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Benzos

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Patients who take high doses of benzodiazepines for an extended period of time can develop a tolerance for the drug. For the best results, benzos should be taken for a long duration. If you abruptly stop taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms can occur. Withdrawal is a serious issue for those who abuse benzos without a prescription. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. There are treatment centers available that offer benzodiazepine detox programs.

Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly abused drugs, with alprazolam (Xanax) being the most widely prescribed benzodiazepine in the US. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1.5 million adults used prescription benzos in 2019, and 0.3% (11.2 million) of adults had a sedative/tranquilizer problem in the last two years. If your benzodiazepine addiction is affecting you, you can get help.

Benzodiazepines are powerful neurodepressants used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension and eruptive disorders. Though the chances of abuse and dependency on benzos are small, regular use can increase the risk. If you think your benzo addiction has gotten out of control, there are treatment programs available to help you. With the right assistance, you can put your addiction in the rearview and reclaim your life.

Mental health disorders, such as benzodiazepine dependence, are becoming increasingly prevalent due in part to the wide availability of the drugs. Between 2014 and 2016, 65.9 million prescriptions for benzodiazepines were issued. However, even with a prescription, individuals can become tolerant of the medication, and can experience painful withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction.

So how can one treat prescription benzodiazepines addiction? Illinois Benzodiazepine treatment is only necessary if one is suffering from a physical addiction and psychological dependency. In such cases, physical dependence can be treated inpatient over several months by switching to a longer-acting benzodiazepine medication. However, it is not recommended to try to treat benzodiazepines addiction independently as professional medical detoxification programs are necessary.

What steps can be taken to help with recovery? The first step is to become aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Then, attempt to obtain help for the person in need. This can be done either through a doctor or by contacting one of the many drug abuse help lines available in the community. Finally, medical treatment is necessary in cases of acute toxicity, and usually depends on what drugs were taken and how much.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. A person experiencing this condition may experience headache, palpitations, sweating, tremors, muscle pain, stiffness, aches, dizziness, light-headedness, paraesthesia, shooting pains in the neck and spine, and visual disturbances.

Benzodiazepines are mainly prescribed for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, but can also be used to help people dealing with sleeplessness or seizures and muscle spasms. Unfortunately, 4 benzos are commonly misused, and this misuse is more common among adolescents and young adults. These individuals may take the drug orally or crush the pills and snort them to get high.

When it comes to benzodiazepine addiction, around half of the population that takes benzos on a regular basis suffer from adverse health effects, including seizures. To treat the addiction, a detoxification process is necessary. Once stabilized, individuals recover through either an inpatient or outpatient program which offers cognitive therapy or counseling. In an inpatient program, patients can benefit from a homelike atmosphere and a comfortable environment, helping them to relax and recover.

Convincing a Loved One to Attend Rehab

Addiction is not a choice, but we have the power to influence it. Interventions help family members express their feelings and how they have observed the symptoms of bipolar disorder in their partner. This allows them to identify the advantages of treatment for drug addiction. At this point, someone with alcoholic symptoms will be unable to deny the existence or cause of their condition.

Benzodiazepines have a soothing effect that can become addictive, especially when taken in ways other than prescribed. Substance use disorder can cause significant damage to relationships and overall health. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, it's important to recognize the signs and causes, as well as the available treatments.

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Types of Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

There are a variety of treatment options to suit the individual needs of those suffering from benzodiazepine addiction. A doctor can evaluate a patient's symptoms and determine the best medical care. Treatments vary according to the type of drug, its duration and dosage, and medical conditions. Depending on the program, personalized care can be provided to help with recovery. Generally, therapy is psychological and behavioural.

Inpatient Benzo Rehabilitation

For those dealing with benzodiazepine addiction, inpatient treatment is an effective way to find relief. Patients may stay in a hospital setting, or in residential centers that offer overnight beds for treatment periods that can last anywhere from one month to a full year. During this time, a variety of behavioural therapies are typically implemented to help people manage both substance abuse and mental health issues.

