What to Know About Benzo Addiction
Benzodiazepines belong to a group of sedative drugs that have a calming effect on your central nervous system. However, they are also highly addictive.
The drug class of benzodiazepines has two main branches: hypnotic sedatives and anxiolytic sedatives. Hypnotic sedatives help treat insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
Anxiolytic sedatives, or prescribed benzodiazepine, are common for the treatment of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They can also help with seizures and muscle spasms. Although they are very effective, they are habit-forming and can lead to dependence.
Some of the most commonly abused benzodiazepines are:
- Valium
- Xanax
- Ativan
- Klonopin
Because of the effects benzos have on the central nervous system, developing a physical dependence can happen quickly, leading to substance abuse and the risk of overdosing.
Common street names for benzodiazepine medication include:
- Bars
- Blues
- Tranqs
- Planks
- Benzos
- Zanies
- Downers
- Chill Pills
- Nerve Pills
To get a benzodiazepine addiction diagnosis, there are some criteria you must meet, according to the National Association of Addiction Professionals. One of these criteria is that you must be taking the sedative at higher doses than prescribed or for a longer period of time than prescribed.
You must also spend a considerable amount of time and effort getting the drug, and you must need more of the drug to achieve its desired effects. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms have to appear if you stop using the drug.
If you meet these criteria, you likely have a benzo addiction.
Some of the physical symptoms of a benzodiazepine addiction include:
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Slurred speech
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of coordination
- Frequent headaches
- Respiratory depression
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are also cognitive and psychosocial symptoms of a benzo addiction, including:
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Disorientation
- Need to isolate
- Impaired thinking
- Impaired judgment
- Behavioral changes
Depending on how long you’ve been addicted, you can increase your risk of overdosing on benzodiazepines. Taking benzos with other drugs or substances or changing the way you use the drug can also lead to an overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Breathing difficulties
- Extreme drowsiness
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Loss of consciousness
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of a benzo overdose, getting immediate medical assistance is crucial.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop taking benzodiazepines all at once and you have a substance use disorder, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms emerge because your body has grown used to functioning with the benzos in your system. When it no longer has the substance, it has to relearn how to function without it.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), some common benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
- Memory problems
- Heart palpitations
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Nausea
Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is one complication that can arise when going through a non-medicated withdrawal process. This syndrome can cause seizures, sleep disturbances, and hallucinations.
Benzodiazepine misuse has such unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that it’s best if you do not try to go through the detox process alone. Instead, turn to a medical detox program like the one we offer at Luxe Treatment Center. We’ll supervise your detox until your withdrawal symptoms subside.
Benzo Addiction Treatment
To achieve and maintain sobriety, you should turn to a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program. At Luxe Treatment Center, we offer evidence-based therapies to help you.
Benzo Detoxification
The first step in your recovery is to remove all traces of the drug from your body. To help you avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, we offer medical detox. Medical detoxification allows us to give you the right medications to ensure that you stay safe throughout the entire detox process.
We will perform a physical and mental health assessment the moment you step into our center so that we can find the right medications for your individual needs.
Inpatient Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Program
For those who have just started their recovery process or who are at a higher risk of relapsing, a residential program for drug abuse problems may be the best option.
When you seek treatment with us, we will work with you to put together an individualized program that can help with any mental health disorders you may have. Co-occurring disorders, especially anxiety disorders and panic disorders, are common in people who engage in benzodiazepine abuse.
At our treatment facility, we offer behavioral therapy to help with mental health disorders and addiction. These therapies can involve family members or they can be individual sessions. We also offer support groups to help you feel less alone with your addiction.
Some of the therapy options we offer are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Contingency management
- Motivational interviewing
- Seeking safety therapy
- Mindfulness therapy
- Family therapy
To help with the treatment of benzodiazepine addiction, we also offer holistic therapy options that allow you to interact with other people going through similar challenges. We offer options like:
- Tai chi
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Culinary therapy
- Recreational therapy
A residential drug addiction treatment program can give you the security and structure you need to tackle the mental health conditions that may be affecting your recovery. When you enter treatment at our facility, you will receive the tools and skills you need to recover from benzodiazepine use.
Turn to Luxe Treatment Center for Help
If you have a severe benzodiazepine dependence with or without co-occurring disorders, turn to Luxe Treatment Center for benzodiazepine addiction treatment.
Our treatment programs can help with all types of substance use disorders. We offer relief from the withdrawal symptoms that benzos and other drugs can cause while also assisting you with a mental health disorder that may impact your recovery.
Call us today to learn more about our treatment options for habit-forming sedatives.
