What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of drugs that includes diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Benzos were introduced in the 1960s and are widely prescribed in the United States now to treat anxiety and insomnia. They are also used during medical detox for the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. What’s the need for benzo addiction treatment in Washington, you may ask? The reason is that benzodiazepines, although highly effective when used for the intended purposes, should be prescribed with caution due to the risk of dependency or addiction.
Types of Benzos
Some of the most commonly prescribed types of benzo include:
- Diazepam (Valium): Known for its use in treating anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures, it has a long duration of action and is suitable for ongoing treatment.
- Alprazolam (Xanax): Often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, Xanax has a rapid onset of action, which makes it effective for acute anxiety episodes but also increases its potential for misuse.
- Lorazepam (Ativan): Used for anxiety disorders and as a sedative before medical procedures. This drug has an intermediate duration, which balances efficacy with the risk of dependence.
- Clonazepam (Klonopin): Prescribed for seizure disorders and panic disorders, it is favored for its long half-life and prolonged relief.
- Temazepam (Restoril): It is used to treat insomnia, and its hypnotic properties make it effective for sleep, but it is usually prescribed for short-term use.
Why Does Benzo Addiction Happen?
Benzo addiction occurs due to the drug’s impact on the brain’s neurotransmitters, which leads to increased tolerance and dependence. With time and use, users require higher doses to achieve the same calming effects, which eventually results in physical and psychological dependence. Misuse, such as taking higher doses than what was recommended or combining with other substances, accelerates this process, making medical intervention essential for recovery.
While benzo addiction can happen to anyone with long-term drug use, its treatment is within reach. However, just as with any kind of substance abuse, benzo addiction can have certain withdrawal symptoms. Let’s have a look.
What Is Benzo Withdrawal?
Benzo withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms experienced when an individual reduces or stops using benzodiazepines after prolonged use. Symptoms often include heightened anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and physical discomfort such as tremors and sweating.
In extreme cases, withdrawal can lead to seizures and hallucinations, and mood swings and emotional instability are also common. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms depend on factors like the length of use and dosage. Due to the potentially dangerous nature of these symptoms, medical supervision is essential to ensure a safe withdrawal process and provide necessary support for recovery.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be severe and can significantly impact mental health. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Anxiety: Increased nervousness and worry.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Irritability: Heightened sensitivity and frustration.
- Panic Attacks: Sudden, intense fear or discomfort.
- Tremors: Uncontrollable shaking.
- Sweating: Excessive perspiration.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach.
- Severe Cases: Seizures and hallucinations.
Due to the potential severity of these withdrawal symptoms and side effects, professional medical supervision is crucial during the detoxification process to ensure safety and support recovery.
Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
The benzo withdrawal timeline varies based on factors such as dosage, duration of benzodiazepine use, and individual physiology. Typically, withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours for short-acting benzos and 3-7 days for long-acting benzos. The acute phase, marked by the most intense symptoms, usually lasts 5-28 days. During this time, individuals may experience anxiety, insomnia, and physical discomfort.
After the acute phase, symptoms gradually decrease over 1-2 weeks, although some individuals may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances, for up to 12 months. Professional guidance is essential throughout this process to ensure safe and effective recovery.
The Importance of Benzo Detox
Detoxification is crucial for individuals struggling with benzodiazepine abuse due to the profound impact these drugs have on the central nervous system. Prolonged use leads to physical dependence, making sudden cessation dangerous.
A structured benzo detox program provides medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, reducing the risk of complications such as seizures and severe anxiety.
Professional detox addresses the underlying issues of drug abuse and creates a roadmap for evidence-based treatment programs and long-term recovery. Through this structured approach, individuals receive the necessary support they need to overcome dependency and restore their mental and physical health.
Benzo Detox Medications
During benzo detox, medications are essential in managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. In an inpatient setting, patients receive 24/7 medical supervision, allowing for the safe administration of medications like tapering doses of benzodiazepines or alternatives such as anticonvulsants to prevent severe withdrawal effects.
For outpatient detox, patients are prescribed medications that they can take at home, under close monitoring by healthcare providers. This approach allows for flexibility while ensuring that cravings and withdrawal symptoms are effectively managed.
Both inpatient and outpatient detox programs are designed to provide a safe and structured environment for individuals to begin their recovery journey.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Research has established that benzodiazepines are as addictive as opioids, cannabinoids, and the club drug GHB. To overcome the addiction, people need benzo addiction treatment in Washington or wherever they are based. In other words, those who have developed a psychological and physical dependence on benzos need to get help at a Washington rehab center.
The professional team at Discover Recovery Treatment Center has extensive experience with Xanax addiction treatment and treatment for other benzo addictions.
