Benzo Addiction Treatment

Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are psychoactive drugs prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and insomnia. These depressants target the central nervous system to reduce excessive nerve activity. Frequently prescribed benzos include Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin. Intended for short-term use, they are prone to misuse, leading to addiction. Although prescribed medications are often perceived as safe, misuse can significantly harm one’s health. Individuals struggling with benzodiazepine addiction often require specialized treatment to achieve sobriety.

Benzodiazepines are widely used in the United States. In 2017 alone, there were 45 million alprazolam prescriptions, 26.4 million lorazepam prescriptions, 29.2 million clonazepam prescriptions, 12.6 million diazepam prescriptions, and 7 million temazepam prescriptions written in the U.S. Besides treating insomnia, seizure disorders, and anxiety, benzos can be used as muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and in tandem with anesthesia to promote relaxation and sedation.

Tranquilizers like Valium and Xanax enhance GABA neurotransmitter activity in the brain, depressing functions such as breathing, heart rate, and judgment. This calming effect and altered brain activity can encourage continued use and potentially lead to addiction. Misuse or abuse, even with a prescription, increases the risk of dependence. Seeking professional benzodiazepine addiction treatment is crucial for recovery.

Who Should Not Take Benzodiazepines?

Not everyone is suitable for benzodiazepine treatment. Due to the risk of abuse and addiction, individuals with a history of substance abuse, especially alcohol or illegal narcotics, should avoid benzodiazepines. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid these drugs due to the potential dangers to the developing fetus or nursing infant. People with respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), should be cautious due to the risk of reduced respiratory function. Additionally, those hypersensitive to benzodiazepines or similar chemicals should not use these medications. Medical experts must carefully consider each patient's unique circumstances and medical history before prescribing benzodiazepines.

Signs of Benzo Addiction

Many people believe benzodiazepines are safe because they are prescribed, but this is far from the truth. Although prescription drugs like Benzos are often given to patients with a set of directions they must follow, many patients begin to misuse them and eventually develop an addiction.

While addiction is not always immediately apparent, some of the more specific signs of a benzo addiction to look out for include:

  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Doctor shopping (seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors)
  • Drowsiness
  • Extreme weight loss or gain
  • Memory loss
  • Mood swings
  • Muscle weakness
  • Odd behavior
  • Secretive behavior
  • Self-isolation
  • Slurred speech
  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Blurred vision
  • Poor judgment
  • Panic attacks
  • Withdrawal from loved ones
  • Decreased performance at school, work, or home
  • Decreased interest in normal activities
  • Asking for prescription drugs from friends, family, or colleagues
  • Risk-taking behaviors, such as driving after abusing benzodiazepines
  • Using benzodiazepines with alcohol or other drugs

Long-term effects of benzodiazepine abuse include:

  • Anorexia
  • Tremors and shakes
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Memory problems

Due to tolerance development, benzo users require larger doses over time to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, can occur if use stops or doses are significantly reduced. If drug use becomes more persistent or secretive, it may be time to seek help at a Benzo addiction treatment center.

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Why Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?

Benzodiazepines' addictiveness is primarily due to their drastic impact on brain neurotransmitters and their calming effects. Benzos increases the inhibitory effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, lowering neuronal excitability and creating a calming effect. People may require higher doses to achieve the same effects, increasing addiction risk.

The euphoria and relaxation benzos provide can be reinforcing, leading to psychological dependence. Individuals seeking fast relief from anxiety or discomfort may find benzos tempting due to their quick action and short-term respite. Even when aware of negative effects, users may continue due to fear of withdrawal symptoms, making professional treatment crucial.

The benzodiazepine mechanism of action includes the following:

  • Altered brain chemistry: Long-term use changes how the brain works, making it harder to function without the drug. This makes people keep using it, finding it tough to imagine life without it.
  • GABA manipulation: Benzos boosts the activity of a brain chemical called GABA, which calms the brain, reduces anxiety, and promotes relaxation. With time, the brain may rely on these drugs to keep GABA levels up, leading to dependence.
  • Reinforcement and reward: The calming and anxiety-relieving effects of benzodiazepines can make people want to use them more, creating a cycle of dependence. Some start with a prescription but may use them to cope with stress or discomfort, adding to the addiction.
  • Tolerance development: Over time, the body gets used to benzodiazepines, so the same dose becomes less effective. People often increase their dose to get the same effects.

