Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines, often prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia, are powerful medications with a high potential for dependency. When combined with other sedative substances, such as alcohol or opioids, they can have dangerously compounding effects, often impairing cognitive function and respiratory health. This increased risk of overdose highlights the critical importance of safe and comprehensive treatment for benzo addiction. At Headwaters, we approach benzodiazepine addiction with an integrative program that prioritizes both physical and mental recovery, helping patients achieve lasting freedom from dependence.
Understanding Benzodiazepine Dependency
Benzodiazepines stimulate dopamine release, creating a euphoric response that can be particularly enticing for those predisposed to addiction. Tolerance to these medications can develop rapidly, often within six months, and physical dependency can begin even sooner. Common benzodiazepines associated with addiction include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
Recognizing the Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Family members and loved ones are often the first to notice the signs of benzo dependency, which can include symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, reduced memory, and changes in appetite or libido. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be particularly severe, with symptoms such as anxiety, seizures, heart palpitations, and muscle pain. Due to the risk of life-threatening complications, medically supervised detox is essential.
Benzodiazepine side effects include:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Sedation
• Impaired memory
• Loss of balance
• Changes in appetite
• Reduced libido
• Fatigue
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can include:
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Panic attacks
• Hand tremors
• Dry heaving
• Vomiting
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Stiffness
• Lack of concentration
• Sleep problems
Without medically supervised detox, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be life-threatening. The severe discomfort and risks associated with withdrawal often drive individuals to continue using the medication to avoid these distressing symptoms.
Safe and Comfortable Medical Detox
Detox is the critical first step in benzodiazepine addiction treatment, and at Headwaters, it is led by licensed physicians, psychiatrists, and round-the-clock nursing staff. Our comprehensive medical detox programs take into account each patient’s full medical history, ensuring any medical or mental health co-occurring conditions are carefully managed throughout the process.
Integrated, Ongoing Recovery Care
At Headwaters, our benzodiazepine treatment extends well beyond detox. Our holistic approach integrates:
- Medical and psychiatric care
- Advanced trauma therapies
- Multiple individual therapy sessions weekly
- Relationship, intimacy, and sexual wellness therapies
- Family therapy
- Advanced recovery nutrition
- Complementary integrative therapies
Begin Your Recovery Journey at Headwaters
Headwaters is dedicated to helping individuals achieve sustainable, lifelong recovery from benzodiazepine dependency. Our evidence-based, integrative programs restore mental, physical, and spiritual health, empowering patients to break free from the cycle of addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine dependency, contact us at 561-270-1753 to begin the journey to freedom.