Making a choice to detox from benzos (benzodiazepine drugs) is one of the most difficult choices a person could make – but also one of the best. Benzos like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are commonly prescribed for anxiety, sleep disorders, and muscle spasms. While they are effective at treating these common issues, they’re almost too effective – that is, it’s very easy for a patient to get addicted to the drugs and the relief they provide. And, before long, the body becomes physically addicted, so benzo withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous if not done in the proper California rehab center.
So, if you’ve chosen to enter into a rehabilitation program to begin detoxing from benzos, it’s crucial to have an idea of what the process entails. Not only that but what is required on your part? Why? Well, to maximize the chance of a successful cessation without risk of relapse.
What is Benzo Detox?
Benzo detox refers to the process of detoxing off of benzos as a person who is addicted to these commonly prescribed medications. Benzodiazepine drug addiction requires the patient to undergo detox while supervised, because of how dangerous withdrawal can be, compared to other common addictive substances. Detoxing involves a process in which the person is tapered off of the drug and then provided with (non-addictive) medications to alleviate discomfort and other symptoms. While they’re being supervised, a professional staff monitors them to ensure they aren’t in danger while the body withdraws. The goal of detox is to get the patient entirely off of the drug for complete cessation as safely, comfortably, quickly, and easily as possible.
The Impact of Benzodiazepine Dependence
Benzodiazepines are a useful medication under the right circumstances – for instance, someone dealing with muscle spasms or having acute anxiety following a traumatic event. They’re not intended for long-term use because of how addictive they are.
Being addicted to Benzos is just like being addicted to any substance. The deeper into addiction the person gets, the more they lose, as the drug becomes their number one priority, and things like financial security, career, and family life take a backseat. Besides that, the drug can negatively affect cognitive function in the long term if abused.
Why Detox is Necessary
Detoxing is necessary for getting off benzos because, as we said before, the drug’s withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. The main potential risk is seizures, which can happen if a person addicted to benzos attempts to quit cold turkey or simply tapers off incorrectly. A professional can devise a tapering-off plan based on the patient’s health and the unique circumstances of their benzo usage.
The Challenges of Benzo Detox: What to Expect
When detoxing from benzos, the first thing you want to do is ensure you’re going to be undergoing the process at a licensed care facility that is equipped with the understanding of what makes this type of addiction (and consequent detoxification process) unique. Here are the things to know and consider about the process.
Seeking Professional Help
Initially, make sure that you find a legitimate facility with experience dealing with benzo detox. Again, detoxing from benzos can be dangerous if not handled properly. But, a team of experienced professionals will help develop a personalized care plan and also be sure to make you as comfortable as possible to minimize discomfort. Find a facility (preferably in-patient) licensed to handle detoxification from addictive substances.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms with any substance can range from unpleasant to agonizing. With benzo withdrawal, other than seizures which can be life-threatening, withdrawal symptoms can include:
· Anxiety and agitation (rebound effect)
· Insomnia
· Tremors
· Difficulty regulating temperature
· Hyperactivity
· Muscle and joint pain
· A general craving for the drug
Withdrawal symptoms are never easy to manage. But again, with the right detox facility, they will be addressed as best as possible, with treatment options that are both safe and effective, picked out by experts who have helped many individuals through the exact process that you’re undergoing.
Psychological Support: The Role of Therapy in Benzo Detox
Once the detox phase is over and the patient is no longer taking benzodiazepine drugs, the work isn’t over. At this stage, the patient requires psychological support through therapy. In-patient and out-patient rehab centers typically provide both one-on-one and group therapy sessions, as both can be extremely valuable and increase the chances of permanent cessation.
We urge anyone seeking detox to take this stage seriously. Mainly because it can help a person rebuild their life after benzos. Plus, even address underlying psychological or emotional issues that contributed to those said addictive behaviors in the first place.
Family and Social Support
Finally, anyone moving beyond their addictive lifestyle needs support from their friends and family outside of rehab. Friends and family need to make an effort to be supportive throughout the process and find ways to avoid triggering the patient, within reason, to help them stay focused on sobriety. Some of us need to say goodbye to individuals who just aren’t helping us on our mission, like those who are still using or those with whom we have toxic, triggering relationships, which make us more likely to relapse.
Life After Benzo Detox
Once you’ve finally made the decision to quit Benzos once and for all, it becomes time to find the right treatment center. At Four Seasons Rehab, our professional, certified staff is ready to develop a treatment plan just for you. We offer a variety of resources, including detoxification, therapy, and more, to help you cease benzo usage and start the process of rebuilding your new, sober life. Contact our California facility to learn more about how we specialize in detox from benzos and other addictive substances.
