Benzodiazepine addiction treatment is a necessary step for many individuals struggling with the misuse and abuse of these drugs. Benzodiazepines are sedatives and hypnotics that are widely prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, panic disorder, and seizures.
While these medications can be beneficial when taken as prescribed, they have the potential for misuse and abuse due to their sedative effects. It is crucial to understand the risks associated with benzodiazepines and how to receive addiction treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling to control addictive urges, our addiction treatment programs in Illinois can help. We want to provide you with the care you deserve.
The effects of benzodiazepines include
- Sedation and hypnosis,
- Relaxed mood,
- Relief from symptoms of anxiety disorder
- Reduced seizures
The most common drugs in this class are
- Valium
- Xanax
- Halcion
- Ativan
- Klonopin
How Do Benzodiazepines Work?
When you take a benzodiazepine, it tells your brain to release a neurotransmitter that makes your CNS less active. The slowed activity can cause the following effects:
- Amnestic–benzodiazepines block the formation of new memories
- Anxiolytic–relieves anxiety
- Sedative–calms the nervous system
- Hypnotic–induces sleep
Why are Benzos Typically Prescribed?
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Seizures
They are also sometimes used for
- Alcohol withdrawal medications
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drug-associated agitation
- Depression
- General anesthesia
Dangers of Prescribing Benzodiazepines
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Blurred vision
- Mood swings
- Unpredictable/hostile behavior
Several months of use can substantially increase the risk for addiction, tolerance, and experience of withdrawal symptoms when the medication dose is reduced or ended.
Individuals with a history of drug abuse must be more careful as they have the highest risk of addiction.
What are Some Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
- Problems sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps
- Unmanageable leg movements
- Memory issues
- Changes in behavior (such as increased risky behaviors)
- Delirium (this occurs mostly in older individuals)
- Withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping use
Who Abuses Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepine Overdose
Benzodiazepine overdose is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when too much of this class of medication, which includes drugs like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, and Librium, is taken in one dose or over an extended period.
Treatment typically involves supportive care such as oxygen therapy and other interventions to help reverse the effects of the overdose.
Symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose include
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion/impaired mental condition
- Loss of coordination
- Weakened reflexes
- Shallow, slow breathing rate
- Coma
- Death (when used with other respiratory depressants)
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Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Our benzo detox in Illinois uses a weaning process to ease withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and seizures. All benzodiazepines are habit-forming and may cause physical dependence. Eventually, that dependence can lead to difficult withdrawal symptoms if the individual decides to stop using them. If your addiction is moderate to severe, the place to start in treatment is probably with a medical detox. This eliminates the chemicals from your body and ends your physical dependence on the drug.
Our inpatient drug rehab in Illinois takes place in a safe, secure treatment facility. This is considered our highest level of care. Here, you can be free of the distractions and triggers that make you want to use and concentrate on your recovery. Individuals in residential care receive intense therapy and counseling to help rehabilitate body and mind. The length of time depends on your needs and requirements.
PHPs are sometimes called Partial Care or Day Treatment. This level is the same as a residential program in intensity and services except that you don’t live at the treatment facility. This type of outpatient program is appropriate for people who have stable, supportive housing, regardless of the severity of their addiction.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a high level of outpatient care. You may attend treatment sessions approximately 3 times per week for a few hours each visit. Many people with less severe addictions and a stable home life can recover in an IOP.
A standard outpatient program is most appropriate for a person with a mild substance abuse problem and a supportive network of family and friends. Outpatient treatment usually includes one hour of treatment once or twice per week. It’s also great for continuing treatment after completing a higher level of care.
Sober living residences are immensely helpful for people who are not confident enough to return to their previous living situation. It’s an efficient way to transition into a productive, drug-free life.
Seek Treatment at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Our treatment center in Crystal Lake is ready to provide you with the treatment necessary for a successful recovery. With our team of medical professionals and a vast array of rehab programs, we can create a treatment plan for each individual.
Contact us today if you or a loved one is interested in our treatment services. One call is all it takes to start on the path to healing.
