Benzodiazepine

Benzodiazepine addiction poses a significant challenge for many individuals in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 17.1% of those using benzodiazepine medications misuse the drug, with 2% developing benzodiazepine dependence. At 4 Healthy Living Detox in Tarzana, California, we extend our support through specialized benzo addiction treatment to help reclaim lives.

Insights into Benzo Addiction

Benzodiazepines, a class of sedative drugs, exert a calming effect on the central nervous system, yet they harbor a high potential for addiction. This drug class branches into hypnotic sedatives, addressing insomnia, and anxiolytic sedatives, prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, seizures, and muscle spasms. Despite their effectiveness, benzodiazepines are habit-forming and can lead to dependence.

Commonly abused benzodiazepines include:

• Valium

• Xanax

• Ativan

• Klonopin

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Rapid development of physical dependence on benzodiazepines due to their impact on the central nervous system heightens the risk of substance abuse and overdose.

Street names associated with benzodiazepine medications include:

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• Bars

• Blues

• Tranqs

• Planks

• Benzos

• Zanies

• Downers

• Chill Pills

• Nerve Pills

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Diagnosing benzodiazepine addiction involves meeting criteria set by the National Association of Addiction Professionals. These criteria include exceeding prescribed doses or duration, significant efforts to obtain the drug, escalating dosage requirements for desired effects, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

Physical symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction encompass:

• Vertigo

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Constipation

• Slurred speech

• Loss of appetite

• Lack of coordination

• Frequent headaches

• Respiratory depression

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Cognitive and psychosocial symptoms, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), include:

• Irritability

• Confusion

• Mood swings

• Disorientation

• Need for isolation

• Impaired thinking

• Impaired judgment

• Behavioral changes

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Prolonged addiction escalates the risk of benzodiazepine overdose, especially when combined with other substances, leading to symptoms like anxiety, tremors, agitation, weakness, breathing difficulties, extreme drowsiness, blue lips or fingernails, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical assistance is imperative for suspected benzo overdose.

Benzo Withdrawal Realities

Abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines, coupled with substance use disorder, triggers withdrawal symptoms. Memory problems, heart palpitations, hallucinations, panic attacks, muscle pain, headaches, sweating, agitation, and nausea are common withdrawal symptoms, with benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome potentially causing seizures, sleep disturbances, and hallucinations. Given the challenging withdrawal process, a medical detox program, like the one offered at 4 Healthy Living Detox, is crucial. Supervised detox ensures safety until withdrawal symptoms subside.

Holistic Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

Embracing sobriety involves seeking a comprehensive benzodiazepine addiction treatment program. At 4 Healthy Living Detox, evidence-based therapies form the foundation of our support.

Benzo Detoxification:

Initiating recovery necessitates eliminating all traces of the drug. Our medical detox ensures a safe withdrawal by administering tailored medications following a thorough physical and mental health assessment.

Inpatient Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Program:

For individuals initiating recovery or facing a high relapse risk, our residential program provides a supportive environment. Tailored programs address co-occurring disorders, and we offer behavioral therapies, involving family or individual sessions, and support groups to combat addiction.

Therapeutic options include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Contingency management

• Motivational interviewing

• Seeking safety therapy

• Mindfulness therapy

• Family therapy

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Holistic therapies such as tai chi, art therapy, music therapy, exercise therapy, culinary therapy, and recreational therapy foster interaction and aid in mental and physical well-being. A residential drug addiction treatment program equips individuals with tools and skills essential for benzodiazepine recovery.

Seek Support at 4 Healthy Living Detox

For severe benzodiazepine dependence, with or without co-occurring disorders, turn to 4 Healthy Living Detox for specialized benzodiazepine addiction treatment. Our programs address withdrawal symptoms and mental health disorders, fostering a holistic recovery.

Contact us today to explore our treatment options for habit-forming sedatives and embark on the journey to reclaim your life.