Benzodiazepine Addiction & Detox
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, can lead to addiction even with short-term use, often necessitating professional help and medical detoxification.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Withdrawing from benzodiazepines can cause severe physical and emotional symptoms including tremors, sleep issues, heart palpitations, muscle pain, seizures, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, drug cravings, hallucinations, and increased suicidal thoughts. Withdrawal also causes a “rebound effect” where previous symptoms return and intensify, making detox challenging.
Outpatient Detox Process
Our outpatient detox process is safe and effective, even for those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Our patients are under 24/7 medical supervision and are treated by medical experts with tapering and detox protocols to keep you comfortable and safe. Here is our standard process:
- Evaluation: We conduct an assessment considering risk factors, substance abuse history, medical history, and living conditions to create a tailored detox plan.
- Customized Detox Plan: Collaboratively, we develop a detox plan considering the type of benzo used and your schedule and responsibilities.
- Detox Begins: Clients visit our facility daily for medication, monitoring, and counseling, with 24/7 provider availability for questions and concerns during home detox.
Detoxing on Your Own
Unsupervised detoxification from benzodiazepines (benzos) can be highly dangerous and even life-threatening. Key risks associated with attempting to detox from benzos without medical supervision are:
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms: Benzodiazepines are known for their severe withdrawal effects, which can include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, severe insomnia, muscle spasms, and irritability.
Risk of Seizures: One of the most dangerous aspects of unsupervised benzo detox is the risk of seizures, which can occur due to sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction.
Psychosis: Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can sometimes lead to psychotic episodes, characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and severe confusion.
Rebound Anxiety and Insomnia: These symptoms can be more intense than they were before treatment with benzodiazepines started. This intense rebound can lead to rapid reinstatement of medication, often at higher doses.
Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior: The intensity of withdrawal symptoms, including severe depression and hopelessness, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Physical Health Complications: Rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and other physical symptoms can lead to further health complications, particularly in those with pre-existing health conditions.
Inability to Manage Detox Process: Without professional guidance, individuals may be unable to effectively manage the detox process, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms and potential relapse.
Lack of Support for Underlying Issues: Benzodiazepine addiction often co-occurs with other mental health issues, which can be exacerbated during withdrawal. Unsupervised detox does not provide the necessary psychological or therapeutic support.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to undergo detox from benzodiazepines under the supervision of qualified medical professionals who can manage withdrawal symptoms safely and provide comprehensive support throughout the process.
Why Choose Georgia Sky's Medical Detox?
People with benzodiazepine addiction need medical supervision when detoxing. Here is why patients opt for our medical detox program:
Medical Supervision: Medical professionals monitor the detox process, ensuring safety and providing immediate care in case of severe withdrawal symptoms or complications. This supervision greatly reduces the risk of serious health issues like seizures.
Gradual Tapering: In a medical setting, benzodiazepine dosage can be gradually reduced in a controlled manner to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This tapering process is often tailored to the individual’s specific health needs and circumstances.
Psychological Support: Our outpatient detox center provides comprehensive psychological and emotional support through counseling and therapy. This support is crucial for our patients to address the underlying issues related to benzodiazepine dependency.
Prevention of Relapse: With professional help, individuals are less likely to relapse. Medical staff can provide strategies and support for maintaining sobriety post-detox.
Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders: Many individuals with benzodiazepine dependency also suffer from other mental health disorders. Georgia Sky treats these co-occurring disorders simultaneously, which is essential for effective recovery.
Long-term Recovery Planning: We connect individuals to continuing care options, such as therapy, support groups, and outpatient services, which are vital for long-term recovery.
Start a Benzo-Free Life
Don’t go it alone – choose a medical detox to guarantee you receive the highest quality support and resources essential for a safe and effective withdrawal process. Set yourself on the path to lasting recovery—don’t let fear of detox stop you from seeking assistance. At Georgia Sky, you are in safe hands as we prioritize your comfort and safety during the detox process.