Benzos or benzodiazepines are prescription anti-anxiety medications that belong to the GABA receptor drug class. Like alcohol, benzos can produce relaxation and sedation by activating the release of the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows neural activity in the brain. Users often develop a tolerance to benzos after taking high doses for long periods. As tolerance grows, the higher the dose they’ll need to experience the same effects. At this point, when the person stops taking these drugs suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. If you’re worried about withdrawal symptoms occurring, our benzodiazepine detox in Pennsylvania can help.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms affect people who were prescribed benzos as severely as in those who abused them. Due to benzos’ addictive nature, many doctors are hesitant to prescribe them for long periods.
The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepine can be physically and psychologically challenging, sometimes becoming life-threatening if the person stops “cold turkey.” Those with a history of taking high doses of benzos or those who abuse these drugs are more likely to experience adverse withdrawals.
Benzo withdrawals are often called “rebound” symptoms because they mimic symptoms they’re meant to treat, such as symptoms of anxiety. They’re the result of the body’s reaction to a sudden drop in benzo levels.
Benzos keep the brain in a sedated state, forcing it to work harder to remain alert. When levels of these drugs suddenly drop, the brain may remain in this alert state, resulting in withdrawals.
The severity and duration of benzo withdrawals depend on how long the person took these substances and the doses they were accustomed to taking. People who abused these drugs are more likely to experience adverse reactions when detoxing than people who took the medication as prescribed.
Benzo withdrawals usually begin within one to four days after discontinuing use. These symptoms may last up to ten days and include:
- Insomnia
- Increased tension
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Muscular stiffness or discomfort
- Cravings for benzos
- Tremors and shaking
Less common and more severe symptoms of benzo withdrawal can occur, especially in cases of addiction. These symptoms include:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Psychosis or psychotic reactions
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
Considering how severe this process can become in someone who’s taking benzos for long periods, benzo withdrawal treatment can greatly diminish the risk and discomfort associated with weaning off benzodiazepines. In fact, managing these symptoms is so important that it’s usually the first step of our inpatient drug treatment in Pennsylvania.
Our Benzo Detox in PA
We offer benzodiazepine addiction treatment at our Northeast recovery center, including detox. In fact, following a thorough clinical assessment to determine the direction of the patient’s treatment, medically monitored detox is normally the first step patients take in their recovery from drug abuse.
Withdrawal symptoms are often severe enough to discourage people with addictions from quitting and rather encourage them to continue using these drugs to feel “normal.” For many, in the long run, using drugs just to avoid withdrawals eventually gives way to a drug use disorder.
Moreover, although sometimes done with the good intention of quitting, quitting cold turkey or attempting an at-home benzo detox can be dangerous and even lethal in certain circumstances. People with benzo addictions should not attempt to withdraw from these drugs without the assistance of benzo detox facilities.
During medically supervised detox at our Northeast addictions treatment center, patients will receive 24-hour care and support as they’re slowly weaned off of benzos. Our medical team may also prescribe patients with certain medications (as needed) to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
If you want to know how to safely detox from benzos, your best option is to undergo medically assisted withdrawal treatment like Clearbrook Treatment Center’s benzodiazepine detox in Pennsylvania. Our facility is a safe and comfortable environment where patients are provided with round-the-clock care for their symptoms.
Contact Our Benzo Detox Clinic Today
Benzo withdrawal treatment centers can increase the likelihood of recovery and long-term sobriety. Detox programs, in general, are designed to address even the worst withdrawal symptoms and help patients overcome drug cravings that would have otherwise made it difficult for them to quit.
For more information about our benzo detox program or our forms of Pennsylvania drug treatment, contact Clearbrook Pennsylvania today.
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