Benzo Detox in the UK
The short answer
A benzodiazepine detox is the slowest of all — typically 14–28 days inpatient and often months of tapering afterwards, at roughly £3,500–£7,000 privately. Stopping benzos abruptly can cause seizures, so the reduction has to be prescribed and gradual.
Call 0800 000 0000 for a confirmed priceWhat it costs
| Option | Detox | 28 days |
|---|---|---|
| NHS community detox Prescribed and reviewed locally; suitable for lower-risk withdrawal. | Free | 1–3 week assessment wait |
| Private inpatient detox CQC-registered, 24-hour observation through the risk window. | £3,500–£7,000 | 14–28 days inpatient; a full taper often takes 3–12 months |
| Detox plus 28-day programme Detox followed by the therapy programme that prevents an immediate relapse. | £3,500–£7,000 | £5,500–£17,000 |
These are market ranges gathered across CQC-registered UK providers, not quotes. Only the clinic can confirm a final price, and it depends on your assessment. Prices checked July 2026.
Benzodiazepines detox timeline
Days 1–4
Rebound anxiety and insomnia as the switch to a long-acting benzo is stabilised.
Days 5–14
Highest seizure risk if the reduction is too fast. Steps are usually 5–10% at a time.
Weeks 3–8
Sensory sensitivity, muscle tension and wave-like anxiety. Uncomfortable but expected.
Months 3–12
Symptoms taper off in waves. A slow finish is what prevents relapse and re-escalation.
Why this one needs medical cover
Abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures and psychosis. Never stop street-bought Xanax or a long-term prescription without medical supervision, however small the dose looks.
Medication typically used
- Switch to long-acting diazepam, then a slow staged reduction
- Anticonvulsant cover where there is a seizure history
- Sleep and anxiety support that does not reintroduce dependence
Can you do a benzodiazepines detox at home?
Most benzodiazepine reductions happen at home under a GP or specialist plan, because the taper is far too long for a residential stay. Inpatient admission is used to stabilise a chaotic or street-supply pattern first.
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are physically dependent, speak to a doctor before you change your intake — including reducing it.
Common questions
How long does a benzodiazepines detox take?
14–28 days inpatient; a full taper often takes 3–12 months. A benzodiazepine detox is the slowest of all — typically 14–28 days inpatient and often months of tapering afterwards, at roughly £3,500–£7,000 privately. Stopping benzos abruptly can cause seizures, so the reduction has to be prescribed and gradual.
Is a benzodiazepines detox dangerous?
Abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures and psychosis. Never stop street-bought Xanax or a long-term prescription without medical supervision, however small the dose looks.
Can I detox from benzodiazepines at home?
Most benzodiazepine reductions happen at home under a GP or specialist plan, because the taper is far too long for a residential stay. Inpatient admission is used to stabilise a chaotic or street-supply pattern first.
What medication is used for a benzodiazepines detox?
Switch to long-acting diazepam, then a slow staged reduction; Anticonvulsant cover where there is a seizure history; Sleep and anxiety support that does not reintroduce dependence. Everything is prescribed and reviewed by a doctor — nothing here should be sourced privately or online.
How much does a private benzodiazepines detox cost?
Expect £3,500–£7,000 for a medically supervised inpatient detox, depending on length of stay and room type. NHS community detox is free but involves an assessment wait.
Do I need rehab afterwards?
Detox handles the chemistry, not the habit. Relapse rates after detox alone are high, so plan the following four weeks before you start — a residential programme, structured outpatient therapy, or at minimum a weekly group and a named person to call.