Virginia Benzo Addiction Treatment Center

A Guide to Addressing Benzodiazepine Addiction

For over 60 years, healthcare providers have used benzodiazepines to manage various health concerns such as anxiety, seizures, sleep disorders, and chronic muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium, can induce calming and relaxing effects beneficial to individuals experiencing anxiety or panic symptoms. However, benzodiazepines may also lead to addiction and overdose when used improperly.

Similar to the opioid epidemic, benzodiazepine addiction and overdose have become significant problems, with thousands of deaths reported yearly. Although the topic receives less coverage, benzodiazepine misuse is becoming increasingly prevalent. While benzodiazepines are effective in providing symptom relief, they are highly addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms if used for more than three to four weeks. Most benzo addiction treatment plans are limited to thirty to sixty-day increments to prevent addiction and withdrawal.

Virginia Benzo Addiction Treatment Center

Individualized & Customized Benzo Addiction Treatment & Mental Health Programs

Identifying the Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepines are classified as sedative or tranquilizing drugs, meaning they have a depressive effect on the central nervous system. These benzodiazepines slow down communication between the brain and other parts of the body, reducing the speed and effectiveness of the brain’s response to negative stimuli. The physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction can be severe and may include slurred speech, poor judgment, reduced coordination, dizziness, confusion, exhaustion, vision problems, and drowsiness.

Users may develop a tolerance to benzodiazepines over time, requiring larger and more frequent doses of benzodiazepines to achieve the same effects. This increased frequency and dose also increases the risk of life-threatening side effects, such as coma, difficulty breathing, and death. It’s important to note that combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or other sedative drugs can significantly increase the risk of these side effects. Chronic benzodiazepine abuse can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems, including tremors, memory issues, and difficulties sleeping or concentrating. Behavioral symptoms may include drug-seeking behavior, withdrawal from loved ones, financial problems, poor hygiene, and isolation caused by benzodiazepines.

Seeking Benzo Addiction Treatment in Virginia

When used as prescribed, benzodiazepines are a helpful tool for many treatment programs. However, detoxing from benzo addiction can be a dangerous and challenging process, particularly when attempted alone or without medical supervision. Choosing a controlled, medically supervised environment is essential to ensure a successful detox and protect your health and safety.

It is important to note that detox is only the first step towards overcoming addiction, and it is not considered treatment. For a successful and lasting recovery, transitioning to a therapeutic addiction treatment program is necessary. At Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center, we are committed to creating an individually designed Benzo Addiction Treatment plan that offers the necessary tools for relapse prevention and lasting sobriety. Our team will work with you to address the root cause of addiction and guide you toward a brighter future.

Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center: Your Path to Benzodiazepine Recovery

If you, or someone you care about, are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, seeking help from a benzo addiction treatment program is crucial for achieving and maintaining lasting sobriety. The first stages of withdrawal can be challenging, particularly without the assistance of medical and mental health care. Attempting to detox alone or quitting “cold turkey” may leave you without adequate support and increase the risk of relapse.

If you’re ready to overcome your benzodiazepine addiction and embark on the road to sobriety, the first step is seeking comprehensive benzo addiction treatment. At Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center, we understand that acknowledging an unhealthy relationship with addiction and deciding to seek help can be daunting. Our admissions team is here to support you as you take those critical first steps toward freedom from drug addiction. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our services can help you achieve your sobriety goals.