Millions of people in the United States use prescription benzodiazepine medications to manage a medical or mental health condition. Some people misuse these drugs, which can lead to a life-threatening benzodiazepine addiction.
People with physical dependence on benzodiazepines may experience withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings when they stop taking them. Most people with benzo addiction require structured, intensive treatment and continuing support to avoid relapse.
This article will explore what to expect from a benzodiazepine detox program. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of benzo abuse
- What symptoms may occur while the body is detoxing from benzos
- What happens during a medical detox program
- How to determine if you require substance abuse treatment
- Where to find comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
If you or a loved one struggles with benzodiazepine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive detox and treatment programs at First Step Behavioral Health.
What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are commonly prescribed sedative medications. People may take prescription benzodiazepine drugs to manage the symptoms of several conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Seizures
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Insomnia
Some common prescription benzodiazepine drugs include:
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Estazolam (ProSom)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene T-Tab)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Benzodiazepines work by reducing activity in the central nervous system (CNS). This can reduce anxiety symptoms, seizure activity, and other symptoms.
Benzos have the potential for misuse and addiction. People must only take benzodiazepines under careful medical supervision.
The Effects and Dangers of Benzo Abuse
Benzodiazepine abuse is a serious problem in the United States. Millions of people take these drugs. Research shows that about 17% of benzo use meets the criteria for abuse.
People who take benzodiazepines to manage a medical or mental health disorder may misuse them. Benzodiazepines can cause euphoria, sedation, and relaxation. People may like the way they feel while taking these drugs and want to take more.
Benzodiazepine misuse includes:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Taking doses more often than prescribed
- Using a prescription medication for a longer period than prescribed
- Ingesting a drug differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
People may also abuse benzodiazepines by taking them recreationally (without a prescription).
Benzodiazepine abuse can cause side effects. Some can be dangerous. Some of the possible side effects of benzo abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Mood changes
- Aggression
- Vertigo
Prolonged benzodiazepine abuse can lead to tolerance. Tolerance happens when the body adjusts to a specific dose of a drug. Over time, people may develop physical dependence and addiction.
It can be very challenging to overcome benzodiazepine addiction. Most people require intensive treatment and continued support to stop.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzodiazepine detox can be very challenging. People should not attempt to quit taking benzos “cold turkey.” People who try to detox at home often relapse, which can be dangerous.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms people experience during benzo detox include:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Agitation
- Appetite loss
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Strong cravings
Some people experience intense depression with suicidal thoughts during benzodiazepine detox. People may also have seizures during detox, especially in the first few days. People must have supervision and support to help them manage detox safely.
What to Expect at a Benzodiazepine Detox Center
Detox is usually the first step of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. People may receive medical detox services as part of an inpatient rehab program. People may also participate in a benzo detox program independently before seeking other care.
During detox, each person follows an individualized treatment plan that may include:
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Assessments
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support (individual and group counseling)
- Holistic therapies like exercise, mindfulness practices, and nutrition support
- Treatment for mental health and medical conditions
People may stay in the rehab center for several days or longer, depending on unique factors. Many treatment centers offer multiple levels of care, allowing people to transition from detox into a comprehensive rehab program.
Do I Need Addiction Treatment?
Recognizing substance abuse is the first step in getting help. Some signs that you need addiction treatment include:
- Finishing prescription medications early
- Feeling anxious about running out of a prescription drug
- Taking a prescription medication recreationally
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using a drug
- Needing to take more of a drug to get the desired effects
- Doing risky things while using substances, such as driving or having unprotected sex
- Having legal, social, or financial trouble related to your substance use
- Isolating more often
- Neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of substance use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using a substance
- Wanting to stop using a substance but feeling like you can’t
These signs indicate you may be living with addiction. Seek treatment to help you detox safely and learn how to avoid relapse for life.
Find a Benzo Detox Center in Pompano Beach
Overcoming benzodiazepine addiction is possible if you have the right support. Find the comprehensive detox and treatment programs you need at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey
- NIH: The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Tapering Patients Off of Benzodiazepines