Outpatient treatment for benzodiazepines

For those who don't require the intensive care of inpatient treatment, outpatient benzodiazepine treatment offers a viable alternative. Programs in Illinois typically involve several stages of therapy, with regularly scheduled group and individual treatments. Successful completion of these programs is largely dependent on the individual having access to stable housing and transportation.

It's time to get the help you need. You can break the cycle of substance abuse and prevent serious, stressful problems by taking proactive steps towards your health. Treating opioid addiction and other drug-related disorders can be a difficult and frustrating journey, but with the right professional and mental health support, you can increase your chances of successful recovery. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective ways to treat addiction. Treatment can be done in a hospital, residential rehabilitation facility, or even an outpatient setting.

Benzodiazepines are sometimes used during detox to ease severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or as anticonvulsants to treat long-term seizures caused by epilepsy. The goal is usually to use the medication, whether it's short-acting or long-acting, for the shortest amount of time possible.

When taken properly under a doctor's instructions, benzodiazepines can be beneficial in treating certain medical conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with misuse and abuse of these drugs. Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to addiction and uncontrollable cravings. Addiction is the act of choosing the substance over the things that are important to you. Quitting can be painful and difficult if you have been using the drug for a long period of time.

Overdose

Benzodiazepines are commonly used as a drug overdose remedy. In 2020, there were 12,290 deaths attributed to benzodiazepine use, both standalone and in combination with other drugs. These depressants can reduce a person's heart and respiratory rates, leading to benzodiazepine toxicity if they are taken in higher doses or in order to recreate the initial desired effect.

Do you know when it's time for treatment?

If you or someone you love is displaying any changes in behavior, it could be a sign of benzodiazepine addiction. This is especially true if the individual is seeking more potent drugs after their prescription has expired. In addition, changes in mood may be seen that indicate an addiction is present. If any of the above signs are present, it may be time to seek help from an addiction specialist. Substance abuse can have a drastic impact on a person's wellbeing.

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is an exceptionally powerful hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and sedative drug, thanks in part to its long-acting benzodiazepine nature with a half-life of 20-50 hours. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and seizures associated with epilepsy. Halcion, an example of Triazolam, is a sedative used to treat severe insomnia and is highly potent, making it vulnerable to abuse.

Benzodiazepines are some of the most prescribed drugs in America, with around 4-5% of the population taking them. Older women are more likely to be prescribed benzos than men, and those taking opioids also tend to have a higher chance of being given benzos. Unlike other drugs, benzodiazepines are not as prone to abuse as they are mainly used to help those with a family history of substance misuse. Nevertheless, misuse can occur if the patient has been prescribed benzo and begins misusing it.

When seeking treatment for benzo addiction, you are able to gain the support of individuals facing similar issues and strive towards a better quality of life. At Gateway Foundation, you can start the healing process with evidence-based treatment and understanding professionals. The advantages of seeking treatment from benzo addiction are numerous - you'll be welcomed by medical experts who are dedicated to aiding you through this process.

Benzodiazepine addiction and the brain can be a difficult topic to understand. Use of benzos can cause a slight change in the signals the brain sends for the sensation of pleasure. Those affected may not be able to pinpoint the change, but they will still feel a sense of joy, security, and satisfaction. Unfortunately, prolonged use of benzos can cause severe changes to brain chemicals, making it difficult for the neurons to function without the drugs. As a result, the brain will become dependent on benzos and addiction can occur.

When it comes to the cause of benzodiazepine addiction, several factors come into play. Prescriptions for benzos have been on the rise since 2016, with 64.9 million people having them at home. Additionally, people may abuse benzos to cope with pain or to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Beyond this, genetic factors can also contribute to the risk of addiction. Studies have found that those with a family history of substance abuse have a higher chance of developing an addiction themselves. It is important to note that genetics and environmental factors can play a role in addiction, and the science is still being explored.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

It's common for college students who abuse benzodiazepines to have untreated mental health problems that are either evident or not. People who take benzodiazepines are using it to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, which causes many to seek medical help. Those who become tolerant to the drug can become addicted, leading to serious health complications. Post-traumatic syndrome sufferers may also turn to benzos to find relief from their mental health issues. Shockingly, 9.2 million Americans currently suffer from substance use disorder.

