Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

UNDERSTANDING TREATMENT

BENZODIAZEPINE ADDICTION TREATMENT​

Medical and mental health providers have used benzodiazepines for more than 60 years as part of treatment programs meant to address symptoms of various health concerns. Individuals who struggle with anxiety disorders, panic disorders, seizures, sleep disorders, and the unpleasant symptoms of chronic muscle spasms have all used benzodiazepine drugs to help manage and reduce the intensity of unpleasant symptoms. Benzodiazepines provide feelings of calm and relaxation. These sedating or tranquilizing effects are desirable for individuals who suffer from feelings of pain, overwhelming panic, and other anxiety symptoms. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium are among the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines.

Over the last decade, or more, the opioid epidemic has swept across the nation, leading to rising addiction and rapidly increasing opioid-related death rates. Each year, thousands of people lose their lives due to causes directly linked to a range of opioid drugs. Because coverage of these cases is far more prominent, less attention is paid to the difficulties caused by benzodiazepine addiction and overdose. Similar to prescription opioids, benzodiazepines are highly effective and beneficial when used as directed by a medical or mental health provider. Benzodiazepines are highly effective in providing symptom relief when used appropriately; however, also like opioids, benzodiazepines are frequently misused.

Benzodiazepines, like Valium, and others work by helping slow the speed of communication within the central nervous system. They reduce feelings of panic or anxiety, leading to a feeling of relaxation. Users quickly become addicted to how benzodiazepines make them feel, resulting in an addiction to the feelings and, consequently, the drug itself. For many people, with three to four weeks of regular use, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking benzodiazepines. For this reason, most treatment plans that involve benzodiazepines are limited to thirty to sixty-day increments.

HOW TO KNOW IF SOMEONE IS ADDICTED

Signs & Symptoms of a Benzo Addiction ​

Benzodiazepines are sedative or tranquilizing drugs. This means they act as central nervous system depressants. They work within the central nervous system (brain and associated body systems) to slow the speed of communication between the brain and other areas of the body. They reduce how quickly the brain sends and receives messages throughout the body. This “slowing” of communication helps reduce how quickly and effectively the brain responds to negative triggering stimuli.

Benzodiazepines produce a range of symptoms. Like many other drugs, the signs and symptoms of benzo use may be physical, psychological, and behavioral. Depending on the severity of one’s addiction to benzodiazepines, it may be difficult to distinguish between symptoms of addiction and symptoms of “normal” use. When used as prescribed, benzodiazepines will produce a range of effects; however, these effects may be severe when abused.

Benzo addiction’s common signs and symptoms may include physical weakness, slurred speech, poor judgment, reduced coordination, dizziness, weakness, confusion, exhaustion, vision problems, and drowsiness. With ongoing use, tolerance for the effects of benzodiazepines will develop. With increased tolerance, the ability to achieve desired results once achieved with a lower dose decreases, causing users to take larger and more frequent doses to achieve the same “high” they want. With increased frequency and dose also comes the risk for other, more dangerous signs of addiction, including coma, difficulty breathing, and death. It is crucial to note that the risk for life-threatening side effects is vastly increased by combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or other drugs with similar sedative effects.

When someone struggles with an addiction to benzodiazepines, the effects of use may be short-term or long-lasting (life-long). These effects often depend on several factors, including the severity of their addiction and how long they used benzodiazepines. Long-term effects of benzo addiction may include tremors, memory problems, difficulties sleeping, problems with concentration, and headaches. Chronic benzodiazepine abuse may also lead to new or worsening mental health issues. Benzo abuse may also lead to a range of behavioral symptoms. Frequently seen behavioral effects often include drug-seeking behavior, withdrawing from family and friends, stealing or borrowing money, new or worsening legal and financial problems, poor personal hygiene, and voluntary isolation.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Treatment? ​

Although helpful, as a part of a comprehensive treatment program, benzodiazepines are highly addictive drugs. Many people consider benzodiazepines safe to use because they are prescribed by a medical or mental health provider. This is generally true as part of a short-term course of treatment; however, when misused or abused, benzodiazepine drugs can be harmful and even dangerous. Opioid abuse can frequently lead to life-threatening effects. With benzodiazepine abuse, this is not always the case, except under certain conditions. However, when someone decides to quit using benzodiazepines, side effects experienced during withdrawal can be dangerous. Due to the potential concerns that could arise during benzo detox, it is important to seek help from a medically supported detox center, like Robert Alexander Center.

When you seek benzo withdrawal treatment, you will receive the comprehensive support and guidance you need to safely and successfully detox from an addiction to benzodiazepines. In most cases, the acute (immediate) effects of benzo withdrawal will occur in the first ten to twenty-four hours after your last dose. Typically, the detox and withdrawal process will last between as little as a few days and as long as several weeks. Because each person who chooses to overcome benzo addiction will experience different symptoms, it is important to note that the severity and duration of withdrawal will vary depending on factors unique to your treatment needs and addiction severity.

As part of a supervised benzo withdrawal treatment program, providers at Robert Alexander Center will support you throughout the detox process. Depending on your specific needs, highly trained medical staff will monitor your vitals (including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature) and, if needed, provide medications to help you safely and comfortably manage your symptoms. As you progress through detox, members of our mental health team will be on hand to provide emotional support to help you safely and successfully manage the psychological symptoms of withdrawal.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

Our Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Kentucky ​

When benzodiazepines are used as directed by your provider, they are safe and effective in many treatment programs. However, detoxing from benzo addiction once it develops can be challenging and potentially dangerous. This is especially true if one tries to detox on their own or detox “cold turkey.” If you are ready to detox from benzos, choosing a controlled, medically supervised environment is vital to your health, safety, and overall success during detox.

It is also vital to remember that detox is not treatment. Although an essential part of your journey to sobriety, detox is only the first step towards overcoming addiction. Upon completing detox, it is necessary to transition to a therapeutic addiction treatment program where you will learn more about the roots of addiction and how to safely and successfully maintain lasting sobriety. At Robert Alexander Center, we will work with you to ensure your individually designed treatment plan provides vital tools needed for lasting sobriety and relapse prevention.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ROBERT ALEXANDER CENTER

RAC’s Benzodiazepine Treatment Center
Can Help ​

If you, or a loved one, struggle with an addiction to benzodiazepines seeking help at a treatment program is essential to achieving and maintaining lasting sobriety. The early stages of withdrawal can be difficult, especially without supportive medical and mental health care. Detoxing on your own or “cold turkey” may mean help is not available if you need it, and relapse can occur.

If you are ready to quit benzodiazepine and start your journey toward sobriety, seeking comprehensive addiction treatment is the first step on your recovery journey. The team at Robert Alexander Center understands acknowledging an unhealthy relationship with addiction and choosing to seek help addressing your addiction are difficult steps. Our caring and compassionate admissions team is here to help as you take those first and vital steps toward lasting freedom from drug addiction. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about how our services can help you achieve your sobriety goals.