Anyone know why alcohol withdrawal is significantly shorter than benzo withdrawal?

[behindblueeyes]

Alcohol withdrawal, for the most part, is over after about a week. Benzo withdrawal can last months. I know withdrawal comes from a shortage of GABA in both cases, and an abundance of norepinephrine. And both withdrawal symptoms are similar.

 

[Wolfmans_BrothEr]

This is just a shot in the dark but it could be bc alcohol doesn't stay in your system as long as benzos. I believe it's an hr for every oz consumed

However I believe it's also relative to the person. Their tolerance, what they were drinking (liquor vs beer), how long they've been using, and their body chemistry

 

[Morphling]

Alcohol affects a whole lot more than just GABA. There are other mechanisms in effect than just that neurochemical system.

 

[PotatoMan]

Benzos are more potent? Idk lol

 

[Intenselife]

My guess would be is because benzos change your brain chemistry and fuck up up your gaba receptors more, making it hard for some people even taking it as prescribed to ever feel "normal" again after they stop. While alcohol also messes with your gaba receptors, it doesn't retain all the properties benzos do which is more than just anxiety relief, they also can be prescribed for muscle movements, spasms, insomnia (the dumbest one), tremors, stress etc etc. But i really don't have an exact answer or experience with either

 

[bennyZA]

Benzo's stay in your system much longer than alcohol.

 

[opiatekrzy]

cause benzos aren't water soluble, they stick in ur system for a long time, with the exception of Xanax and Ativan. even that they stay in ur urine from 1-42 days...that's wy alcohol out faster, and opiates