Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are a class of drugs referred to as tranquilizers. They are often prescribed to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, panic disorders, and mental illness because of their soothing effects. Benzos work by spiking levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which decreases communication between brain cells and nerve activity while producing feelings of relaxation. The most common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Tranxene. These side effects are what attract users and make it difficult for them to stop. Below is more information about the services offered at our Northeast benzo treatment centers in Massachusetts or Pennsylvania and how Clearbrook can help you or a loved one regain health and sobriety.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Many people believe that benzos are completely safe because they’re commonly prescribed drugs. However, this is far from the truth. Benzodiazepines, like many other prescription drugs, have a high potential for abuse and can be dangerous when used outside of their prescription.

The sense of euphoria and feelings of pleasure caused by these drugs is highly addictive. Developing a habit of taking them more frequently or at higher doses than prescribed can quickly lead to dependence. At this point, the individual may be unable to quit without professional benzo addiction treatment.

At Clearbrook Massachusetts and Clearbrook Pennsylvania, we understand that benzos are much more dangerous than people think. Unfortunately, because they’re prescribed medications, the general public tends to think they’re entirely safe, no matter how they’re taken.

If you or someone you know is abusing these prescription drugs, you may want to look out for these common signs of benzo addiction:

  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Slurred speech
  • Glassy eyes
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Poor memory
  • Mood swings
  • Fluctuations in weight
  • Odd or irregular behavior

Doctor shopping is another common sign that someone is addicted to benzos. When a person visits multiple doctors for the same ailments within a short period or wishes to have their prescriptions refilled back-to-back, it indicates a more serious problem. At both Clearbrook Treatment Centers locations, we offer inpatient drug treatment and detox programs that help patients overcome their benzodiazepine addiction and learn how to live sober lives.

Why Are Benzos Bad?

When used as directed by a medical practitioner, benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” can help treat several illnesses, including anxiety disorders, seizures, and sleeplessness. They do, however, have certain potential hazards and disadvantages, particularly when taken incorrectly or without medical supervision.

The following are some explanations for why benzos may be bad:

  • Addiction and dependency: Extended benzodiazepine use can result in both psychological and physical dependence. When these medications are abruptly stopped, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms and become addicted to them.
  • Cognitive impairment: Sleepiness, vertigo, and cognitive impairment are all possible side effects of benzos. This may impair a person’s capacity for focus, judgment, and operating machines, which could put tasks requiring mental alertness in danger.
  • Overdose risk: Benzodiazepines can be more likely to be overdosed if taken excessively or in combination with other drugs, particularly alcohol. In severe circumstances, benzo overdose symptoms can result in death as well as respiratory depression and coma.
  • Tolerance: As benzodiazepines wear off, people may become less sensitive to their effects and need greater dosages to have the same therapeutic effects. This may raise the possibility of addiction and dependency.
  • Memory impairment: Benzodiazepines have been linked to memory impairment, especially when it comes to creating new memories. For those who depend on having their cognitive abilities at their best, this side effect may be problematic.

Benzodiazepines can help manage some medical issues when used as prescribed and under a doctor’s supervision. Nonetheless, healthcare professionals should give careful thought to and supervise patients due to the possible hazards connected to overuse and prolonged use.

The Importance of a Benzodiazepine Detox Program

Before attempting to recover one’s mind from the effects of drug abuse, the body must be given the chance to readjust to functioning without the substance in question. This is especially true when considering the life-threatening benzo withdrawal symptoms that can present themselves upon ceasing use.

Common symptoms of benzo withdrawal include:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Due to the severe and uncomfortable symptoms that often occur in individuals who have been using these medications for an extended period, detoxing from benzos alone is a flat-out bad idea. Luckily, both Clearbrook rehab centers offer the chance to safely withdraw from this substance under the guise of trained clinical professionals with our medical detox. This is an excellent way to kickstart the recovery process after benzodiazepine abuse.

How Our Benzo Addiction Program Works

Professionals at our inpatient rehab help those who want to break free from their dependency on benzodiazepines. This program, in particular, provides several benefits to patients, who now have the chance to immerse themselves fully into the recovery experience. Our benzo addiction treatment center in Massachusetts and our facility in Pennsylvania offer individualized care designed to meet the patient’s needs.

Patients receiving benzodiazepine addiction treatment in Pennsylvania or Massachusetts will live onsite under the 24-hour care of our team.

Addiction services offered in these programs include:

Whether choosing outpatient or inpatient treatment, all clients at our benzo treatment centers receive the best care possible. We provide personalized treatment for benzo addiction as well as a variety of other treatment services to help patients overcome their substance abuse disorder. There is so much more to life than relying on a substance, and we are here to help each of our patients realize this for themselves. Don’t continue to suffer in silence.

If you’ve developed a dependency on benzos and need help, contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today to learn more about our levels of care and addiction services.