Benzodiazepines are powerful sedatives prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While this can be useful for many patients, there is also a more dangerous side to this prescription medication.
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Benzodiazepine abuse is unfortunately common, causing a range of unpleasant side effects in individuals and, in some cases, even causing overdose and death. That is why spotting the signs of benzo abuse and seeking treatment sooner rather than later is so crucial.
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Here at Recovery in the Pines, we offer a comprehensive drug detox center for men and women in Prescott looking to transform their lives and say goodbye to substance abuse.
About Our Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Program
We guide clients through the complicated recovery process so they come out the other end ready for a more fulfilling life. Here’s what to expect when you choose us.
A Christian-Focused Recovery
We are a Christian drug detox center that uses God’s teachings to guide individuals onto a better path – one free from addiction. Our transformative lessons implement the Bible every step of the way, all of which directly work through the complexity of addiction and ways to combat it. Clients who stay with us find strength they didn’t know they had before, and discover purpose and meaning that genuinely motivates them to stay clean for the long haul.
Supervision
Whether going through the withdrawal process or staying free from distraction at our center, you will always have supervision. No matter what you are going through, there will be support there to help you at every stage of the journey, so you never feel alone.
Evidence-Based Therapies
We provide a range of evidence-based therapies for our clients to fight their addiction (and win!). This includes a twelve-step recovery program, behavioral therapies, and medications.
Personalized Care
Our high-quality addiction treatment provides each and every client with a unique and tailored care plan. While you may have some things in common with those around you at our center, you are still an individual with your own past, medical needs, and goals, and your plan will reflect that.
A Structured Schedule
Getting through a benzodiazepine addiction can be tough, especially when there are no distractions. That is why we provide a robust schedule to keep our clients busy at all hours of the day. When in our care, there is always something to do, someone to speak to, or a session to attend. You will work on healing your body, mind, and spirit every single day, whether that involves attending Bible study or discussing your problems in a group therapy session.
A Focus on Physical Health
Physical health plays a crucial role in your mental health. We understand that, which is why we provide a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center that offers physical training sessions with professional trainers. Additionally, we provide nutritious meals and personalized meal planning.
Gender-Specific Rehab
Many men and women prefer gender-specific rehab. This is understandable, and we cater to that here at Recovery in the Pines. If you are a woman, you can choose our women's drug detox center that focuses on the complexities of female addiction, and vice versa for men.
A Beautiful Location
We believe that a beautiful environment makes a significant difference in an individual’s recovery. Our Recovery in the Pines center is situated in Prescott, Arizona, offering picturesque views of rolling mountains, gentle streams, breathtaking lakes, and serene meadows. You will feel truly at peace when you stay here, giving you the best possible chance of a full recovery. It’s the type of location you can truly picture a sober lifestyle.
Ongoing Support
At Recovery in the Pines, we place special attention on relapse prevention. Not only do we help our clients navigate the medical detox process, but we also focus on teaching them healthy coping mechanisms to ensure a lifetime of sobriety. To help with that, we also offer ongoing support to our clients, keeping in touch even long after they have left our Prescott center.
Understanding Benzodiazepine Addiction
Unfortunately, substance abuse with benzos is common, and this is because of the effects it has on the brain. Benzos work by increasing GABA in the brain by binding to GABA receptors, which makes the user feel more relaxed and calmer. This positive effect triggers the reward system, causing an individual to want to continue taking the benzodiazepines to experience the same effects repeatedly.
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If a person takes more benzos than they need to or have been prescribed, that is called benzo abuse. However, if they take benzos over and over, build a tolerance, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop, that means they are physically dependent on the drug and have an addiction.
How Long Does it Take for a Benzodiazepine Addiction to Occur?
There is no specific length of time related to when a benzo addiction manifests – it is different for everyone. In some cases, it can take just a few weeks for the person to become addicted to the sedative. In others, it may take months. Some factors that play a role include the dosage of the benzos and how regularly they are taken.
The Dangers of a Benzodiazepine Addiction
While taking benzos as prescribed by a doctor is generally considered safe for most people, it is another story for a benzo addiction. Here are some of the dangers associated with this.
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Lack of Coordination
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Blurry Vision
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Nausea
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Shaking
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Slurred Speech
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Weakness
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Memory Problems
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Weight Loss or Weight Gain
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Skin Rashes
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Personality Changes
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Depression
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Sleep Problems
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Overdose
The Signs of a Benzo Overdose
A benzo overdose is very dangerous and can even lead to death. So, knowing the signs is absolutely essential. They include the following.
