If you or someone you know has struggled with an anxiety or sleeping disorder, you are likely familiar with benzodiazepines, also known as benzos. While they are extremely helpful for the causes listed above, they are also highly addictive. Addiction is never a choice. While it is a condition that can easily be villainized, no one deserves to deal with this condition alone. If you or someone you know has become addicted to Benzos, the community at Genesis Medical Detox can help you get started on your recovery journey.
As with any other addiction, the first step is to detox. Continue reading to learn more about Benzo detox and how Genesis Medical Detox can help you complete the process safely.
So, What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription medication. They are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. The most widely known benzos are Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. These drugs are not designed to be taken long-term. Instead, they should be used to get the sleep or anxiety disorder in check and nothing further.
The addictive nature of these drugs is known. However, they have not been labeled illegal because of their effectiveness in the medical field. A common misconception of benzos is that they are safer to abuse than other substances because they are prescribed by a doctor. This could not be further from the truth.
Benzos pose a large risk for addiction because they are not designed for long-term use. Additionally, when a person becomes dependent on this substance, like any other, it becomes challenging to stop its misuse.
How Does This Substance Work?
Benzodiazepines are common central nervous system depressants. This means that they are used as sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. They slow down brain activity which makes them effective at easing anxiety and treating sleep disorders, such as insomnia. Misuse and prolonged use of these drugs can cause severe side effects. These include the following.
- Weakness
- Blurry vision
- Drowsiness
- Mood swings
- Inability to stop using the drug without experiencing symptoms of withdrawal
All About Benzo Withdrawal
Withdrawal from benzos is known to be dangerous. For this reason, it is recommended that detoxing is done under medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms can start as early as 24 hours from the last use. However, the length of withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere between a few days to a few months, depending on how long the substance was abused and the strength of the substance.
There are three phases of benzo withdrawal.
- Early withdrawal
- Acute withdrawal
- Protracted withdrawal
As the name suggests, early withdrawal occurs during the early stages of withdrawal. This is a few hours or days after stopping use. During this stage, it is common for symptoms of anxiety and insomnia to return stronger than ever before.
The acute withdrawal stage is the most intense stage of withdrawal. This stage occurs after a few days since the last use. This is also when withdrawal symptoms are at their most intense. Although everyone does not experience the same symptoms, here are some examples of the symptoms one may experience during this stage of withdrawal.
- Panic attacks,
- Insomnia,
- Muscle spasms,
- nausea/ vomiting,
- Seizures,
- Hallucinations,
- Twitching,
- Weight loss.
Acute withdrawal is the most intense stage. It also lasts fairly long, as symptoms may occur for weeks and even months.
After symptoms from the acute stage have eased, individuals then enter the protracted withdrawal stage. While symptoms in this stage may not be as intense as they were in the acute withdrawal stage, they can occur for months or even years after a person stops using the substance.
Medical interventions such as rehabilitation programs, counseling, and therapy are available to help those who are having difficulty managing symptoms and maintaining sobriety after detox.
Why You Should Consider Benzo Medical Detox
There is no set time frame for withdrawals from benzos. Detoxing from benzos is known to be more challenging than other substances. For this reason, it is not recommended to attempt detoxing without medical supervision. As mentioned above, symptoms can last for weeks or months and can be as intense as seizures and hallucinations.
Medical supervision is advised because symptoms are not just uncomfortable, like withdrawal from other substances. With benzos, symptoms are life-threatening. Medical professionals at a detox center are trained to manage and treat withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment.
Those who attempt to detox at home, unmonitored, not only put their lives at risk, but they also risk a failed detox process. When faced with discomfort, it is easier to revert to substance use, which is a possibility when choosing to detox alone.
Why Is a Treatment Center the Better Option?
At a medical detox center, you will be guided through a safe detox process. Not only will you have 24-hour supervision from medical professionals, but they will also have the wisdom to handle any bumps in the road. Detoxing is rarely a smooth process. It is better to be surrounded by people who are knowledgeable in the withdrawal process and who have the skills to intervene at any sign of trouble.
The medical professionals at a detox center can help patients regulate their symptoms and provide resources to help them stay on track after detox is completed. It is a no-brainer to choose the safest option when it comes to detoxification.
Start Your Recovery Journey With Genesis Medical Detox
The decision to make a change in your life never comes easy. Addiction can take over your life. When it is time to begin the journey to recovery, the community at Genesis Medical Detox can help you! Benzo detox does not have to be as scary as it sounds. Give us a call today. Genesis Medical Detox is committed to providing a supportive and compassionate environment for you to have a successful detox.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We are here to support you every step of the way.
