There are benzo withdrawal treatment centers designed to support people with anxiety and addiction. These treatment centers are dual-diagnosis treatment centers that work together to ensure that clients have the skills to manage both their anxiety and their addiction.
At the Robert Alexander Center (RAC) we work with individuals with a number of mental health diagnoses in addiction to substance abuse. Our clients receive comprehensive detoxification and treatment in our Louisville Kentucky facility. Contact us today to see how we can support you or your loved one with their benzo addiction.
What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are medications prescribed by a doctor for anxiety and panic disorders. Benzos are a sedative that can also be used to treat insomnia. These medications work to subdue the nervous system. Benzos can be taken daily for maintenance or as needed at specific moments.
Individuals who use benzos may experience some of these common side effects:
- “Respiratory depression
- Respiratory arrest
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Syncope
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors”
While Benzos are used by over 30.5 million people per year, they also have severe side effects and can be addictive. In fact, 2.1% of users misuse benzodiazepines, but only .2% of users would be classified as having a substance use disorder.
Benzodiazepines Misuse and Addiction
Benzodiazepine misuse is the leading cause of addiction. Benzos misuse can happen in a number of ways. Misuse is obvious when benzos are taken illegally or when someone is taking someone else’s prescription, which is the most common way that benzodiazepines are misused. It can also happen by taking the incorrect amount of medication, taking the medication in an alternative manner (crushing the pills), and taking the medication with other substances. Approximately 17% of benzodiazepine users have misused the drug at one point in time.
Individuals addicted to benzos may experience the following negative side effects “increased reaction time, motor incoordination, anterograde amnesia, slurred speech, restlessness, delirium, aggression, depression, hallucinations, and paranoia.” These negative side effects rarely lead to overdose, but when mixed with other drugs, individuals have a higher instance of negative side effects.
If you are concerned that your loved ones are addicted to benzodiazepines, contact the Robert Alexander Center today. Our treatment programs are designed to specifically support people with anxiety disorders and addiction.
Are There Benzo Withdrawal Treatment Centers?
Yes. There are treatment centers for benzodiazepine withdrawal. In fact, residential treatment centers are most commonly recommended for individuals going through benzo detox because of the nature of the medication and what it treats.
Because benzodiazepines treat anxiety and panic disorders when individuals detox or withdraw from benzos they may experience higher than average levels of anxiety, panic, depression, and other related mental health concerns. An individual in residential detox will be medically monitored and supported through this crucial time.
Additionally, it is recommended that individuals attend residential rehab for benzo treatment. Similarly to detox, individuals going through benzo addiction treatment must also learn how to manage their anxiety or panic disorder without medication. When an individual chooses to do this, they need structured support, lessons in self-management and relapse prevention, and a safe environment where they can implement these regulations.
Robert Alexander Center
At the Robert Alexander center, our focus is our clients. Supporting our clients and families through detox, treatment, and lifelong aftercare is our number one goal. Through evidence-based and holistic treatment programs we offer clients the best option for their own personal development and growth. All treatment programs cater to the needs of each client and re-work as a team to monitor growth and achievement over time.