Millions of people in the United States take benzodiazepine drugs to manage mental health and medical conditions. Research shows that about 17% of all benzodiazepine use in the US meets the criteria for abuse. People may abuse prescription benzodiazepine drugs or use them recreationally.

Benzodiazepine abuse can lead to physical dependence. People who develop benzodiazepine dependence may develop anxiety, insomnia, and other withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop taking them. It can be very challenging to quit cold turkey. Most people require intensive treatment and support to avoid relapse during the withdrawal process.

A benzodiazepine detox program can help people stay safe and on track while detoxing from benzodiazepines. This article will provide information on finding a detox program in Florida.

If you or someone you love struggles with benzodiazepine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Help is available at The Best Treatment. Contact our intake team now to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription drug prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and other conditions, including:

• Insomnia
• Panic disorder
• Alcohol withdrawal

Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:

• Halcion (triazolam)
• Restoril (temazepam)Xanax (alprazolam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)

Benzos reduce central nervous system (CNS) activity. This can produce feelings of calm and relaxation. Benzos can also cause unwanted side effects, including:

• Aggression
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Vertigo
• Dizziness

These drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. Doctors typically prescribe them for short-term use to reduce the risk of physical dependence.

Understanding Benzo Addiction

People who take prescription benzodiazepines may begin to abuse them. Benzo abuse includes:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed
• Taking doses more often than prescribed
• Taking a medication longer than prescribed
• Ingesting a drug differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills

People may also abuse benzos by taking them recreationally (without a prescription). Prolonged benzo abuse can lead to tolerance, meaning that the body has adjusted to a specific dose of a drug. People with tolerance need to take higher doses of the drug to get the desired effects.

Over time, people who abuse benzos can become physically dependent on them. They may:

• Have cravings for benzos
• Feel anxious about running out of their prescription
• Finish prescriptions early
• Neglect their responsibilities at home, school, or work
• Isolate more
• Lie or steal to get more benzodiazepine drugs
• Experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking benzos

It can be very challenging for people to stop taking benzos on their own. Most people require intensive treatment and ongoing support to avoid relapse. Most comprehensive addiction treatment programs start with a medically-supported detox program.

What Happens During Benzodiazepine Detox?

When a person with benzo dependence suddenly stops taking them, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Nausea
• Intense cravings
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite

In some cases, people experience more severe withdrawal complications, including:

• Seizures
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts

Using short-acting benzodiazepines or long-acting benzodiazepines can impact when withdrawal symptoms begin and how long they last. Short-acting benzos may have a quicker onset of symptoms. People may experience a “rebound effect” of anxiety and insomnia within 12 to 24 hours after they stop taking them.

Even when withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, they can make it very challenging to stop taking them. The risk of relapse is high during detox, especially for people who attempt to quit cold turkey.

The support of a medical detox program can help people stay safe and comfortable during detox.

What to Expect in a Benzo Detox Program

A medically-supported detox program offers medical supervision, treatment, and emotional support that can help people stay safe throughout detox. A detox program may consist of:

• Round-the-clock supervision and access to medical care
• Screenings and assessments
• FDA-approved medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual counseling and support groups
• Exercise, yoga, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning, including other substance use disorder (SUD) treatment

A detox program is the first step toward lifelong addiction recovery. After completing a detox program, people must continue treatment. A comprehensive treatment program can give people the skills and support they need to understand the roots of their addiction. It can help people avoid relapse for the rest of their lives.

Find the Best Benzo Detox Program in Florida

If you or someone you love struggles with benzo abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment to learn about our detox and treatment programs. Reach out to our specialists with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. Psychiatry Online: Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States