Benzo Treatment & Rehabilitation

Drinking alcohol is an extremely dangerous activity, and those regularly using benzos are at risk of suffering from insomnia, muscle spasms, and hypersensitivity. If left untreated, these symptoms can even lead to seizures. In-patient services offer constant monitoring of patients after detox, allowing any developments in symptoms to be identified and addressed before they become more severe. This type of 24-hour care is difficult for families, but it is the most effective solution for treating benzo patients.

When is it time to look for Benzo Addiction Treatment? Benzodiazepines can bring on sedation and relaxation quickly, making them an effective choice for short-term relief from mood and anxiety issues. Over time, regular use of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance, requiring larger doses to get the same effect. Long-term use of benzodiazepines can have powerful physical effects and may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Dependence on these drugs is not the same as addiction, but it can be seen in those who are addicted to benzos.

Do you need assistance for benzo addiction? The Benzodiazepine Addiction Self-Assessment contains 11 questions to help you gauge the potential severity and probability of benzodiazepines use disorders. The assessment is confidential and you can get your results without telling anyone else.

What are the signs and symptoms of Benzo Addiction? When taking benzodiazepines for a week or more, you can become physically dependent on them. If you suddenly stop taking the medication, even if it was prescribed for a good reason, you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. It can be hard to recognize the early signs of addiction, but noticing problems quickly will reduce the chances of serious health consequences. Are any of your family members struggling with benzodiazepines? If so, pay attention to their physical and mental wellbeing.

Misusing Medication

Substance misuse can arise from taking too much of a drug or using a prescription drug. When utilizing benzodiazepines regularly, a person can become mentally dependent. When someone builds up a tolerance for drugs, it can be hard to get more of the substance. To get more, they may visit their therapist or purchase from a drug dealer. Keep in mind that some people take benzos as an antiseptic drug, which can lead to substance misuse from constantly going out and seeking more drugs or asking for more refills.

Finding the Right Benzo Addiction Treatment Center

Your doctor can help you decide if you require benzodiazepines treatment for your drug addiction. When you begin the treatment process, selecting the right program may be quite daunting. The Admissions Navigator at the American Addiction Center may be of assistance. Reach out to them today to confirm your insurance and find the best solution for you.

happy family talking after taking benzo addiction treatment

What are Benzodiazepines Used For?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medication usually prescribed for treating anxious symptoms. Long-acting benzodiazepines, such as Lorazepam, may be used instead of an antidepressant and can be helpful in managing panic attacks. Long-acting benzodiazepines may be used when short-acting drugs are not a suitable option.

Benzodiazepines can have a sedative effect, but it can be reversed with medical treatment. However, this is usually only done in cases of severe poisoning, as it can lead to withdrawal and seizures in those who chronically misuse them. If you or someone you know has become dependent on benzodiazepines, the treatment can usually be done at home with your doctor's help, or in a drug rehabilitation center.

To reduce the effects of benzodiazepines, it's important to slowly decrease the dosage when stopping them. This lowers the risk of withdrawal and toxicity. Your doctor can provide more specific information on how to withdraw safely. Remember to always talk to a doctor before ceasing any medication.

Taking too many benzodiazepines can be very dangerous, especially when mixed with other drugs like opioids or alcohol. If someone appears intoxicated after taking them, seek medical attention immediately. In cases where benzodiazepines were taken within an hour or less, the doctor may consider stomach pumping.

Medications can be used to reduce the intensity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Flumazenil is an effective option, as its connections to the brain and body are similar to benzodiazepines, blocking their effects and relieving pain.

Individuals may turn to benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders. However, the use of higher doses to achieve relief may lead to addiction and withdrawal, as well as other health risks.

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