Benzo Addiction Rehab
What are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are highly addictive prescription sedatives or depressants, They are typically prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, and insomnia. The most commonly prescribed and used benzos typically include: Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, and Ambien, Benzo abuse is especially dangerous because these drugs are so widely prescribed by doctors — in the tens of millions. They are easy to acquire, much more so than most street drugs. Benzos are also used so commonly, that they are typically affordable through insurance.
Benzo addiction is both quick and dangerous. Because the drugs cause a powerful surge of dopamine, it unleashes an immense wave of pleasure. It is also believed that the chemicals released by benzos accumulate in the body, altering structures in the brain so that it is more susceptible. All of this combines to form an incredibly addictive substance that is tragically difficult to quit. Dependence to benzos can form in as little as 6 months or sooner.
What Does Benzo Abuse Look Like?
Benzo abuse may cause serious side effects such as amnesia, hostility, irritability, vivid or disturbing dreams and even slow down the central nervous system. Over 30% of opioid-involved overdoses also involve benzodiazepines, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), making this drug extremely deadly if combined or over consumed. In fact, researchers found that benzodiazepines are associated with the greatest number of early deaths among all the prescription medications tested. Combining benzos with other drugs or alcohol is common and what makes them especially dangerous, and chronic misuse can lead to physical and mental dependence, which will inevitably lead to increased side effects and painful withdrawal.
Short-term effects of benzo use may include:
- Tolerance
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Panic attacks
- Impaired coordination and confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Memory and cognitive problems
- Mood swings
Long-term effects of benzo use may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irritability
- Cognitive dysfunction
Should I seek treatment for benzodiazepine addiction?
Signs of a benzo problem may include:
- “Doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions
- Snorting or injecting pills to increase effects
- Using benzos in conjunction with other drugs, like opioids
- Engaging in other high-risk behaviors
- Loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed
- Continuing to use despite negative side effects
- Withdrawal symptoms and/or cravings if you don’t use regularly
Why is medical assisted detox necessary?
Like with any addictive substance, withdrawal from benzos is physically and emotionally taxing and painful. Withdrawal symptoms vary in severity, depending on how much you’ve used, your overall health, your age and various other factors. Our experience has shown that typically, a “rebound” stage of anxiety and insomnia will take place 1-4 days following abstinence, with more serious withdrawal symptoms lasting 10-14 days. Our goal at Royal Life Detox is to make detoxification from benzos as smooth and safe as possible. Our guests are monitored through and after detox and our medical staff is on site 24/7 to ensure safety and comfort. While the process will still be very difficult, we can make sure that you or your loved ones will detox with a professional at their side.
Benzo withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Inability to sleep
- Irritability
- Increased tension and anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Hand tremors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea
- Headache
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pain
- Cravings
What happens after medical detox?
Following medical detox at Royal Life Detox, guests will begin a full on, comprehensive, collaborative approach to substance abuse treatment. Our program is designed to support physical, mental and spiritual wellness and promote a lasting, sober lifestyle. The goal of our program is so much more than just sobriety from benzos and other substances. We aim to make sure that you have lasting success in life once you leave our care, for the long term, and find the proper coping mechanisms to make healthy and positive choices in the future.
Our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best in professionalism, care and support. Our holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions and activity, movement, and adventure therapies into one program that treats mind, body, and spirit. We use art, music and even animals to help our guests find connections that help them express themselves and communicate when it may be difficult to do so. Our work is not just about helping to remove addiction, it is about emotional healing to assist in becoming a more well-rounded and positive individual.
Guests may begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our graduate housing residences. At Royal Life Detox, the guest is always our top priority, and we consistently do all that we can to effect lasting change, that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care.
Freedom from benzos or other substances is achievable and realistic. While it may seem impossible while you are alone, with the right support and guidance, you can live the life you always wanted. Let our team of loving professionals help you to achieve your dreams of freedom from addiction. Let us help you start a new life, a new journey, without the pain that substance abuse may cause.
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