benzos on your own is risky. Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be severe, even life-threatening.
When you become dependent on benzos, your brain and body can't function normally without them. Benzos are depressants that ease anxiety, but they also slow functions, like natural GABA (a neurotransmitter) activity. When you stop taking them, your brain doesn't produce as much GABA as you would need, which means anxiety can rebound and other complications can occur, like:
The medical detox program at Spring Grove Recovery is built on a foundation of safety protocols designed to protect our clients.
Most people going through benzodiazepine detox require individualized tapers. At Spring Grove Recovery, our medical team uses evidence-based strategies to create a plan that prioritizes your safety and comfort.
We begin by designing a taper schedule based on the specific benzodiazepine you were using, your dosage, how long you were taking it, and your overall physical and mental health. This is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Most importantly, we practice patient-centered pacing. We continuously monitor how you are feeling and adjust the speed of the taper accordingly. Your comfort and stability guide every decision we make.
We want to make your benzo detox experience as comfortable as possible. Our team of licensed professionals provides comprehensive supportive care to manage your physical and emotional well-being.
Starting detox is stressful, but knowing what to expect can help ease the fear of taking the first step. We're here every step of the way as a partner in your recovery. You'll know what's going on and have a hand in creating your plan for recovery. Here's how it works:
There's a better way forward, away from benzo dependence. You deserve to feel safe, cared for, and hopeful about your future. The compassionate team at Spring Grove Recovery is here to provide a secure and dignified start to your new beginning.
We accept all Colorado Medicaid plans and are available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you toward lasting recovery.
No. We strongly advise against it. Because of the serious risk of life-threatening complications like seizures, detoxing from benzodiazepines at home without medical supervision is never recommended.
Healing is a gradual process. The most intense withdrawal symptoms usually lessen within a week or two. However, feeling fully "normal" again takes time as your brain chemistry rebalances. Our program is here to support you through every phase of this journey, including PAWS.
Yes, it can. Trying to taper on your own is very different from a professionally managed medical taper. 24/7 support, expert medical oversight, and a controlled environment create the structure and safety that make success more likely.
Your medical detox will likely require you to be in a 24/7 treatment center where you can focus entirely on your health. It’s hard to step away from responsibilities, but this short and crucial period of time is an investment in your long-term well-being. It allows you to return to your life stronger, more stable, and ready to be present for the people who count on you.
Lindsay Dean currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Spring Grove Recovery. With more than 10 years of experience in behavioral health, Lindsay is deeply committed to expanding access to ethical, high-quality treatment and building systems of care that support long-term, sustainable recovery through compassionate, trauma-informed practices.
Lindsay began her career in direct patient care, where early experience as a mental health technician, crisis intervention specialist, and group/ individual counselor shaped her understanding of how trauma impacts engagement, trust, and openness to treatment. This clinical foundation continues to inform her leadership philosophy, reinforcing the belief that effective treatment systems must be grounded in safety, dignity, and respect.
As Lindsay progressed into senior leadership, her focus shifted toward building and strengthening treatment programs that balance clinical excellence with operational and regulatory integrity. She served as Program Director at one of the largest Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) in Colorado Springs, where she led multidisciplinary teams, expanded access to evidence-based services for priority populations via increased grant funding, and ensured adherence to state and federal regulations.
Most recently, Lindsay served as Assistant Executive Director of Spring Grove Recovery, where she aligned clinical, operational, and administrative teams to strengthen continuity between inpatient and outpatient levels of care. Her leadership emphasized collaboration, sustainability, and the reduction of barriers to treatment access.
Lindsay’s leadership is grounded in operational excellence, regulatory integrity, and trauma-informed systems of care that prioritize patient safety and engagement. She has successfully guided organizations through extensive state and federal oversight, managed and expanded state grant funding, and strengthened services for underserved and vulnerable populations.
Lindsay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Personal Health and is a Certified Addiction Specialist. As CEO, she leads Spring Grove Recovery with a clear mission: to cultivate a trauma-informed, collaborative, and compassionate treatment environment where individuals are empowered to heal, engage meaningfully in their own care, and sustain recovery long after residential treatment ends.
