Pharmacological drugs that are highly effective but can be addictive are often used to treat mental and neurological disorders. These include benzodiazepines, which, because of their availability and perceived safety, have caused a large number of drug addicts in the United States.
New Breath Recovery, a rehab center located in a picturesque place in California, successfully treats benzodiazepine addiction and helps with the return to a normal full life without drugs. Special atmosphere, individual approach, comfortable conditions and labor of dozens of specialists contribute to effective rehabilitation.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a group of psychoactive substances that are actively used for the short-term treatment of various psychiatric and neurological conditions. They affect the central nervous system and act as sedatives, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsants and sleeping pills. Drugs such as Valium, Xanax and Klonopin are widely used in the treatment of seizures, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia.
Causes of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Uncontrollable craving for psychoactive substances can develop for a number of reasons. It is related to both physiological and psychological factors.
With benzodiazepine abuse and long-term treatment, the body becomes accustomed to standard dosages. This may be a consequence of insufficient medical control over the intake of drugs, their availability, genetic predisposition. As a result, tolerance to the drug appears: more benzodiazepines are used to achieve the same effect – addiction at the physiological level develops.
Patients often use psychotropics to relieve any discomfort even when it is avoidable. Using benzodiazepines as a solution to manage emotions leads to the rapid development of psychological dependence.
Often, attachment to psychoactive substances from the benzodiazepine class is due to a mistaken belief that they are safe. Dependence develops very quickly in people who have previously used alcohol or drugs.
Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine dependence develops with prolonged and uncontrolled use of the medication. It can be recognized by external signs: deterioration of health and behavioral changes.
The main symptoms of benzodiazepine dependence:
- Increasing dosage of the drug. Because tolerance to the active ingredient builds up over time, the addict continually increases the dosage to achieve the desired effect. A small dose or an increase in the period between doses of the drug is manifested by increased anxiety and irritability.
- The appearance of withdrawal symptoms. Dependents of benzodiazepines experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit the substance on their own. In addition to all the symptoms that were managed by the drug, sweating, tachycardia, vomiting, and headaches may appear.
- Deterioration of the state of health. The addict is in a constant state of fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy. Memory problems appear, there may be temporary amnesia.
- Behavioral changes. Often the patient has problems with communication, which leads to social isolation, lack of interests, problems in relationships and at work.
At the first suspicion of addiction, it is better to turn to a specialized center. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the sooner treatment begins, the less damage to health will be done and the easier the recovery phase will be.
Types of Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Options
Treatment approaches depend on the age of the addict, his or her condition, the presence of comorbidities, the length of time he or she has been taking drugs, and much more. Usually, a doctor uses several approaches within a treatment program:
- gradual dose reduction;
- switching to other medications;
- drug therapy;
- psychotherapy;
- education and relapse prevention.
Treatment does not end with the patient’s discharge from the rehabilitation center. Long-term support and monitoring is needed: regular medical visits, help from family and support groups.
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The Process of Treating Benzodiazepine Addiction
Effective treatment of any drug addiction requires a comprehensive approach that includes both medical and psychotherapeutic methods. The use of benzodiazepines is no exception. The main goal of treatment is to safely stop taking the drugs, cope with withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapses.
At the first stage, mild conditions are created for the gradual withdrawal of the drug and its derivatives from the patient’s body. This occurs as part of medical detox. Under the supervision of doctors, the dose of benzodiazepines used is gradually reduced or they are replaced by less harmful psychoactive substances. To combat withdrawal, the patient is prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant drugs from the non-benzodiazepine class.
Cleansing the body from the drug is only a small part of the program to fight addiction. It is important to change a person’s thoughts and behavior, to develop the ability to cope with psychological problems without taking psychoactive drugs. Psychotherapy is aimed at preventing relapses, as well as treating dual diagnosis, when addiction was caused by a mental illness.
Group therapy and support plays a big role in rehabilitation. In order to avoid relapsing back into your old lifestyle, you need to find understanding from other people. The easiest way to do this is through conversations with other patients who have the same problems.
In the first stages, rehabilitation programs designed for inpatients are highly effective. At New Breath Recovery, we teach patients to enjoy simple things without the use of psychotropics. Every day, one step at a time.
Outpatient rehab programs may be indicated for support and therapy. In these cases, the patient visits the center during the day and then returns home.
Cognitive management programs, meditation, and creative therapies through drawing and music can help encourage withdrawal from benzodiazepines.
Substance abuse treatment is a long and unique journey that can take a lifetime. During this stage, support and monitoring of the patient’s condition, participation in group therapy to receive and provide emotional support are important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
To help you become more familiar with the topic of benzodiazepine drug addiction, below we have answered the most popular questions we are commonly asked by patients, their family and friends.
What are common benzodiazepines and their effects?
The most popular substance from the class of benzodiazepines is diazepam. It is part of such a drug as Valium and is effective against cramps, spasms, anxiety disorders.
Similar properties possess alprazolam. It is intended for rapid relief of panic and anxiety and is contained in such a well-known drug as Xanax.
For the treatment of acute panic attacks, epilepsy and anxiety disorders, lorazepam can be prescribed. Such an anti-anxiety and sedative agent is contained in the drug Ativan.
Other substances from the class of benzodiazepines include clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), midazolam (Dormicum). All of them have approximately the same effect and differ mainly in its duration.
How does benzodiazepine detoxification work?
Based on the initial assessment, an individualized detoxification plan is developed that takes into account the level of addiction, duration of administration, dosage, health status, and other factors.
The initial dose of the active ingredient is gradually reduced at intervals that range from a few days to weeks. For patients taking benzodiazepines with a short half-life (e.g., alprazolam), switching to a longer-acting drug (e.g., diazepam) may be recommended for a smoother dose reduction.
In addition, medication support is provided: antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants.
During the detoxification process at the treatment center, the patient undergoes regular check-ups to monitor their condition, manage withdrawal symptoms, and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
What are the risks of long-term benzodiazepine use?
Long-term use of benzodiazepines is associated with a number of serious risks that can affect a person’s physical and mental health.
The main risks of long-term use of benzodiazepines are:
- development of tolerance and dependence;
- onset of withdrawal symptoms;
- memory impairment;
- decreased attention and concentration;
- development of depression and anxiety disorders.
The drug addict feels constantly tired, often suffers from headaches and has digestive problems. In combination with alcohol and other psychotropics, prolonged use of benzodiazepines can lead to overdose and death.
What therapies are effective in treating benzodiazepine addiction?
There are no single methods that maximize the effectiveness of treatment. It is important to use a comprehensive approach, which includes the use of several methods at once: dosage reduction, medication support, psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral, group). In each individual case, the doctor determines an individual rehab program.
How can someone safely taper off benzodiazepines?
Safely withdrawing from benzodiazepines requires careful planning and medical supervision. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, so it is important to follow safe methods of withdrawal: gradual dose reduction or switching to a longer-acting benzodiazepine with medication support to manage withdrawal.
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