Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines Addiction

If you use benzodiazepines and have a benzodiazepine addiction there are benzodiazepines treatment centers ready to help you NOW. Your benzodiazepine addiction is slowly destroying your body and mind. You need help for your addiction to benzodiazepines, which are taking over your life, hurting those closest to you and stealing your dreams. You have tried to stop using benzodiazepines, but can't stop. You have always returned, worse than before. We know, we've been there and couldn't do it by ourselves either. Call Recovery Connection® NOW for help. Call 1-800-99-DETOX.

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) Are Central Nervous System Depressants

Benzodiazepines are viewed as central nervous system depressants designed to slow down a person’s brain function. Valium, Xanax, Halcyon and Librium are all examples of this type of medication. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive medications that can lead to benzodiazepines addiction. They are made available by prescription only to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks and moderate to severe stress.

The Effects of Benzodiazepines

Most benzodiazepines are both physically and mentally addictive and may produce the following symptoms:

Drowsiness
Loss of concentration
Loss of motor skills
Slurred speech
Muscle cramps
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Lack of coordination
Loss of appetite

Generally, these symptoms dissipate after several days. As with other prescription medications, people tend to “chase” the feeling of calm that is produced. Their thinking is if one pill produced this feeling of calm, then two pills will produce an even greater feeling of calm. This type of thinking is flawed and often leads to benzodiazepine addiction. With an increase in medication, comes a tolerance, an increase in the consumption of medication causing prescriptions to run out prematurely. This action places the person in a position of finding additional medication. At this point of benzodiazepine abuse, the user may begin to see more than one doctor or psychiatrist, visit multiple pharmacies, forge prescriptions or even steal the drug from other people. Basically, they will do whatever is necessary to avoid the symptoms associated with withdrawal.

At some point in their benzodiazepine addiction, the addict might be taking between 20 – 30 pills a day. It is extremely dangerous to try and discontinue benzodiazepine use on your own. Discontinuing use without medical supervision can produce seizures and convulsions, which can be life threatening.

Abuse of Benzodiazepine

Prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, sleep disorders or panic attacks, there is a tendency for people to abuse benzodiazepine.. Once benzodiazepine abuse begins, side effects begin to exhibit themselves. After a period of time these symptoms may dissipate, even with increased use of the drug. The problem here is that with increased use, comes tolerance and with tolerance comes benzodiazepine addiction. At this point, the person is continually abusing the medication “chasing” the initial calming effect they once experienced. What they don’t understand is that the initial feeling can never be recaptured and the only solution left to those with benzodiazepine addiction is to detox from the medication.

Withdrawal from benzodiazepine abuse is extremely uncomfortable. Always keep in mind that to abruptly discontinue a benzodiazepine could produce seizures and convulsions. These side effects can prove to be fatal, so only discontinue use while under medical supervision.

Consequences of Benzodiazepine Addiction and Withdrawal

One of the greatest consequences of benzodiazepine abuse is addiction and the experience of withdrawal. One of the major difficulties with benzodiazepine withdrawal is that it increases the initial symptoms the user was trying to suppress. The brain, which was sedated by the drug, begins to race, creating additional anxiety. This can be extremely intense and difficult to cope with. It is well documented that the brain can actually go into seizure as it transitions from a period of medicated calm to one of hyperactivity when the medication is discontinued. This is where brain seizures can occur.

Do not ever discontinue the use of benzodiazepines without first consulting a physician. The risk is too great. If you require assistance in locating quality detox programs, specializing in the treatment of benzodiazepine addiction, call Recovery Connection® at 800-511-9225 and we will be happy to assist you.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction

In almost every case, drug rehabilitation treatment for this addiction begins with one of many drug detox programs. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms are manageable under the care of a physician trained in addiction medicine. While in detox, medications are provided to manage the symptoms associated with benzodiazepine addiction withdrawal and provide a safe and comfortable environment in which to recover.

After completing detox, which can last between ten and fourteen days, most people transition to residential care. Due to the emotional trauma people experience during their drug use, it takes time to learn how to deal with the feelings they have suppressed for so long. It takes time to resolve feelings of guilt, shame, resentment, depression and regain the trust of loved ones. It is best to begin this process in a supportive therapeutic environment. This eliminates any outside distractions and allows those dealing with benzodiazepine addiction to focus on their recovery. Residential treatment is generally about three weeks in length.

Upon completion of residential treatments, patients can choose between attending day treatments, outpatient treatments, or continuing with private therapy. While there are many factors that go into selecting the most appropriate level of care, the most important decision is to continue with treatment of your benzodiazepine addiction.

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If you believe you or someone you know needs help with benzodiazepine addiction, or for immediate assistance finding drug rehab centers that specialize in benzodiazepines and benzodiazepines addiction treatment, please call Recovery Connection® now at 1-800-99-DETOX. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don't wait - GET HELP NOW!

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Centers:

If your state doesn't appear on this list, please call Recovery Connection® at 1-800-99-DETOX and we will be happy to assist you.