Benzodiazepines are potent medications that can be helpful when prescribed for mental health conditions, yet they are often abused. Unfortunately, this class of drugs can be illegally sourced with the intent to use benzos recreationally for their positive effects. Although it may seem harmless, benzodiazepine abuse can quickly spiral into forming a dependency on a medication. If you’re struggling with substance addiction, benzodiazepine addiction treatment is the straightest path to healing. Let’s explore the many benzodiazepine drugs and how a rehab center can help you.
What Is Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Benzodiazepines are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs. This means they work in the CNS, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. By attaching to GABA-A receptors, they slow brain activity for a calming and relaxing effect. As such, benzodiazepines, or benzos, are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, seizures, sleep disorders, and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines are closely regulated and can only be legally obtained with a medical prescription. However, benzo prescription misuse is still an issue that can cause addiction.
Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious issue that affects the brain, making it difficult to quit. Because benzos bind to chemical messengers in the brain, they alter how your brain functions. Eventually, you will need benzos in order to function normally.
List of Benzodiazepines
Different benzodiazepines have differing properties. They range from short-acting to long-acting, vary in potency, and are prescribed for particular uses. Benzodiazepines include the following:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
- Quazepam (Doral)
Are Benzodiazepines Dangerous?
Taking benzodiazepines in a medical context for the treatment of your mental health condition doesn’t pose a danger to you. Although it’s true that benzos can be highly addictive, your doctor will set your prescription to prevent this. Along with prescribing a safe dosage for you, they can help you wean off of benzodiazepines if needed. Your doctor will also understand safe parameters. For instance, benzos are not meant to be a long-term treatment solution. They can be habit-forming and have adverse long-term effects on the brain and body. Further, mixing other substances with benzodiazepines, like weed and Xanax, can be dangerous. Mixed substances are more likely the longer you take your prescription.
Do I Need a Prescription for Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines must be sourced with a doctor’s prescription according to your specific circumstances. The standard process starts with getting diagnosed with a mental or behavioral health issue. Then, you can speak with your doctor or therapist about medication management options. While benzos can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders, panic disorders, sleep disorders, and other conditions, others shouldn’t mix. For example, individuals with borderline personality disorder shouldn’t take benzodiazepines because they can increase suicidal thoughts. Additionally, benzodiazepines aren’t recommended for the treatment of depression or substance use disorder (SUD), as they can worsen symptoms and make recovery more challenging. However, some benzos are used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) like Chlordiazepoxide and Diazepam.
For this reason, you should never source benzos without a prescription, such as trying to buy Xanax online.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Addiction looks different in each individual. However, there tend to be common signs and symptoms that indicate a person might be battling a dependency on benzodiazepines. Keep an eye out for these mental, physical, and behavioral signs in yourself or your loved one.
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Changes in appetite
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Risky behavior
- Shopping around for doctors
- Polysubstance use
- Reduced mental ability, such as judgment and memory
- Slow reaction time
- Isolation
- Falling behind on deadlines and responsibilities
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamWhat Is Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Like?
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction is a straightforward and safe solution to drug dependence. In our rehab program, clients move between levels of care as they advance in their treatment and find personal motivation to make a change. Clients engage in daily therapy sessions with both a traditional and holistic focus, find common ground with peers, and work on concrete goals with their case managers.
Benzodiazepine Detox
All clients with benzodiazepines in their body, when they start treatment,t begin with detoxification. It takes about 4-8 days to remove substances from the body. During this time, comfort medication can be administered on a case-to-case basis to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Clients move into residential inpatient treatment to receive 24/7 care as they work towards lasting sobriety. They live in our comfortable housing situation, complete with amenities, nutritious meals, and holistic activity options. Along with participating in holistic therapy methods, clients attend daily sessions with therapists, counselors, and case managers. During sessions, they unpack the roots of their addiction and work towards their recovery plans.
Outpatient Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Outpatient treatment is the next stage of recovery, where individuals gain more independence to make sobriety a personal goal. Clients move out of the center but still attend daily sessions with their care team.
Aftercare for Benzodiazepine Addiction
After completing outpatient treatment, clients move into the aftercare stage. They continue to receive support but are not required to attend sessions in our facilities. As alumni, they can be as involved as they wish. Notably, we help them get connected into peer support groups, Sober Living housing, and organize regular sober community events.
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Check Your CoverageBenzo Addiction Recovery Options
You have many options available regarding what your rehabilitation looks like. Some clients aren’t able to move through the levels of care and instead enter treatment non-linearly. Similarly, we offer flexible treatment options like Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient for those with obligations at home. What’s important is ensuring you get care for your substance addiction and mental health.
Managing Anxiety
Many types of benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety disorders. Conversely, benzo addiction can create symptoms of anxiety and worsen current conditions. Feeling stuck in a drug addiction is stressful and can cause poor mental health. We want to help you manage your anxiety with our comprehensive care that provides both traditional and holistic therapy. Your mental health matters, so don’t stay stuck in your symptoms.
Holistic Treatment for Benzo Addiction
As part of our therapeutic healing methods, we provide a range of holistic therapy activities. These target your mind, body, and spirit to help you achieve total body wellness. Some of the therapies we offer are:
- Sound therapy
- Outdoor activity
- Biofeedback
- Yoga and meditation
- Mindfulness
- Massage therapy
- Nutrition counseling
Professional Drug Abuse Treatment Help
Entering a professional rehab facility for benzodiazepine addiction treatment is the most effective way to ensure your recovery. Facing a drug addiction feels like you’re putting your life on pause. We’d love to help you get your life moving again by helping you achieve a sober life free from addiction. We’re ready for your call, so please reach out today if you’re ready for a change.
