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Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines refer to a group of prescription sedatives used to treat anxiety and panic disorder as well as insomnia, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Also known as “benzos,” they are often used for their relaxing, sedative, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant qualities. Misuse of benzodiazepines presents as slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, and lack of coordination.

The term “benzodiazepine” is a collective of tranquilizers better known by the names Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, and others. An addiction to these drugs can be identified by many different behaviors such as acquiring the drug by stealing, purchasing it illegally, forging prescriptions, increasing the quantity, withdrawal symptoms, and sleeping for long periods. Many people with a physical benzodiazepine dependency may even try to stop using the drug but are unsuccessful.

How Benzodiazepines Affect the Body

Benzodiazepines cause disorienting effects by working on the GABA receptors in the brain. These neurotransmitters suppress nerve activity, which can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. When used excessively, though, it can labor breathing and decrease heart rate, which are signs of overdose and may be fatal.

Benzodiazepine addiction can be incredibly dangerous, as they are a group of drugs that require an increased dosage over time. Regardless of tolerance, this increase over time can lead to an unsafe range and lead to an overdose. Loss of coordination, intoxication, coma, depression of vitals, and death are signs of an overdose. Additionally, benzodiazepines are most commonly used with other sedatives such as alcohol and opiates, a potentially fatal combination.

The Dangers of Addiction

Physical dependence on this classification of drugs has been reported with as little as one month of use, which can be a factor in long-term misuse of the drug. Benzodiazepines are known to cause dependency and addiction faster than any other substance. Withdrawal symptoms can become incredibly difficult to tolerate, and the seizures brought on by withdrawal can have serious consequences. Common, mild withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. More dangerous symptoms include hallucinations, panic attacks, muscle tension and spasms, and grand mal seizures. Benzodiazepines and alcohol are considered the only substances that can cause death as a direct result of withdrawal.

It is important to remember that benzodiazepines are primarily prescribed for short-term use. Symptoms of long-term use include memory loss, impaired verbal and learning abilities, insomnia, depression, violent thoughts and tendencies, apathy, delusions, mania, difficulty breathing, and anxiety. Over time, benzodiazepines diminish the passion and joys of life as the focus becomes attaining more. Performing at work or school or even maintaining relationships become incomparable to what they once were.

Medically Assisted Detox at Rancho Milagro

This addiction, like any other, can affect anyone at any time in their life. At Rancho Milagro, we understand the challenges and hardships brought on by addiction. Our professionals and staff will utilize their extensive medical knowledge as well as their personal experiences when working with you through recovery. As stated, the withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines can be life-threatening, which is why detox is incredibly dangerous without medical attention. Although not everyone abusing benzodiazepines faces life-threatening circumstances, substance abuse treatment should be a necessary next step.

Rancho Milagro Recovery offers medically assisted detox treatment from benzodiazepines to achieve healthy, safe recovery from long-term use. Our thoroughly trained medical staff will provide you with around-the-clock care, treating your symptoms as they arise. Each patient will have their own customized treatment plan, which may include gradually decreasing the dosage or prescriptions of more long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam to ease symptoms. Tapering off benzodiazepines can help with the dangerous withdrawal symptoms and make it easier to completely rid your body of the drug. Being at our serene, secluded facility and in the care of our devoted staff will make this transition easier.

Detox at Rancho Milagro Recovery helps cleanse the body but does not treat the causes of the addiction. Subsets of individuals more at risk for addiction to benzodiazepines include those with family members with substance abuse disorders and with the presence of co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. Co-occurring disorders have been reported by The Mental Health Clinician to be more common in benzodiazepine users than any other drug. Our professionals at Rancho Milagro specialize in the treatment of addiction, but we also have a broad understanding of the mental health disorders connected to them. We utilize many different therapy techniques, including group, individualized, and family therapy, art therapy, equine therapy, meditation, yoga, and fitness, in our recovery programs.

Let Us Help You at Rancho Milagro

At Rancho Milagro, we will always supply you with many outlets to dive into while you’re finding yourself in recovery. We understand that benzodiazepine addiction and life-long recovery can be anxiety-inducing, leaving you panic-stricken, unable to sleep, and uninterested and downtrodden at times; we are here to help.

Our facility is located in the Temecula Hills on a 40-acre plot of land covered with animals, plants, hiking trails, and wilderness. It is the ideal place to find relaxation and sanctuary while detoxing and working through addiction recovery.

Addiction to benzodiazepines is incredibly dangerous, as physical dependency can onset quickly, and withdrawal or overdose symptoms can be deadly. It is crucial that you or your loved one seek help if you are struggling with addiction to benzodiazepines. Call Rancho Milagro Recovery today at (951) 526-4582. We are ready to help and support you on your journey to a healthier life.

If you or your loved one is addicted or struggling with Benzodiazepines, please seek professional help. Detox from Benzodiazepines needs to be monitored in a treatment facility.

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