Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are a class of pharmaceutical drugs commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. When a person follows their doctor’s instructions, taking benzos is usually safe. However, there is the potential for drug misuse with benzos.
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The misuse of Xanax, Ambien, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin (all types of benzos) is unfortunately common due to the pleasurable and relaxing effects they give users in the short term. Over time, though, abusing benzos can take hold of a person’s entire life, causing physical and mental health problems as well as financial and social ones.
That is why it is so important to stop benzodiazepine abuse in its tracks, and the only way to safely do that is with the help of addiction specialists. Here at Recovery in the Pines, we offer a comprehensive benzo detox program that helps individuals regain control over their lives.
About Our Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
When you choose Recovery in the Pines, you choose a beautiful landscape, a compassionate team, and a community that thrives on the teachings of the Bible. Here is what to expect from our care.
A Faith-Based Approach
We examine the entire process of Benzodiazepine recovery through the lens of faith. At our drug and alcohol addiction center, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your relationship with God and discover your true purpose as a Christian. This allows you to reflect, connect, and embrace a new way of living.
An Individualized Treatment Plan
You may have things in common with others who have a benzodiazepine addiction, but you still have your own expectations, medical history, current health status, and goals. As such, you will always receive a completely tailored restoration plan that focuses on you and your recovery journey as an individual.
Medical Supervision
Our addiction treatment program offers medical supervision during your stay with us. This is particularly important for the detox process, as detoxing from benzos (when the drug leaves your system) often brings with it a range of unpleasant side effects, some of which can be dangerous. By being in our care, you receive high-quality addiction treatment and care that manages those withdrawal symptoms and keeps you as comfortable as possible.
The Inclusion of Friends and Family
We understand the crucial role friends and family play in a client’s recovery, which is why we implement methods to include them in the process. We provide supportive counselling for loved ones, which helps both them and you, the client, come to terms with the problem and understand the best coping strategies for a brighter future.
A Robust Schedule
One of the hardest parts of recovery from any substance abuse disorder is the feeling of boredom. It’s those small, quiet moments – perhaps at the end of a long day or during a weekend when you have nothing to do – when the itch to take the drug starts scratching at you. Getting through those moments is challenging, and one thing that helps is having a jam-packed schedule, which is what our benzodiazepine addiction treatment offers.
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When you are at our addiction treatment center, you will take part in a robust schedule filled with activities that prevent distraction and temptation. Part of that will include attending therapy sessions, group support, Bible study, and exercise.
A Focus on Long-Term Sobriety
We believe that recovering from an Ambien addiction should always be done in a beautiful environment, which is why our rehab facility is located in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona. While going through our treatment plan, you will be able to look out over the rolling mountains, meandering streams, large lakes, and exquisite wildlife. All of this will encourage you to change for the better.
A Beautiful Location
We are nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Arizona. Our center is situated in a location where you truly feel like you can start anew. You’ll be surrounded by the greatest that nature has to offer, providing a sense of peace as you focus on healing your body, mind, and spirit.
About Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzo abuse refers to when a person takes more benzodiazepines than they need or have been prescribed. A benzodiazepine addiction is when an individual spends a lot of time trying to acquire the prescription medication, has been taking it for a long time, has built a tolerance to it, and experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it.
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Benzodiazepines are addictive sedatives because they increase the level of dopamine in the brain, signaling the brain’s reward system. A person experiences positive effects after taking benzos, thus their body wants to continue taking them, eventually leading to a full-blown physical dependence.
How Long Does it Take to Become Addicted to Benzos?
There is no definitive period of time it takes for a person to develop a benzo addiction. Several factors are at play, including the dosage of the benzodiazepines, the frequency of administration, and the individual's own physiology. However, be aware that, in some cases, addiction can happen in just a couple of weeks. For others, it may take months.
What Are the Dangers of a Benzodiazepine Addiction?
There are both short-term and long-term dangers of benzo abuse.
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Short-Term Effects:
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Headaches
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Weakness
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Confusion
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Blurry Vision
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Memory Loss
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Nausea
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Shaking
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Aggression
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Thoughts of Suicide
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Infections (If injecting the drug)
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Overdose
An overdose can be fatal (benzo overdoses kill thousands of people in the United States each year), so it’s important to know what it looks like. Signs of a benzo overdose include slurred speech, dizziness, confusion, and unresponsiveness. This requires immediate medical attention.
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Long-Term Dangers:
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Concentration Problems
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Feelings of Isolation
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Weight Issues
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Loss of Memory
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Lack of Emotional Feelings
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Low Mood
What Are the Warning Signs You Have a Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Are you worried that you have a benzo addiction? By spotting the warning signs, you can seek help sooner rather than later.
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You Have Developed a Tolerance for the Drug: If you have developed a tolerance for benzos and find you need to take a higher dosage to achieve the same effect, that is a sign of addiction.
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You Fear Being Without Benzos: A genuine fear of not having benzos available is a warning sign.
