Physicians in the United States often prescribe benzo-based medications. That doesn’t mean that they’re safe substances. Benzos are actually highly addictive and usually aren’t prescribed for long-term use. People tend to grow dependent on these substances and develop an addiction when they’re on them for a long period. People looking for benzo addiction recovery can achieve it with the right help. Need to know more about benzo addiction rehab? Call us today at 866.262.0531.
What Drugs Can Lead to a Benzo Addiction?
Benzo is short for benzodiazepine. Most commonly, people refer to these drugs as tranquilizers. People who use benzos may take them temporarily or as they need them to help with anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle relaxation, and alcohol withdrawal. Patients may also receive a benzo as an anesthetic before they go into surgery.
Some benzo medications are more common than others. Two of the most common ones are Xanax and Valium. They are both benzodiazepines, but Xanax is a fast-acting drug that has a shorter half-life so it does not stay in the body for long. Valium is longer acting and has a longer half-life, so it stays in the body for a longer period of time.
Both drugs can be addictive if taken too frequently or in too high of a dosage. People can become dependent on them, leading to an addiction to benzos if they are taken over long periods of time. When people become addicted to benzos, it may be difficult for them to stop using the drug without professional help. They may need medical support and counseling to help manage their addiction and withdrawal. Benzo addiction can also lead to additional health problems, including depression and anxiety. It is important for people to seek help if they are struggling with a benzo addiction.
When You Should Look Into Benzo Addiction Recovery
When someone is abusing a benzo, there are very clear signs that will emerge. High doses of benzodiazepines in the short-term can cause confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, blurred vision, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing. If individuals take enough of a benzo, they may slip into a coma. Long-term abuse of a benzo can also cause anorexia, insomnia, anxiety, and headaches.
People who abuse benzos for a short time may not experience adverse side effects when they stop using. However, if they continue to abuse one of these drugs, users will eventually develop a tolerance and take more of the drug in order to get the same effect. When these individuals increase their benzo use, they often become dependent on the substance and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms for benzos include:
- Increased tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Muscular pain
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Depression
If you or a loved one shows signs of benzo abuse or experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using, it’s time to look into addiction recovery.
What You Need During Benzo Addiction Recovery
The first step of addiction recovery is always detox. You have to get through withdrawal before you can start working on the other factors that come with your benzo abuse and addiction. You need to find a detox program that helps clients who struggle specifically with benzo abuse.
After detox, you’ll enter rehab. During rehab, you should enter treatment programs that help you recover in mental, spiritual, and physical ways. With that well-rounded care, you’ll be able to learn plenty of coping mechanisms that will help you stay sober once you leave treatment. Although we do not offer detox we can refer you to one of our partner facilities. Some programs you should look for include:
- 12 step recovery
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Holistic drug therapy
- Life skills therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Yoga therapy
Your treatment should include a mix of individual and group therapy programs as well. When caring, trained staff members that put your care first lead these programs, you’ll be able to heal and build a community that you can lean on when you need help to stay sober.
Benzo Addiction Recovery In the Pacific Northwest
Benzo addictions can be difficult to overcome, but with the right help and support, it’s possible to make a full recovery. People should not be afraid to reach out for the help they need in order to get back on the path of sobriety.
Crestview Recovery will provide you with the benzo abuse recovery that can help you heal. At our facility, your care always comes first.
You don’t have to be helpless against your addiction. Addiction treatment can give you the tools you need to take your life back. Call Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531 or contact us online and begin your recovery today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
