Millions of people use benzodiazepines to manage mental health or medical conditions. Some people who take these prescription drugs may become addicted to them. People who use them recreationally (without a prescription) have a higher risk of developing dependence or addiction.
People with benzodiazepine abuse or addiction require comprehensive treatment programs, starting with a medical detox program. This article will outline what to expect at a benzo detox in New Jersey. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of benzodiazepines
- How benzo addiction occurs
- What to expect at a benzo detox center
- Where to find comprehensive detox and treatment services
If you or someone you love struggles with benzo abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the specialists at The Living Room to explore our holistic addiction treatment programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What are Benzodizepines?
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are prescription drugs that have sedating effects. People may take prescription benzodiazepines to manage symptoms of:
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety disorders
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Commonly prescribed benzos include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene T-Tab)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Estazolam (ProSom)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
Benzodiazepines reduce central nervous system (CNS) activity. They can reduce panic, anxiety, tension, and other symptoms associated with certain mental health and medical conditions.
The Effects and Risks of Benzo Abuse
People who take prescription benzos may like some of the drugs’ pleasurable side effects. Some people may abuse prescription benzodiazepines by:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Taking doses of benzos more frequently than prescribed
- Using a medication longer than prescribed
- Using a benzodiazepine recreationally (without a prescription)
After a period of misusing a benzo drug, people may develop tolerance. This means they must take more of a drug for its desirable effects. Heavy or prolonged abuse can lead to physical dependence.
Many people misuse or become addicted to benzos. Research shows that around 17% of all benzodiazepine use in the United States meets the criteria for misuse. Benzodiazepine addiction can cause serious, long-term health complications.
People who become addicted to benzos typically require medically supervised treatment options and ongoing support to prevent relapse.
Understanding Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
When someone develops a dependence on benzodiazepines, their body requires the drug to function. People typically cannot choose to stop taking them without experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms. Typical benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Appetite loss
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Nause
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Intense cravings
People may also develop severe depression with suicidal thoughts during withdrawal.
Symptoms of withdrawal typically begin within 24 hours of a person’s last dose of benzos. People are at the most significant risk of seizures during the first three days of withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms tend to get worse over the course of the first week without benzos. People may experience insomnia, intense cravings, mood swings, and other symptoms.
People’s physical symptoms may begin to improve as they approach the end of the second week of detox. However, mental health issues may get worse. People can experience anxiety, insomnia, and depression during this phase of detox.
After about three weeks without benzos, most people will experience a significant improvement in how they feel. However, some people continue to experience insomnia, headaches, and other symptoms for several weeks.
It is critical for people to receive round-the-clock treatment and support during benzodiazepine detox. Intensive support and responsive medical treatment can prevent complications and ensure safety at every stage of detox.
What Happens in a Benzo Detox Program?
Benzodiazepine addiction treatment plans typically start with a medical detox program. During detox, people receive comprehensive treatment to help them manage withdrawal symptoms.
A benzo rehab detox program may include:
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of dangerous complications. Doctors may taper people off of medications slowly to prevent further complications.Â
- Nutrition support, massage, yoga, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies that provide comfort
- A secure, supportive environment
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Aftercare planning
Medical and mental health professionals will create effective, tailored treatment programs. This support can help people navigate the earliest stages of recovery.
The treatment team will help with aftercare planning. An aftercare plan may include:
- Other levels of treatment
- Mental health and medical care
- 12-step programs or other community support groups
- Sober living homes
Following an aftercare plan ensures people have the continuing treatment and support they need when detox is complete.
Benzodiazepine addiction can be challenging to overcome, but getting the proper support and treatment can help. If you or someone in your life struggles with benzodiazepine abuse or addiction, seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Find A Benzo Detox in New Jersey
If you or someone you love requires the support of an addiction treatment center in New Jersey, you are not alone. Reach out to the specialists at The Living Room for guidance or support. Contact us to learn more about our holistic detox, treatment, and recovery programs.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Benzodiazepines
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Benzodiazepines
- NIH: The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
- NIH: Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey