Benzo Detox
Benzodiazepines, often called a “benzo”, are highly addictive prescription sedatives or depressants, typically prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorder, seizures, and insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also widely prescribed, making them easier to obtain and abuse. Abusing benzodiazepines may cause amnesia, hostility, irritability, vivid or disturbing dreams, and they also slow down the central nervous system. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 30% of opioid-involved overdoses also involved benzodiazepines. The combination of benzodiazepines with other drugs or alcohol is common, and also extremely dangerous. Chronic misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance as well as physical dependence. Common benzos include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan.
Benzo Withdrawal
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines is considered to be dangerous, so withdrawal symptoms from drugs in this classification should be managed under medical supervision. In serious cases, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can result in psychosis or seizures, and if unmanaged, withdrawal seizures can be progressive and subsequently result in death. Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is experienced in helping our guests safely detox from benzos. We have a medical team that monitors guests 24/7 for their safety, administering medication in order to wean the body off of the drug.
Typically, after completing a medical detox, guests will continue on to be treated in our two-week residential inpatient program. Detox is important, however, it is only the first step towards recovery. In our residential inpatient program, guests can begin to work on how to live and manage life without drug abuse. Our further aftercare options follow patients through every step of the recovery process.
Short Term Effects of Benzodiazepine use may include:
- Developing tolerance
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Panic attacks
- Impaired coordination and confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Memory and cognitive dysfunction
- Mood swings
Long Term Effects of Benzodiazepine Abuse:
- Snorting or injecting pills to increase effects
- Combining benzos with other drugs (like opioids)
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors
- Loss of interest in activities
- Continuing to use despite negative effects or consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms and/or cravings
- “Doctor Shopping” for multiple prescriptions
If any of these effects ring true for you, then you may have a benzo problem and require medical help to safely remove the substance from your body.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines vary from case to case and depend on factors like abuse history. The most common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include rebound anxiety and insomnia. Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights provides medication-assisted treatment in order to lessen the withdrawal symptoms caused by benzodiazepine abuse. The medications that we use will treat benzo withdrawal, then making the detox process as safe and comfortable as possible. Other common symptoms of benzo withdrawal include headaches, poor concentration, and irritability.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms may include:
- Sleep disturbance
- Irritability
- Increased tension
- Increased anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Hand tremors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pain
- Cravings
- Seizures
- Psychosis
