Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are central nervous system depressants that can be helpful medications for treating anxiety disorders. A calming effect they produce can make a person want to use more of the drug. Abusing central nervous depressants can lead to increased tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Benzodiazepine dependence, in many cases, warrants the need for a medical detoxification treatment.
Texas benzo addiction treatment centers can help you with this challenging process. One of the significant dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal is experiencing seizures. Seizures can be fatal and are not uncommon during detoxification from benzos. Contact Texas Recovery Center at 844.230.5931 to learn more about benzo addiction treatment and how our benzo addiction treatment center can help you begin your recovery.
Dangers of Abusing Benzodiazepines
Is it possible to unintentionally become hooked on prescription medication? Yes. When you’re taking benzodiazepines, they change your brain’s chemistry by replacing your natural dopamine. Dopamine is a compound responsible for your good feelings when working out, eating a good meal, or just feeling happy. After prolonged use of benzos, it is possible to develop a benzo addiction. Dependence can also lead to withdrawals when the drugs are absent. When benzodiazepines are abused, larger doses and more frequent use can lead to overdose.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can happen if your body fights the physical cravings while detoxing. Withdrawals are unpleasant and might lead to mood swings, intense cravings, and discomfort. Not everybody’s withdrawal symptoms will be the same. Symptoms depend on how long you’ve been using the drug, how much of it you’ve used, and other factors like age or overall health can also make a difference. Some of the withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbance
- Trembling or shaking
- Increased tension
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Panic attacks
- Abdominal or stomach cramps
- Dry Heaving and nausea
- Weight loss
- Hand tremor
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Headache
- Muscular pain and stiffness
There can be significant dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal that should be carefully considered before beginning a detox program. Texas Recovery Center offers comprehensive benzo addiction treatment programs that can help you effectively manage your withdrawal symptoms.
How Does Benzodiazepine Detox Work?
Detoxification is the body’s way of removing unwanted chemicals. Medical detoxification is a systematic process of overcoming a physical addiction to drugs like benzodiazepines and may be required for patient safety. Detoxification is how you prepare for inpatient treatment that treats mental addiction to alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Detoxification is also a dependable way to combat the seizures that can happen during withdrawals.
These seizures can cause progressive mental dysfunction and irreversible brain damage. During detox, it’s helpful to get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet, have substantial fluid intake, and stay away from other substances, such as alcohol, which can lead to other unwanted symptoms. It is not our intention to frighten you but merely to inform you of the severity of the issue and the potential danger that comes with certain drugs.
When benzodiazepine detox is done under the supervision of trained medical professionals, benzodiazepine addiction can be treated in a secure and controlled manner.
Benzo Detox Guidelines
With all the room for side effects and potentially even further drug use, detoxification will work best if it follows specific guidelines. From a medical standpoint, tapering off benzodiazepines over a four-week process works best, especially if you have been taking high doses of the drug. However, benzodiazepine detox can also be done in a shorter time but should always be done under medical supervision. Doctors from the Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addictions came up with these guidelines for medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which include:
- Developing a comprehensive treatment plan
- Regularly assessing benzodiazepine use and identifying any other drug use that may interfere with benzodiazepine detoxification
- Monitoring benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and adjusting dosage based on those symptoms
- Addressing comorbidity or any co-occurring mental health disorders
- Providing ongoing support and counseling during benzodiazepine detox and beyond.
It’s important to remember that benzodiazepines have a high potential for psychological dependence, so it’s important for people going through benzodiazepine detox to seek therapy to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to their benzodiazepine use. If benzodiazepine detox is done correctly, with medical supervision and treatment, individuals can successfully recover from benzodiazepine addiction and live a fulfilling life in recovery.
The Dangers of Benzo Detox
Detoxing from benzodiazepines can be a difficult and dangerous process. There are a few things that you should be aware of before you start the detox process. Here are five dangers of benzo detox.
1. Seizures
One of the most severe dangers of benzo detox is seizures. Seizures can occur when the body is suddenly deprived of the drug and can be very dangerous. If you are seizure-prone or have any medical conditions that could make seizures more likely, you should not attempt to detox without medical supervision.
2. Dehydration
When you withdraw from benzodiazepines, your body will lose fluids more quickly than usual. This can lead to dehydration, which can be extremely dangerous. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids during detox and avoid strenuous activity that could cause dehydration.
3. Anxiety and Panic
These are common benzo withdrawal symptoms and can be very disturbing. If you suffer from anxiety or panic disorder, you should not attempt to detox without professional help. The anxiety and panic caused by benzo withdrawal can be so severe that it can trigger a full-blown panic attack, which can be very dangerous.
4. Insomnia
Another common symptom of benzo withdrawal which can make the detox process even more difficult. If you have trouble sleeping, you should not attempt to detox without professional help. The lack of sleep can make the symptoms of withdrawal even worse, and it can also make it more difficult to cope with the stress of detoxing.
5. Depression
This is another common symptom of benzo withdrawal, and it can make the detox process even more difficult. If you have a history of depression or if you are currently taking antidepressants, you should not attempt to detox without professional help. The depression caused by benzo withdrawal can be so severe that it can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Understanding the detox process is vital before attempting to go through it alone. While some people may successfully detox from benzodiazepines with minimal discomfort, others may experience serious side effects or life-threatening complications. If you think that you or a loved one is addicted to benzos and needs help, seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible. With the proper care and support, you can recover from benzo addiction and lead a healthy, happy life in recovery.
Benzo Addiction Treatment Programs
Benzodiazepine detoxification is a treatment for the physical addiction that is often attributed to this drug. It’s also an opportunity to prepare yourself for the behavioral treatment used to treat mental addiction. After detoxification, you will enter an inpatient rehab center that offers the following types of treatment:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Mindfulness and stress management
- Motivational interviewing
- Family and peer support
- Recreational, art, and adventure therapy
- Aftercare support
If a benzodiazepine is a drug you have been using for a long time, you may feel anxious about quitting. Know that recovery is possible with support from medical professionals, therapy, and the community. Break the benzodiazepine cycle today and gain back control of your life.
Get Help from a Benzo Detox Program at Texas Recovery Center
There can be many dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Withdrawing from benzodiazepines can lead to brain-damaging seizures. Because these withdrawals can be so intense during the first few weeks, it is vital to seek medical professionals’ aid. At Texas Recovery Center, our holistic treatment programs can help you rejuvenate your mind and free yourself from the power of addiction. Contact us at 844.230.5931 today to speak with a caring addiction specialist to learn more about treatment.
