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Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Dallas, Texas

Benzodiazepine Use Facts

  • Benzodiazepine abuse accounts for 17% of all abuse across the country
  • Benzodiazepine prescription refills increased 67% between 1996 and 2013
  • Overdose death rates are ten times higher in people receiving prescriptions for both opioids and benzos as opposed to those using opioids alone
  • A study of overdose deaths in Canada revealed that 60% of those using opioids for non-cancer pain also used benzos for mental health issues
  • Benzodiazepine treatment admissions are most commonly Caucasians, accounting for 85%
  • Males account for 56% of all benzodiazepine treatment admissions
  • 95% of people seeking substance abuse treatment for benzodiazepine abuse are poly-substance abusers
  • In 82% of substance abuse treatment admissions for benzodiazepine abuse, benzodiazepines are the secondary substance of abuse, typically used together with opioids, alcohol, or marijuana
  • In 2017, benzodiazepine use was a culprit in the death of 11,000 deaths in the United States

Effects of Benzodiazepine Use

Used for their effects on anxiety, among other problems, benzodiazepines are a group of prescription tranquilizers that are also referred to as anxiolytics (or anti-anxiety medications) or sedatives. Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. Ultra-short-acting benzos will manifest their effects for several minutes, while long-acting varieties may stick around for hours. In effect, the withdrawal symptoms from ultra-short-acting benzos can also be concise, while long-acting options will only manifest withdrawal symptoms after about one to two days. Used to sedate and tranquilize the system, benzodiazepines work directly on the central nervous system to relax muscles and reduce anxiety and stress. Some of the short-term effects of benzos include:

  • Slowed breathing
  • Relaxed mood
  • Sense of well-being
  • Calmness
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Impaired thinking or decision making
  • Drowsiness and sleepiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Slurred speech
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Heightened risk of accidents
  • Ataxia
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Dementia
  • Permanent cognitive defects

Because of the immediate effects of benzos, they have often been utilized as date rape drugs. As the chemistry of the sedative takes over, victims are less likely to have the strength or the clarity to fight back against a rapist. For those with a prescription, benzos provide relief against a variety of stressors and discomforts.

While it’s not likely to develop a dependence simply by using the drug – especially when taken in doses prescribed by a doctor – certain people are more prone to abuse as they seek the benefits of the medication to combat their daily struggles. Individuals who meet specific criteria are more likely to abuse benzos intentionally. These include people in lower socioeconomic classes, the unemployed, and those with low-income family dynamics and unhealthy intimate relationships are just some of the individuals who might be more likely to misuse the drug to escape their unpleasant reality. With time, the constant use of benzodiazepine will likely result in various effects that might make everyday life difficult. These include:

  • Dizziness and headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of memory
  • Confusion and inability to think clearly
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbances and insomnia
  • Personality changes
  • Irritability
  • Paranoia
  • Aggression and violence
  • Skin rashes
  • Weight gain
  • Lethargy and lack of energy

During the first few uses, individuals might continue to take doses intentionally – which means that they choose to use the drug instead of being fueled by dependence and addiction. However, over time, users develop support which means their bodies get so used to the presence of the drug that they can no longer function without it.

 

Benzo Addiction Treatment: Withdrawal Symptoms

Benzodiazepine addiction treatment is essential for individuals trapped in the cycle of dependence and tolerance. Effective treatment options include medical detox, therapy, and support groups, which address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Medical professionals often recommend a gradual tapering off of the drug to minimize withdrawal symptoms, making the recovery process more manageable. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another crucial component of benzodiazepine addiction treatment, helping individuals understand and change patterns of thinking that contribute to their drug use. Support groups provide a sense of community and understanding, offering encouragement from those who have faced similar challenges. Additionally, alternative treatments such as meditation and exercise can complement traditional therapies by reducing stress and improving overall well-being. It’s important for those struggling with benzodiazepine addiction to seek a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Early intervention is key to preventing the long-term health consequences associated with prolonged benzodiazepine use.

What Do Benzos Do to the Brain?

Benzodiazepines work directly with the central nervous system, interfering with GABA functions in the brain. GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid is one of the primary inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. It contributes to various positions, including motor control and vision, and it also helps regulate anxiety.

What benzos do is bind to GABA receptors in the nervous system. Once linked, they encourage these receptors to stay open longer when GABA is released. As the influx of GABA overwhelms the receptors, it’s satiated with Cl-ions which hyper-polarizes the neurons. This makes it far less excitable to stimulation which results in the effects of benzodiazepines.

Removing Benzos From the System

Removing the drug from the system becomes the primary objective if a patient is rushed to the emergency room for acute benzodiazepine toxicity. Doctors have three options, depending on the strength of the dose and the kind of drug used:

  • Stomach pumping: A tube is placed directly into the stomach through the mouth or the nose, and water is pumped in and suctioned out to cleanse away fragments of the drug. This is rarely performed due to the tedious process, the risks, and the higher efficacy rate of other methods.
  • Charcoal: A single dose of charcoal is provided to prevent the drug from being absorbed into the system. The charcoal powder is mixed with water and then administered as a drink. The patient may feel some gastrointestinal discomfort as the charcoal takes effect. This is the most common choice for acute toxicity.
  • Flumazenil: This drug reverses the effects of benzodiazepine, but it is rarely used. The medicine has been known to cause withdrawal symptoms and lethal seizures in patients with a history of chronic benzo abuse.

Like other drugs, benzodiazepine is removed from the system by reducing the dosage over time. This ‘warm turkey’ detox method helps manage withdrawal symptoms and prevents discomfort and pain during the detox process.

Behavioral therapies also come into play to help individuals identify the reasons why they abused the drug in the first place. Some support and therapy centers can help with housing and employment acquisition for eligible individuals. It is also essential to focus on individuals’ support systems regarding their families, friends, and intimate relationships. These practical tools and techniques can help individuals identify the reasons for their abuse and the possible solutions they can use to prevent future misuse, dependence, and addiction.

 

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Dallas, TX

Benzodiazepine addiction can be a challenging path to navigate, but at Lighthouse Recovery, we offer specialized treatments to support your recovery journey. Each our programs include individual and group support for lasting sobriety. Here are three effective treatment options tailored to address Benzodiazepine addiction:

  • Partial Hospitalization: Our benzodiazepine partial hospitalization program in Dallas is designed for individuals who require intensive care during the day but can return home in the evenings. This form of treatment is usually recommended for those who have completed a residential program or have a more moderate addiction.
  • Intensive Outpatient: If you need a flexible treatment option that allows you to continue your daily life while receiving support during the afternoon or early evening, our benzo intensive outpatient program in Dallas may be ideal. This program only takes place a few hours during each session for only 3 days a week.
  • Extended Care Treatment: For those who need a more structured environment and longer-term support, our extended care treatment offers a residential option. Here, you can focus on your recovery within a safe, drug-free home environment while also attending outpatient treatment. This allows you to gradually transition back into daily life.

At Lighthouse, we understand that overcoming Benzodiazepine addiction is a unique journey. Embark on a path to lasting recovery from benzo addiction with Lighthouse Recovery’s comprehensive treatment programs. Take action now and start your journey towards healing and hope.

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