Benzodiazepine Detox in Florida
Successfully withdrawing from benzodiazepines requires knowing what to expect. Detoxification is often the first step in an addiction treatment program. Through detox, the body can get rid of toxins left by drugs or alcohol. However, the detox process can produce symptoms that range from unpleasant to dangerous. No matter how hard the first step may seem, it offers a chance to recover from addiction. Our benzodiazepine detox center in Riviera Beach, FL provides a starting place.
What are Benzodiazepines?
Also known as benzos, benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. Benzos are a class of drugs that are typically used to treat anxiety. Many individuals who are living with generalized anxiety disorder take benzos to help them manage the symptoms of their mental health disorder. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat other conditions, including insomnia and seizures.
These prescription drugs are not meant to be taken long-term. But, unfortunately, many have found themselves struggling with benzo misuse and addiction. Thankfully, however, help is available through addiction rehabilitation services.
How Benzodiazepine Addiction Develops
Researchers say that benzodiazepines help patients cope with anxiety, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal. They have known this since doctors started prescribing them in the 1960s. However, they didn’t realize the danger of benzo addiction symptoms until much later.
Scientists later learned that these drugs affect brain receptors, and this increases with use. Over time, individuals who use benzos regularly may become dependent on these drugs. They may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using this medication.
These uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can sometimes lead people to try using high doses of benzos or taking them more frequently. Unfortunately, after these issues persist, individuals may find themselves suffering from full-blown benzodiazepine addiction.
Some signs of benzo addiction include:
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
Not surprisingly, benzos affect the nervous system and can cause coma as well. So, it is vital that individuals who suffer from benzo misuse find help through addiction treatment. A professional addiction treatment program can help people detox from benzos and end their physical dependence on these substances.
Some Common Types of Benzodiazepines
Doctors prescribe benzos to help patients cope with mental health issues and relieve distress. However, patients risk becoming addicted to some of the most well-known benzos on the market.
Doctors may prescribe Valium (generic diazepam) to lessen anxiety and help control some of the agitation that sometimes occurs during withdrawal from alcohol. The drug calms abnormal brain overactivity. It works to control muscle spasms and seizures that can occur with some nerves.
Common side effects may cause patients to feel tired or dizzy. Muscles may feel weak, and patients may have problems with constipation or urination. Dry mouth, nausea, confusion, and changes in sex drive may occur from using diazepam. Serious conditions such as slurred speech, slowed heart and breath rate, and shaking or uncontrollable movements require medical attention at a medical detox center.
Patients who need relief from anxiety disorders may get a prescription for Xanax (generic alprazolam). Most people with anxiety disorder worry a lot about personal health, work, and socializing. Xanax decreases the brain’s abnormal excitement level, treats panic disorders, and lessens extreme fear.
Some of the side effects that patients report include headache, drowsiness or dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea. Changes in sexual ability may occur. Some patients may have nausea, constipation, weight changes, and joint pain. While uncommon, serious side effects may need medical attention. Issues include thoughts of suicide, mood changes, depression, memory issues, imagining things, seizures, and balance problems. Treatment through a medically supervised detox program can help users regain control of their lives.
When patients seem unable to relax, doctors may prescribe Ativan (generic lorazepam) to help slow the brain’s activity level.
Conditions that can occur as side effects include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and changes in appetite. Patients may feel drowsy, tired, weak, restless, or excited. Urinating may frequently occur or with difficulty. Serious side effects that may need medical attention include an irregular heartbeat, fever, tremors, and severe skin rash. A shuffling walk may alert patients to the need for help at a benzodiazepine medical detox center.
Prescriptions for Klonopin (generic clonazepam) may help control some kinds of seizures by themselves or with other drugs. Benzo detox medications can relieve the effects of drugs that cause panic attacks and reduce abnormal brain activity.
Among the side effects that may occur, drowsiness and dizziness seem common. Patients may have coordination issues and feel unsteady when standing. The body may have pain in the joints or muscles, and the urge to urinate frequently may occur. Some users have blurred vision, changes in sex drive, and memory issues. Serious side effects may involve difficulty breathing or swallowing, and both may require medical attention. Hives, rashes, and swelling of the face and its features indicate problem issues.
Medical Detox Process for Benzo Addiction
Benzodiazepine detox rids the body of depressants and sedatives that affect the central nervous system. The symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be challenging to experience. Sometimes, benzo withdrawal can be so uncomfortable that individuals resort back to using benzodiazepines just to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Unfortunately, overcoming drug abuse is far from easy. But, with the right kind of help and medical guidance, individuals can safely work through benzo withdrawal and begin living a life without addiction.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
A serious benzo use problem involves tolerance that repeated use can induce. When patients no longer respond in the same way to the drug, attempts to take a higher dose may occur. Unfortunately, most users do not know when the brain becomes less responsive to the drug.
But, when individuals do recognize the problem with their benzo usage, it is important to avoid trying to quit “cold turkey” (abruptly and without the guidance of a medical professional). Dangerous situations can arise when a patient tries to quit using and loses tolerance for the drug. The high level of intake that worked before can create a fatal overdose.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms vary, but many of them can make patients feel extremely uncomfortable.