The Importance of Benzo Detox

Before admitting individuals into any treatment program, our clinical experts conduct a full assessment to gather information about physical, psychological, and social functioning, helping develop an individualized rehabilitation plan. Recovering from benzodiazepine addiction without professional support can be challenging and dangerous. Therefore, before starting treatment, patients undergo a health assessment to determine the most suitable detox and addiction treatment program. Once the assessment is completed, patients in our rehab usually begin benzo rehab with benzo withdrawal treatment. During medically assisted detox, patients receive 24-hour medical assistance to properly manage their benzo withdrawal symptoms, address drug cravings, and ensure they remain as comfortable and safe as possible. Attempting to detox at home or without medical supervision increases the individual’s chances of experiencing further health complications.

Common benzo withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Memory loss
  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Professional withdrawal treatment can mitigate these symptoms, making recovery more comfortable and reducing relapse likelihood. Detox is only the first step; comprehensive care ensures medical stability and teaches patients to manage sobriety after rehab.

How to Treat a Benzodiazepine Addiction

Long-term abuse of Benzodiazepine can lead to cognitive impairment, increased accident risk, and hip fractures in those over 65. Addiction causes brain changes that make quitting difficult, with withdrawal symptoms often leading to relapse. Benzodiazepine rehab services help individuals overcome substance abuse problems.

Treatment includes detox followed by inpatient or partial hospitalization programs to aid recovery. Patients participate in therapy to address addiction roots and learn to manage future cravings. Quitting benzos without professional help is not recommended due to the risks involved.

Regardless of which of our levels of care for substance abuse treatment patients are placed in, all of our top-level programs utilize various therapy and counseling modalities to promote healing, some but not all of these therapies include:

  • 12 Step Programs
  • Art Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Life Skills Training
  • Medical Assessments
  • Yoga
  • & More

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Telehealth Benzo Treatment

Telehealth benzo treatment offers addiction services through remote communication technologies like videoconferencing, phone calls, and messaging apps, allowing individuals to receive evidence-based care without visiting a facility. This includes individual and group therapy, medical consultations, and medication management, either in real-time or through pre-recorded sessions. It is particularly convenient and accessible for those with limited access to in-person care, such as individuals in remote areas or with mobility issues. The benefits include access to a wide range of interventions, like counseling and support groups, delivered via secure and confidential online platforms, making it an ideal option for those seeking more anonymity in their treatment.

Our Nationwide Benzo Addiction Program

Our nationwide rehab center provides effective treatment for Benzo's addiction in a safe, relaxing setting. After detox, patients enter a full-time Benzo rehab program designed to combat addiction without distractions. Early recovery stages are difficult, and this program ensures a safe and comfortable environment. Patients engage in various activities, including therapies, outdoor activities, individual meetings, and group sessions, staying in the facility to maintain focus.

  • Individual and Group Therapy: Our outpatient rehab accepts individuals who are physically stable or have undergone medical treatment. Clients participate in therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counseling, group therapy, and holistic approaches.
  • Education and Relapse Prevention: Clients are educated about benzodiazepines, addiction, and relapse prevention strategies to maintain long-term recovery.
  • Supportive Environment: All Banyan rehab locations provide a supportive, structured environment that fosters recovery goals. Our rehab emphasizes community and peer support.
  • Aftercare Planning: A crucial aspect of our program is developing aftercare plans, which may include ongoing counseling, support groups, and continued monitoring to prevent relapse.
  • Family Therapy: Family therapy places the family unit at the center of treatment, recognizing the influence of family dynamics on recovery.

Whether clients are placed in detox, residential, PHP, or outpatient levels of care, all patients at our rehab center will receive the best care possible. We provide personalized benzodiazepine addiction treatment in addition to other specialized treatment programs to help patients overcome their disorders and establish happy and healthy lives.

If you or a loved one is looking for a Benzo addiction treatment, we’re here to help. Contact us today for more information on our residential treatment program

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