Addiction can happen to anyone at any point in their lives. Something as innocuous as a routine prescription for an anxiety medication can snowball into physical dependence and addiction very quickly, even for those who’ve never had any prior experience with substance abuse disorder. The best and safest way to break benzodiazepine addiction is with help from a drug detox center. Contact Evoke Wellness at Miramar today at 866.931.9312 for more information.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a prescription drug that is known for being very habit-forming and addictive. They are prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, epilepsy, PTSD, and even alcohol withdrawal. This type of drug works by making the brain less sensitive to stimulation, which creates a calming effect on both the mind and the body. Benzodiazepines have a very high risk of dependency, abuse, and addiction.
Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Klonopin
- Ativan
- Halcion
Benzos are the most effective when used as prescribed and for only short periods. However, even in the short term, the risk of developing dependency and addiction is extremely high. The effects commonly chased when benzos are abused are the calming effects that it produces. This is due to how the medication works on the body. This drug works on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain by binding to these neurotransmitters and causing feelings of sedation and relaxation.
A person struggling with benzo addiction should seek professional help to quit. The best and safest option for a person looking to break an addiction to benzodiazepines is to get professional care and support at an addiction treatment facility.
How Can a Benzodiazepine Detox Program Help?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is when a person’s body begins to rid itself of the drug, and this process begins once the drug has started to leave the body after the last dose. Benzodiazepine withdrawal and detox are some of the most painful and hardest detoxes to endure because it’s long-lasting, physical, and psychological. Benzodiazepine detox can even be dangerous, especially for those with severe dependence. In instances of severe benzo withdrawal, a person can develop severe complications such as seizures, delirium tremens, and even psychosis. Some users can even experience prolonged withdrawal, which is also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome. This can last for several months or even more. Some common symptoms include chronic anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Each specific benzo type has a treatment based on that particular drug, like Klonopin and Ativan, because withdrawal symptoms can be different and difficult.
Getting Off Benzos With Minimal Withdrawal Symptoms
Not only is benzo detox physically painful, but it is also painful mentally to deal with. The cravings associated with benzodiazepine can be very tough for a person to deal with, and they may last for months after a person quits using. While they can be very hard to deal with, they are a normal part of getting sober. After a couple of weeks, things get easier and continue to get back to normal as your body adjusts to life without benzodiazepines in its system.
Detox from this kind of drug can make a person feel very sick and includes signs and symptoms including:
- Anxiety and panic
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness
- Poor concentration
- Nausea and vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Agitation
- Seizures
Due to the severity and pain that is associated with benzodiazepine detox, a medically assisted detox is what is recommended, as you should never do it on your own. In detox, they can do their best to relieve withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe and comfortable. Doctors at the facility can prescribe you safe medications to help get rid of uncomfortable symptoms.
Therapists will also be available for you to talk about any depression, anxiety, or other mental symptoms you may be having a hard time with. When you are in a detox facility, you are in a drug-free environment and have no access to crack cocaine or any other harmful substances. A medically assisted detox is the best option for coming off of benzodiazepines.
Find Help for Benzo Addiction at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off benzos is by continuing treatment at Evoke Wellness Miramar. We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one therapy, group therapy, and many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs.
Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. If you want help, we are here to assist you in any way we can. Contact us at 866.931.9312 or via our online form.
