Whole System Ayurveda Protocol for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome from Benzodiazepines: A Case Study

Anxiolytic Withdrawal Disorder (AWD) represents a significant clinical sequela following the cessation of protracted anxiolytic therapy, particularly benzodiazepines. The clinical syndrome, characterized by persistent anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and severe fatigue, frequently complicates sustained discontinuation. Ayurveda offers a multi-modal theoretical framework -- Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (psychological), Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (spiritual/environmental), and Yukti Vyapashraya Chikitsa (rational) --that may provide effective non-pharmacological management. We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient who, while undergoing physician-supervised gradual tapering of clonazepam, developed clinical manifestations consistent with post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), including severe anxiety, pronounced irritability, chronic insomnia, and generalized debility. An individualized Ayurvedic treatment protocol was implemented for six weeks, specifically integrating the psychospiritual and rational principles of treatment. Over this six-week therapeutic course, the patient experienced progressive and substantial clinical improvement, demonstrating a marked reduction in withdrawal-related symptom severity, with improved sleep quality and diminished anxiety. Crucially, he maintained successful abstinence from benzodiazepine reinstatement or the need for other pharmacological anxiolytics. This case demonstrates that an integrated Ayurvedic management plan may be a safe and effective therapeutic modality for mitigating the complex symptomology of AWD, highlighting its potential utility in supporting patients through the challenging process of long-term benzodiazepine cessation.