If you or a loved one needs medical detox in Washington for benzo abuse, read on to find out how to get benzo addiction treatment in Washington.
Benzodiazepines and Polysubstance Abuse
People who are prescribed benzos are more likely to also receive a prescription for opioids (opioids are prescription pain pills that are also highly addictive). Roughly one-third of benzo prescriptions in the US are accompanied by an opioid prescription. Meaning, a person could potentially develop an addiction to both drugs and need care at a benzo addiction treatment center in Washington that also provides opioid addiction treatment.
The current advice is for benzos to be prescribed for no more than 1-2 weeks. However, interestingly, most patients who use benzodiazepines are long-term users and are prescribed the drugs for a chronic disorder. In such individuals, getting help at a benzo addiction treatment center in Washington is critical because the simultaneous use of benzos and opioids makes it easy to suffer a fatal overdose.
Many people who abuse alcohol also abuse Xanax and other benzos. Sometimes, benzodiazepines are used to enhance the euphoric effects of other drugs. At other times, they are used to reduce the adverse effects of stimulant drugs or alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Research has shown that people with polysubstance abuse, i.e., benzo abuse along with other harmful substances, tend to use higher doses of benzos compared to people who abuse benzodiazepines alone. Again, seeking treatment at a benzo addiction treatment center in Washington can prevent the serious health consequences of benzo abuse and reduce the risk of overdose death.
Benzodiazepine Detox & Treatment in Washington at Discover Recovery
People can develop benzo addiction for a variety of reasons. For instance, a person might take doses too close together or take a dose that’s larger than the one they’ve been prescribed to self-manage their symptoms. In either case, they can quickly become dependent on the drug and need benzo addiction treatment in Washington. Some people may continue taking benzos when they’re no longer needed. Others may hoard Xanax for a bad day or recreational use. The impact of these habits can be dangerous, and misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to addiction.
What often makes the situation worse is that a person with benzo addiction is unaware of the damage the drugs are doing. If someone in your family is misusing benzos, you have to convince them to attend benzo addiction treatment in Washington. At times, an intervention may be necessary, where a professional will explain the benefits of Xanax addiction treatment and try to convince the person to get help.
At the Discover Recovery Treatment Center, clients benefit from being close to nature amidst a beautiful landscape while they undergo benzo addiction treatment in Washington. We are a top-rated Washington rehab center located in Long Beach. We offer comfortable living quarters, delicious meals prepared by in-house chefs, and spacious areas for socialization. The relaxing and healing environment at our facility promotes recovery of the body, mind, and spirit in people with benzo addiction.
If you or someone you love needs medical detox in Washington for benzo addiction, do not delay seeking help. Call us to find out more about Xanax addiction treatment at Discover Recovery, a well-established Washington rehab center, and start your journey to a drug-free life today. Your action today to seek benzo addiction treatment in Washington can save you and your family from adverse outcomes like health complications and benzo overdose.
Benzodiazepine FAQ
Who Can Become Addicted to Benzo?
Anyone prescribed benzodiazepines can potentially become addicted, especially those using them for extended periods or in higher doses than recommended. Individuals with a history of substance abuse or mental health disorders are at higher risk. Stressful life events and chronic anxiety or insomnia can also contribute to misuse.
Adolescents and young adults experimenting with drugs are quite vulnerable, too. Addiction does not discriminate; it affects people across all demographics, including professionals, students, and retirees. That said, recognizing the signs of benzodiazepine dependence early and seeking help is crucial to prevent the progression of benzodiazepine addiction and ensure timely intervention and treatment.
What Are the Dangers of Benzo Abuse?
Benzo abuse poses significant risks, including physical and psychological dependence, as well as severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, drowsiness, and hallucinations. Long-term abuse impairs cognitive function and memory and increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
Mixing benzos with other substances, like alcohol or opioids, increases the risk, potentially causing respiratory depression or fatal overdose. Chronic use also exacerbates mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Benzo abuse can even have social consequences such as strained relationships, job loss, and legal troubles.
Therefore, recognizing the risks and seeking professional help is essential to prevent the severe, life-altering effects of benzodiazepine abuse.
What are the Signs of Benzo Addiction?
Recognizing the signs of benzo addiction is important for early intervention. Key indicators include:
- Increased Tolerance: Higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing anxiety, insomnia, or irritability when not using the drug.
- Cravings: Persistent desire or urge to use benzos.
- Loss of Control: Using larger amounts over a longer period than intended or prescribed.
- Continued Use Despite Harm: Persisting with benzos despite physical, psychological, or social problems.
- Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions.