Some common symptoms of withdrawal may include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Increased anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Excessive sweating
- Stiffness in the muscles
- Inability to concentrate
- Changes in perception
- Hand tremors
- Irritability
- Tenison
Some of the more intense withdrawal symptoms that sometimes occur when individuals end benzo use might include the following:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Severe symptoms of psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
The Benefits of Receiving Help at a Treatment Center
Patients at benzodiazepine detox centers can receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage disorders, achieve recovery and a,void overdosing. The MAT process combines medication with therapies and counseling in a “whole-patient” approach.
A customized rehab program meets the needs of each patient, and it helps many people sustain recovery. Similarly, the method helps patients to reduce or prevent overdose. Highly effective for addiction to benzos, treatment for benzo addiction symptoms produces results.
Receiving professional treatment for drug addiction can:
- Normalize brain chemistry and produces vital steps to recovery
- Block the euphoria that opioids produce
- Relieve physiological cravings
- Normalize body functions
- Eliminate the adverse effects of benzos
- Improve employment ability
- Help develop relapse prevention skills and curb drug cravings
- Decrease criminal activity among people with substance abuse disorders
- Improve birth outcomes among pregnant women
Also, while in treatment, individuals can gain the tools and skills they need in recovery from therapy sessions. Support groups and individual counseling can enable people to learn more about themselves and those around them, which can help them as they recover from addiction.
Finding Treatment Options at a Benzodiazepine Detox Center
Patients can find a range of treatment options for benzodiazepine detox that meet their needs and preferences. Compassionate and understanding behavioral health professionals offer help to anyone who needs it in treatment programs that work.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment presents the option to live at a rehab center. It provides patients access to care 24 hours a day. An intensive care program for benzodiazepine detox may last for up to 90 days in a private and secure environment. Counseling and therapy offer patients a chance to discuss specific problems with skilled professionals.
With the availability of drug rehabilitation around the clock, patients can enjoy a sense of security and well-being. Simultaneously, inpatient treatment in a residential setting keeps patients safe and comfortable while withdrawing from benzodiazepine. Also, interventions by skilled professionals can help patients obtain a healthy and productive lifestyle. Continuous monitoring assures each patient of the personal attention they require and deserve.
Addiction Therapy
Benzodiazepine detox centers offer group, individual, and family therapy to support those recovering from substance use disorders. Addiction therapy equips patients to work through the challenges of recovery.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one counseling enables recovering individuals to discuss their specific needs and experiences with a therapist. This approach to therapy provides a safe space where people can develop an understanding of how addiction has impacted their lives. As a result they can learn how to avoid harmful patterns as they recover from substance abuse.
Group Therapy
On an inpatient or outpatient basis, group therapy enables patients recover from benzo addiction with others’ help. By sharing experiences, patients may receive insights into personal behavior that can lead to independence from drugs. The shared experience may enable patients to form intimate bonds with others who know the anxiety and isolation that benzo addiction produces.
Family Therapy
Having the involvement of one’s family members can aid in substance abuse treatment by sharing knowledge about living without drugs. The strengths and resources of a family can provide the strength and resolve that patients need for recovery. Family therapy allows these benefits to be a part of the recovery process for those working to overcome addiction.
Finding Help at Intrepid Detox Residential
If you are searching for benzo addiction rehab, reach out to Intrepid Detox Residential today. Here at our South Florida drug and alcohol detox and treatment center, you will find the hope and help you need.
We offer personalized treatment in a secure and serene setting. Our compassionate and professional team will design a program that includes your personal history and treatment goals at a price that matches your financial situation. The medically certified physicians on our staff will guide your detoxification process and provide medication-assisted treatment if you need it.
We offer a comfortable and supportive environment to help you achieve your treatment goals. Contact us and let us help you or a loved one regain physical and mental health. Our treatment facility is here for you. We’ll help you work through benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and find freedom today!
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FAQs
How long does benzodiazepine detox usually take?
The detox timeline depends on the type of benzodiazepine used, how long it was taken, dosage, and overall health. Some people begin feeling better within several days, while others may need a longer medically supervised taper for safety and comfort.
Will I be monitored during benzo withdrawal?
Yes. Medical supervision is important because benzodiazepine withdrawal can sometimes cause severe symptoms like seizures, panic attacks, or hallucinations. A supervised detox program helps keep clients safe throughout the process.
Can I use my phone or talk to family during treatment?
Most treatment centers allow communication with loved ones during approved times. Staying connected with supportive family members can help people feel more comfortable and motivated during recovery.
What happens if I also struggle with anxiety or depression?
Many people entering treatment have co-occurring mental health concerns. A treatment team can help create a plan that addresses both substance use and mental health together instead of treating only one issue.
What if I relapse before coming to treatment?
Relapse does not mean treatment has failed. Many people seek help after returning to substance use. The important thing is reaching out again and continuing the recovery process.
Will I be given medication during detox?
Some clients may receive medications to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve comfort, and lower health risks during detox. Treatment plans are based on individual medical needs.