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 sedative 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. For most individuals dependent on these drugs, getting sober starts with receiving benzo addiction treatment from professionals at our Northeast addictions treatment center.
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 know that benzos are much more dangerous than people think. 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’s a clear indication of a more serious problem. At both Clearbrook Treatment Centers locations, we offer inpatient drug treatment and detox options that help patients overcome their benzodiazepine addiction and learn how to live sober lives.
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 offers individualized care designed to meet the patient’s needs.
Patients receiving residential benzodiazepine addiction treatment will live onsite under the 24-hour care of our team. Those receiving treatment at our Massachusetts and Pennsylvania treatment centers can live at home or in an approved sober living community.
Addiction services offered in these programs include:
- Detox for benzo addiction
- Individual & group therapy
- Medical assessments
- Life skills training
- Yoga
- Art therapy
- & More
Whether choosing outpatient or inpatient treatment, all of our patients at Clearbrook receive the best care possible. We provide personalized treatment for benzo addiction as well as a variety of other drug and alcohol addiction treatments 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 today to learn more about our levels of care and addiction services.
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