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You Spend a Lot of Time and Energy Acquiring Benzos: Individuals with addictions often spend much more time, energy, and money acquiring the drug, and that perhaps involves doctor shopping.
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You’re Showing Physical Signs of Addiction: There are several physical symptoms of benzo addiction or misuse to watch out for, such as anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, and frequent headaches.
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You’re Experiencing Financial and Social Difficulties: Addictions (including benzo addictions) often get in the way of a normal, happy lifestyle. That may involve experiencing financial difficulties or encountering rifts in relationships.
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You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms: People with a physical dependence on benzos experience withdrawal symptoms when coming off the drug.
What Does a Benzodiazepine Look Like in Someone Else?
Are you concerned that someone you know has developed a benzodiazepine addiction? These are the warning signs to check for.
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They Withdraw from Friends and Family
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They Engage in Risky Behaviors
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Their Hygiene Deteriorates
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They Look More Disheveled than Usual
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They Act More Secretive
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There is a Change in Personality and Mood
If you notice these signs, be aware that there are steps you can take to help. We have a knowledgeable and friendly team of qualified addiction specialists who can point you in the right direction, so do not hesitate to get in touch if you are concerned about a loved one with a benzo addiction.
Who is More at Risk of a Benzodiazepine Addiction?
First, it is important to note that a benzo addiction can affect anyone. People from all walks of life end up with substance abuse disorders, all with their own stories and reasons.
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There are, however, some risk factors.
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Underlying Mental Health Disorders: People with mental health disorders are more likely to abuse benzos as a way of self-medicating. Benzos may provide short-term relief from unpleasant symptoms stemming from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, for example. Over time, this misuse can turn into physical dependence, which is hard to pull out of.
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Receiving a Benzo Prescription: It makes sense that those who are exposed to benzodiazepines through a prescription are more likely to develop a tolerance and dependence on the prescription drug. This can start slowly, and oftentimes, individuals do not even realize they are addicted until it is too late. However, be aware that the majority of benzo prescriptions made by doctors do not end up in addiction – it just increases the chances of an addiction occurring due to the exposure.
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A History of Trauma: Those with a history of trauma are more likely to experience addiction, and that includes a benzodiazepine addiction.
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Being a Young Adult Woman: Research has shown that young adult women (between the ages of 18 and 25) are more likely to experience an addiction to benzos.
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Of course, even ticking off all of these risk factors does not mean a person will inevitably develop a benzo addiction.
Preventing a Benzo Addiction
If you want to avoid having to seek addiction treatment, the best way is to prevent becoming addicted to benzos in the first place, keeping in mind that this isn’t always possible due to the way benzos affect the brain.
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However, there are certain preventative measures you can take to decrease the likelihood of an addiction occurring. Do this by only ever taking the prescribed dose of benzos – never go over that amount, as that’s a slippery path that leads to an addiction. You should also learn some of the warning signs of addiction (which we went into further up), and speak to your doctor if you notice any of these signs. It is also good to know the signs to look for in someone you love, as they may have no idea that a benzo addiction is developing, and you could help stop it in its tracks.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Suddenly stopping taking benzos after experiencing a benzo addiction can be dangerous due to the benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms that occur. These include:
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Abdominal Cramps
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Pain in the Face and Neck
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Anxiety
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Fast Heartbeat
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Shaking
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Dizziness
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Blurred Vision
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Panic Attacks
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Headaches
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Sweating
It is important to seek a benzo detox at a professional addiction treatment center to ensure these symptoms are managed properly. Addiction specialists can administer medications that can dramatically reduce the benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, leading to a more comfortable and safer benzo detox.
The Steps to Recovery with Our Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Have you realized you have a problem and want to seek benzo addiction treatment? It helps to know what to expect from each step, from the withdrawal process to recovering in a benzodiazepine treatment center. When you choose our benzodiazepine rehab program, these are the steps.
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Getting in Touch
First, please contact our team. There are several ways to do this, including emailing, calling, or filling out a contact form. We will then be in contact with you.
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The Admissions Process
The next step is the admissions process, where we gather necessary information and answer any questions you may have.
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Detoxing
We will then stabilize you, which means getting the benzos out of your system safely. We will provide evidence-based therapies and treatments to minimize withdrawal symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible.
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Recovery
Your recovery journey in Arizona involves a robust schedule filled with therapy, Bible study, support group sessions, exercise, and more. You will have the time to heal your body and mind.
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Leaving Us
Once you are ready to leave our center, you will return home having learned important coping mechanisms. We will arrange the necessary aftercare and stay in touch via phone and email to provide continued support.
Seek Treatment for Your Benzo Addiction in Arizona Today
Do not let benzodiazepine abuse control your life. If you're ready to turn a new leaf and strengthen your relationship with the Lord, our treatment program in Arizona is ideal for you. Contact the team today to get started - even if you just want to talk through options or learn more.