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Blurred Vision
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Dizziness and Drowsiness
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Mental Confusion
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Unresponsiveness
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Loss of Consciousness
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Breathing Difficulties
These are signs of benzo toxicity, and if they occur, you must seek immediate medical attention.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Risk Factors
First, it is important to note that benzodiazepine abuse and addiction can happen to anyone. Still, there are certain risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing a physical dependence on the sedative, including the following.
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A Family History of Substance Abuse
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Being Exposed to Benzos
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Being a Female
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A History of Trauma
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An Addiction to Another Substance
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Being Between the Ages of 18 and 25
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Experiencing Peer Pressure
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Low Socioeconomic Status
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Having a Mental Health Disorder
Of course, some people who tick off all of these risk factors may not experience a benzo addiction – at the same time, someone who does not fall under these risk factors may still develop an addiction for other reasons.
How to Prevent a Benzo Addiction
First, it is important to note that preventing a benzodiazepine addiction is not always possible. Addiction is a physical response to taking drugs, and benzos have an extremely powerful effect on the brain. However, there are steps you can take to improve your situation.
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Only Take the Prescribed Dose: If you have been prescribed benzodiazepines, only take the prescribed dose at a time and follow your doctor’s instructions to a tee. Of course, if you haven’t received a benzo prescription, avoid taking them at all.
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Know the Warning Signs of Addiction: Knowing the warning signs of addiction can help you stop it from happening at all.
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Seek Help as Soon as You Can: If you spot the signs of addiction in yourself, seek help as soon as you can. Early intervention is key to a successful recovery, after all!
What Happens If You Suddenly Stop Taking Benzodiazepines?
If you have a physical dependence on benzodiazepines and suddenly stop taking them, benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms will occur. These often come on hard and fast and are very unpleasant to deal with, and in some cases, can even be dangerous and life-threatening. That’s why seeking a medical detox in the presence of specialists is important.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
The benzo withdrawal symptom process looks slightly different for everyone, but here are the most common side effects people go through:
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Panic Attacks
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Anxiety
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Excessive Sweating
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Muscle Pain
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Fast Heartrate
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Headaches
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Shaking
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Seizures
Most of these symptoms begin within the first few hours. The extent of the worst symptoms lasts about three to seven days, but many people will still experience some withdrawal symptoms weeks or even months after they discontinue using the drug. How long the withdrawal symptoms go on for depends on a range of factors, from how long the person has been addicted to benzos to the dosage they were taking.
The Steps to Recovery from a Benzo Addiction
Are you ready to try a treatment program to treat a benzodiazepine addiction? If so, this is what you can expect from our substance abuse treatment at each step of the way.
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Contacting Us
The first step is admitting you have a benzo addiction and getting in touch with our team. You can do so by emailing, calling, or filling out our online contact form. All conversations are strictly confidential, and we have a friendly, welcoming team of addiction specialists who will walk you through the process and listen to what you have to say.
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Admissions Process
If you decide to use our benzodiazepine addiction treatment program, you'll go on to the next stage of the admissions process. At this stage, our medical professionals will gather the necessary information and answer any questions you may have. It's at this step that we also devise a treatment plan.
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The Detox Process
When clients first come to us, the goal is stabilization. This involves getting clients through the withdrawal symptoms safely and carefully. We will alleviate these symptoms with medication while providing a comfortable environment.
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Recovery
After the benzodiazepine withdrawal process, clients stay with us at our Prescott, Arizona, recovery center. Our medication-assisted treatment involves a robust schedule that follows the guidance of the Bible. You will connect with like-minded individuals, attend therapy sessions, and enhance your mental and physical well-being. You'll also learn to take accountability and incorporate new coping strategies to avoid drug abuse in the future.
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Ongoing Support
When you are ready to leave our residential treatment center, we will ensure your lasting recovery by offering ongoing support. We can help you set up treatment plans that include attending support groups and individual therapy sessions closer to home. Plus, we stay in touch via email and phone.
Seek Treatment for Benzo Addiction at Recovery in the Pines
Benzo misuse can have serious negative consequences on your life, from damaging your relationships to destroying your health. Addressing a benzo problem sooner rather than later leads to better outcomes, so get in touch today to get started at our center in Prescott, Arizona. With our care, you can begin a new life and live as a child of God. We look forward to assisting you on that journey.
