Benzodiazepines are a highly addictive class of drugs commonly prescribed for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They come with a high risk of developing physical dependence. If you or a loved one has been struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, it may be time to consider a benzo detox program. This specialized treatment program is designed specifically for individuals who are dealing with dependence on these powerful medications and need assistance in safely discontinuing use.
A benzo detox center provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines. Contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today to learn about our compassionate benzo addiction treatment.
What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, are a type of psychoactive drug that affects the central nervous system. They are typically prescribed to help with symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks, and can also be used for insomnia and seizures. Examples of commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Ativan
- Klonopin
- Restoril
Benzos work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA, which helps to calm down neural activity and produce feelings of relaxation. However, because these drugs can be highly effective at reducing anxiety symptoms, they come with a high risk of dependence if not used as prescribed.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have been regularly using benzodiazepines for an extended period of time, abruptly stopping or decreasing your dosage can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and may include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Seizures (in severe cases)
A benzo detox center can provide medical support and assistance in managing these symptoms to ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal process.
The Benzo Withdrawal Timeline
The duration and severity of benzo withdrawal can vary depending on factors such as the type of benzodiazepine used, dosage, and individual physiology. Generally, the timeline for benzo withdrawal follows this pattern:
- First 1-4 days – Symptoms may begin within a few hours after last use and typically peak during this time.
- Days 5-14 – Symptoms may continue but begin to lessen in intensity.
- Days 15+ – Some individuals may experience protracted (long-lasting) withdrawal symptoms that can last for months or even years. This is more common in those who have been using high doses of benzos for an extended period.
It’s important to seek professional help when going through benzo withdrawal as it can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous without proper medical support.
Benzo Detox Program Options
There are various options available for a benzo detox program, including:
- Inpatient treatment – This involves staying at a specialized facility for the duration of the detox process, typically 7-10 days.
- Outpatient treatment – This allows individuals to receive treatment during the day and return home each night. It may involve regular appointments with medical professionals and therapists.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) – Some medications, such as diazepam, may be used to help with the tapering process and reduce withdrawal symptoms. This can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
- Holistic treatment – Some benzo detox programs may incorporate alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture to support the physical and mental health of individuals going through withdrawal.
A benzo detox center offers structured medical support and guidance for individuals struggling with benzodiazepine addiction. Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment, it’s important to seek professional help when discontinuing the use of these highly addictive drugs. With the proper support and assistance, recovery from benzo addiction is possible.
Benzo Addiction Treatment
There are two forms of treatment for benzo misuse. Behavioral treatments focus on teaching users how to build a life to function without the drug, including:
- Dealing with cravings
- Avoiding drugs and situations that lead to drug use
- Handling a relapse
Forms of behavioral treatments comprise the following and may also help individuals to function better in their personal lives, in relationships, and at work:
- Individual counseling
- Group or family counseling
- Contingency management
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
While the use of pharmacological treatment works for some prescription drug use, behavioral treatment is better suited for the use of benzodiazepines. Those addicted to benzodiazepines should be supervised medically for drug detoxification to gradually wean themselves, as it can be a lengthy and difficult road. In dealing with this process, individuals should seek inpatient and outpatient counseling.
Call Vertava Health Today
Vertava Health understands the complexities of benzodiazepine addiction and the challenges of withdrawal. Our benzo detox program provides a safe, supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from this type of substance abuse. Contact us at 844.470.0410 to learn more about our comprehensive benzo addiction treatment options. Recovery is possible with the right help and support.
