Many drugs that are available cause harsh withdrawal symptoms. However, few drugs are worse than benzodiazepines or benzos. Although not typically deadly, benzo withdrawal can be so severe that people use again to make the symptoms stop. Not receiving professional prescription drug addiction rehab help and doing so throws them back into the cycle of addiction.

Located in Portland, Oregon, Crestview Recovery offers comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment. We treat all persons 18 and older and have special programs for treating men, women, young adults, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Experts Still Have More to Learn

Benzo addiction rehabBefore getting into benzo withdrawal, it’s important to know that doctors don’t know everything about benzodiazepines. These drugs have been on the market for more than 40 years. However, doctors still don’t know why they affect some people negatively. Some can take benzos without suffering from withdrawal. Others may have horrific withdrawal after just a few doses.

While benzos can be beneficial in people with conditions such as anxiety and seizure disorders, people still develop addictions to these drugs. Some experts believe that genetics play a role in determining how benzos interact with certain people. They also point out that withdrawal happens more often than not. For that reason, it’s best for people to avoid benzos whenever possible.

Benzo Withdrawal

Below are some facts people need to know about withdrawing from benzodiazepines. Knowing this information is important to help them beat their addiction.

Only Time Can Help

Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill or potion that can speed up the withdrawal process during substance use treatment. The only thing that can make the pain and suffering go away is time. Eventually, the symptoms lessen and fade completely.

However, some vitamins and supplements can make benzo withdrawal much worse. People who go through withdrawal should avoid vitamins such as:

  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin D
  • Chamomile
  • Magnesium
  • Phenibut

They should also avoid foods such as salmon, honey, sugar substitutes, and foods that contain caffeine. Some common caffeine-containing foods include chocolate and soda. For whatever reason, these foods cause a spike in withdrawal symptoms.

Don’t Taper or Reinstate

There’s a myth that overcoming benzos is easy when people taper or reinstate the drugs. Tapering is when people take smaller doses to step down from the drug over a period of time. Reinstating refers to using the drug again when the symptoms get out of control.

This advice is bad because tapering or reinstating benzos can lead to benzo kindling. The benzo kindling process makes benzo withdrawal symptoms even harsher the second time around. Unfortunately, doctors don’t know why this phenomenon happens in the brain.

If people are off of benzos for more than four weeks, they should avoid ever taking them again. Doing so can backfire and cause worse withdrawal. It’s also worth noting that they can become more tolerant of the drug over time. This tolerance keeps them from achieving satisfaction from the same amount of the drug they previously took.

The best tip that doctors can give people is to stay off of benzos once they come off. Going back can put their lives in danger.

Benzo Addiction Rehab

When you first arrive at our facility, our team of qualified addiction counselors will assess your level of dependence on benzos. From there, we will create a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your unique needs.

The detoxification process is the first step in addiction rehab and it is crucial that it is done under medical supervision. Our team of certified medical professionals will help you through the detox process and make sure that you are as comfortable as possible.

Once you have completed detox, you will begin therapy. This is where you will learn about the root causes of your addiction and how to cope with triggers in the future. You will also work on developing healthy coping mechanisms and building a support system.

After you have completed therapy, you will be discharged from our facility. However, we will continue to support you through our alumni program. This program provides resources and support for those who are in recovery. We want to make sure that you have all the tools you need to stay sober for the long term.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please reach out for professional help. We can help you get on the road to recovery and live a life free from addiction.

Let Crestview Recovery Provide the Tools That You Need to Overcome Benzo Addiction

At Crestview Recovery, we know the dangers of benzos. We want to help you overcome this addiction and give you the tools that you need to avoid relapse. We provide drug addiction rehab services that you can count on, including:

Crestview Recovery also offers extended care addiction treatment. These provide extra time for you to overcome drug addiction and learn how to control it. Not everyone overcomes addiction at the same speed, and extended care programs take that into account.

Don’t let benzo withdrawal prevent you from beating addiction. Get access to the knowledge that you need to beat the disease at Crestview Recovery in Portland. Call us today for more information on the benzo withdrawal treatment we offer.