Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Treatment at Banyan Palm Springs
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a class of drugs that inhibit the central nervous system and slow the body down. They can be prescribed to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and even seizures in some cases because of their calming effects. Some common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan. Like all medications, benzos should only be taken as directed by a doctor, but unfortunately, some people do come to abuse them. This abuse can be dangerous and has the potential to lead to a variety of problems like health issues, financial problems, and addiction. Because people can become dependent on them and struggle to quit on their own, Banyan Palm Springs’ benzo detox in California is the first step in stopping abuse for good.
What Is Considered Long-Term Benzo Use?
Long-term benzodiazepine (benzo) use often refers to a period of regular and consistent use of these drugs for a lengthy period, frequently more than a few weeks or months. Long-term use often denotes a duration that exceeds that which is advised for short-term treatment, however, no commonly accepted timeline defines it. Although benzos are typically recommended to treat illnesses including anxiety, sleeplessness, and specific seizure disorders, prolonged use of benzos can result in tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal symptoms. In therapeutic practice, long-term use may be considered when a patient continues to use benzodiazepines after the initial phase of treatment, putting them at increased risk for problems and adverse effects related to prolonged exposure.
Long-term benzodiazepine use can affect a person's health in several ways. It may physiologically result in the development of tolerance, which means that over time, the same dosage loses its effectiveness and must be increased to produce the desired result. The danger of overdose and unfavorable reactions may increase because of this escalation. Long-term usage can also cause physical dependency, in which the body becomes accustomed to the drug's presence and exhibits withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. Psychological reliance is another issue, as people may become dependent on benzodiazepines to get through each day, which can make it difficult for them to learn new coping skills. This makes having access to services and treatments at our benzodiazepine detox centers in California crucial.
Benzo Withdrawal
Treatment at our benzo detox in California is different for everyone, but most people will experience some type of withdrawal. These symptoms can be anywhere from mild to severe and will largely depend on the specific individual as well as the severity of their addiction.
Some possible benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
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- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Perceptual changes
- Benzo cravings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Agitations
- Seizure
Withdrawal symptoms from a benzo detox can begin as soon as a day after use stops and will usually last ten days to two weeks. During this time, symptoms may come and go, with some becoming more severe than others. While most of the symptoms will fade after this period, some like insomnia, cravings, and mood changes may not go away as easily. These symptoms may persist for several months and in some cases require their separate treatment.
What Are the Unusual Features of the Withdrawal Symptoms From Benzodiazepines?
In some cases, unusual symptoms such as severe heart palpitations, muscle tremors or motor jerks may occur during benzo withdrawal. More distinctive symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:
- Protracted Withdrawal
- Rebound Anxiety and Insomnia
- Seizures
- De-personalization and De-realization
- Sensory Hypersensitivity
- Psychiatric symptoms (mood swings, irritability, and perceptual disturbances)
- Cognitive Impairments (difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making)
- Muscle Pain and Stiffness
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
At Banyan Palm Springs, our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction is able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.