Benzo Treatment at BHOPB
Benzodiazepines, or benzos for short, are a type of medication known as tranquilizers that work on slowing down the central nervous system. They are prescribed by doctors to help with anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxation, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. Common benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. These medications are highly addictive when misused, an unfortunate circumstance that many have experienced. Fortunately, Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches offers benzodiazepine addiction treatment that can help.
How Do Benzodiazepines Work?
Benzodiazepines work by amplifying the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that lessens the activity of neurons. These drugs bind to particular receptors on GABA-A receptors, which heightens the affinity of GABA for its receptor and magnifies its inhibitory effects. This results in a general decline in neuronal activity in the brain, which can cause a calming effect, reduce anxiety, and induce sleep. While benzodiazepines may also impact other neurotransmitter systems in the brain, their primary mechanism of action is believed to be through their effects on GABA-A receptors.
Even though benzodiazepines have their medical purposes, these drugs are often widely misused and abused. The opioid crisis is a major problem in the United States, but over 30% of opioid overdoses also involved a benzodiazepine.1 Some people will start by abusing these medications for their sedative and calming effects, but frequent misuse can escalate into chemical dependency and addiction. Over time, benzodiazepines may lead to some long-term risks for a person’s health as well, so it is important to get benzodiazepine addiction treatment at the first sign of a problem.
Signs Someone Needs Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Because benzos are taken for valid medical reasons, it may be hard to tell when someone is taking them as directed by a doctor or is abusing them and in need of benzodiazepine addiction treatment.
Some warning signs of benzo abuse and addiction may include:
- Secretive behaviors or frequent lying
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Poor judgment
- Lack of motor control
- Several empty pill bottles
- Doctor shopping
- Taking medications for no apparent medical reason
- “Pill popping” at random times
- Frequent visits to doctors’ offices
- Constant lethargy
- Taking more than directed
- Prioritizing benzodiazepines over more important things
When someone you care about starts showing these symptoms of addiction, they need a benzo rehab program that can help them address this disease safely and effectively. Getting them treatment at our Banyan Lake Worth rehab is crucial before their problems continue to escalate.
Can You Overdose on Benzos?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on benzodiazepines. Overdose can occur when an individual takes too much of the drug at once or when they take it more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. The risk of overdose on benzodiazepines increases when they are taken with other drugs, such as alcohol, opioids, or other central nervous system depressants. Additionally, certain factors, such as age, weight, and health status, can affect an individual’s sensitivity to benzodiazepines and increase their risk of overdose. Therefore, it is important to take benzodiazepines only as prescribed and to inform healthcare providers about any other medications or substances that are being taken to avoid overdose.
Benzo Addiction Treatment in Lake Worth
At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we are here to help people overcome their addictions to such medications so that they can regain control of their lives. Patients who come to our facility will start with a complete medical assessment to outline their physical, mental, and even spiritual needs for recovery.
After a treatment plan is created, their recovery journey will begin. The first step to benzodiazepine treatment is usually withdrawal symptoms management with our BHOPB detox programs. Under the supervision of trained medical staff, patients will slowly wean their bodies off of these drugs to help them overcome their physical dependence on these medications. Detox is often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms, some of which can even be life-threatening in the case of benzo abuse. Luckily, our staff is available to make the process as comfortable as possible and address any unforeseen complications.
After detox is complete, the next step of benzo addiction treatment will be addressing each patient’s mental and spiritual needs while also continuing their physical healing for a comprehensive approach to their recovery. In both individual and small group settings, our staff will lead various therapy programs to help our patients in all of these areas as well as to prepare them to rejoin their friends and family outside of our facility. Patients will also start to develop a healthy routine with practices that can be applied to their everyday lives once treatment is over.
To learn more about the programs offered at our Lake Worth drug rehab, contact BHOPB and speak with one of our trained intake specialists today.
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