Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, with tens of millions of people taking these drugs. Benzodiazepines are widely used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. It is also commonly used as a premedication for medical or dental procedures. Benzodiazepines have a unique history among other psychoactive drugs—they were some of the first drugs to be synthesized and used clinically. They have been subject to widespread controversy regarding their safety and efficacy.
Knowing the benzodiazepine withdrawal signs can help you get a loved one into treatment in time for life-saving medical intervention. If you know someone who needs to enter a Murrieta, California, benzodiazepine addiction treatment center, you can count on Solution Based Treatment & Detox. Recovery is possible with the proper medical treatment and addiction therapy. There is no reason to waste another day struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, as we offer treatment programs for many common substances. People who attend professional rehab programs are more likely to stay in treatment and have a better chance of long-term sobriety. Contact SBT at 833.999.1941 to learn more about our programs.
Understanding Benzodiazepine Addiction
It is essential to understand that benzo addiction is not simply a matter of willpower or personal choice. Benzo addiction is a complex condition with many factors that can contribute to its development.
Psychological factors may include underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression and environmental and societal influences. Physical factors may include changes in brain chemistry that make someone more susceptible to addiction and genetics. Nobody ever wants to become addicted to a drug, but many things can make them more prone to struggling with substance use.
Common Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Because there are different types of benzos, the timelines for the onset of symptoms can vary. Symptoms can begin several hours after a person stops taking short-acting benzos. For long-acting benzos, symptoms can appear weeks after stopping use. Symptoms can sometimes last for weeks, months, or even years.
The frequency and intensity of symptoms will vary between individuals, as each person will react differently to stopping benzo use. Some of the most common symptoms of benzo withdrawal include the following:
- Cramping
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nightmares
- Restlessness and insomnia
- A tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- Seizures
This is by no means an exhaustive list, as there can be many more severe withdrawal symptoms if a person has stopped taking benzos cold turkey.
What to Expect from Benzo Addiction Treatment
The preferred course begins with medically-supervised detox when going through benzo addiction treatment. Detox starts when the client stops using benzos and is an unavoidable part of recovery. Because of the high risk of adverse health consequences from withdrawal symptoms, it’s best if medical professionals constantly monitor them until the worst symptoms have passed. When detoxing alone at home, there is a greater risk of injury in case of a seizure.
After detox, many people struggling with benzo addiction undergo comprehensive treatment plans customized to their specific needs. These plans can include psychotherapy, medication-assisted treatment, and other therapies.
Find Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in California at Solution Based Treatment & Detox
Medical detox at SBT allows clients to gradually reduce their benzo intake safely and comfortably, with all the support they require to enter treatment with a better chance of success. Our comprehensive benzo addiction treatment program is the safest way to stop using benzos. Our experienced staff can help determine the right level of care a client needs throughout detox. Contact Solution Based Treatment & Detox today at 833.999.1941 to learn more about Murrieta, California, benzo withdrawal treatment, and our other rehab services.