The important thing about addiction treatment, regardless of the substance involved, is to know when to get help. If you or your loved one is battling a benzodiazepine addiction, don’t wait to seek professional help. Benzodiazepines are an incredibly addictive prescription pill. Unfortunately, just because a doctor prescribes it doesn’t mean it isn’t addictive or harmful to the body and mind.
It’s very easy to build a benzodiazepine tolerance, meaning it’s likely that when you become addicted you are constantly increasing your dosage. If you are unsure you or someone you know needs professional treatment for a benzodiazepine addiction, keep reading to learn more.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are a popularly prescribed medication. Benzos are tranquilizers used to treat several medical conditions, including anxiety, panic, seizure, alcohol withdrawal, epilepsy, depression, and insomnia.
Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, Librium, and Ativan.
How Benzodiazepines Work
Benzos suppress the nerves in the brain by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter works to reduce brain activity by decreasing the activity of the nerves in the brain.
Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepine doesn’t pose a problem if an individual uses it for a short while. For example, if you’ve experienced a sudden death in the family and need an aide to cope with the next few days, you may be prescribed a benzo. It’s unlikely (though not impossible) that you would develop an addiction in the short time frame. However, after several months of use, benzodiazepines can become highly addictive because of the way it easily rewires brains.
In many cases, people use benzodiazepines for a longer time than intended. After a while, the person may need to consume higher doses of the drug to get a particular high. If someone is prescribed a benzo and is unable to fill their prescription, they can find illegal ways to purchase the drug.
Many abusers also combine benzodiazepines with other drugs to get euphoric feelings which always increase the chances of addiction.
What Is Benzodiazepines Withdrawal?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal occurs when the body begins to remove the drug usually when the person stops or reduces intake. When the body becomes addicted to benzodiazepines, the body won’t function well without the drug’s presence. As a result, quitting becomes very difficult.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal often comes with uncomfortable symptoms, and one of them is “rebound effects.” This means once a person tries to stop using, the symptoms an addict feels or treats start reoccurring at an elevated level.
For example, since people use benzos to treat insomnia and anxiety, withdrawal symptoms make them experience even more severe insomnia and anxiety. Withdrawals are difficult to get through and getting treatment at a benzodiazepine rehab is the best bet, especially for detox. Detoxing from benzos can cause serious side effects and complications. It is strongly recommended that a person does not try to detox on their own.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
The best way to overcome a benzodiazepine addiction is to seek help at a benzodiazepine rehab. During treatment, our clients will undergo detox, residential inpatient treatment, and be set up with aftercare services before they leave us.
The length of detox is different for everyone but generally lasts a week or so. During inpatient treatment, our clients participate in individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step support groups, and other wellness activities.
Knowing When To Go To Benzodiazepine Rehab
Benzodiazepine addiction can affect every aspect of one’s life negatively. The best way to get help is to seek treatment from professionals. During benzodiazepine rehab, you will safely rid your body from drugs and alcohol. You will then learn the proper coping skills needed to live a drug and alcohol free life.
If you or someone you love needs benzodiazepine treatment, contact us at Hillside Mission today. At Hillside Mission located in Orange County, we offer treatment for different forms of substance addiction and mental illnesses.
Our staff is a team of addiction professionals who use evidence-based treatment approaches, and our serene environment will help with your recovery. Our facility is heavily focused on long-term recovery for our clients. Get in touch with us today!
