Benzo Detox in Los Angeles
So you’ve been popping Xanax like candy, and now you want to stop. You’ve heard benzo withdrawal can be brutal, and you’re scared of what might happen. The good news is that with medical detox in Pasadena, CA, you have the opportunity to triumph over your benzodiazepine addiction and regain control of your life.
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, but many people end up addicted to it. If you have been using this drug regularly for over a few weeks, stopping abruptly can result in dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The solution – a tailored benzo detox program. Benzo detoxification might be a crucial process, but it can definitely ease you through the withdrawal process, set you up for success in overcoming your addiction, and provide you with the tools you need to avoid relapse so you can live a happy, healthy life. Find out more about our detox program here.
What Are Benzodiazepines and How Are They Used?
Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are a type of sedative medication that have been around for decades and have been used therapeutically by millions of Americans for a variety of medical issues. The most well-known benzos are Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan. Some of its commonly uses include:
- Treating anxiety and panic disorders. Benzos help relieve symptoms such as anxiety, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat.
- Promoting sleep. For those suffering from insomnia or sleep disturbances, benzos can help you fall and stay asleep faster.
- Controlling seizures. Anticonvulsant benzos are medications that are used to prevent epileptic seizures or convulsions.
- Managing alcohol withdrawal. Benzos are frequently used to treat withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and tremors in people who are detoxing from alcohol.
- Sedation of patients. In medical settings, benzos are sometimes used for sedation during minor procedures like endoscopies.
Benzos produce a calming effect by slowing brain activity. When used properly under medical guidance, benzos can be helpful for short-term treatment. However, due to risks like addiction, cognitive impairment, and overdose, other options should be tried first before relying on benzos long-term. Lifestyle changes and alternative therapies may provide better solutions with fewer side effects.
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms and Side Effects of Benzodiazepines?
While benzos can be effective in managing some mental health issues, they also carry the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms when used for extended periods or at high doses. The withdrawal symptoms and side effects of benzodiazepines can vary depending on the specific medication and individual circumstances.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Once you stop taking benzos, your body goes into withdrawal as it adjusts to functioning without the drugs. Some common symptoms you may experience include:
- Anxiety: One of the most prevalent withdrawal symptoms is rebound anxiety, which can be even more intense than the original anxiety that the medication was prescribed to treat.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping and experiencing disrupted sleep patterns are common during benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- Irritability: People may feel irritable, agitated, or have mood swings during withdrawal.
- Panic attacks: Some individuals may experience panic attacks or heightened feelings of panic during withdrawal.
- Sweating: Profuse sweating, especially at night, is a reported withdrawal symptom.
- Tremors: Shaking or tremors in the hands, arms, or other parts of the body can occur.
- Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may arise during withdrawal.
- Headaches: Headaches and migraines are frequently reported symptoms.
- Muscle pain and stiffness: Muscular pain, tension, and stiffness can occur during benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- Sensory disturbances: Some individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or other sensory stimuli.
Side Effects
In severe cases of withdrawal, there are dangerous side effects like seizures, psychosis, respiratory depression, and delirium tremens (DTs).
- Seizures: seizures can range in severity from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be life-threatening. Factors such as the individual’s history of benzodiazepine use, dosage, and duration of use can influence the likelihood and severity of withdrawal seizures.
- Psychosis: During benzodiazepine withdrawal, some individuals may experience transient psychotic symptoms. These symptoms can include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present), delusions (having false beliefs), or disorganized thinking and behavior.
- Respiratory depression and overdose: Taking high doses of benzodiazepines or combining them with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, can result in respiratory depression, a dangerous condition characterized by slowed breathing. In more severe instances, it can result in a coma or even fatality.
- Delirium tremens (DTs): In some cases, particularly with high-dose or long-term use, benzodiazepine withdrawal can result in a severe and potentially life-threatening condition called delirium tremens. DTs are characterized by confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, severe agitation, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
Due to potential risks like these, it is highly advisable to undergo medically supervised detox when discontinuing this drug following prolonged use or high doses. Doctors can provide medications and medical monitoring to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety during the process.
What is a Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline?
The benzodiazepine withdrawal timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the specific benzodiazepine being used, the dosage, duration of use, individual physiology, and whether a tapering schedule is followed. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few days to a week after the last dose and can persist for several weeks or even months. Here is a general timeline of benzodiazepine withdrawal:
Early Withdrawal (Days 1-7
The first week is when the most acute symptoms start to appear as the drugs leave your system. You may experience:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- nsomnia and sleep disturbances
- Irritability and mood swings
- Muscle pain or tension
- Sweating and nausea
These symptoms tend to peak around days 3 to 5 as your body goes into shock from the lack of the drugs. The severity depends on factors like dosage, length of use, and individual physiology.
Mid-Withdrawal (Weeks 2-4)
By the second week, the initial shock to your system starts to subside. However, psychological symptoms may intensify, including:
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia or hallucinations (less common)
Physical symptoms like tremors, headaches, and digestive issues may continue or come and go in waves. During this stage, insomnia and restlessness are common.
Protracted Withdrawal (Months 3-12)
The final phase can last for several months as your brain’s chemistry slowly stabilizes. Although mood and sleep often improve, psychological symptoms may flare up at times. Cravings for drugs may also return, so ongoing support and aftercare are essential during this time to avoid relapse.
With time and patience, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be overcome. Staying focused on your recovery and understanding the benefits of being drug-free will help you be motivated through each stage of the timeline.
What are the Risk Factors for Benzo Withdrawal?
As you prepare to detox from benzodiazepines, be aware of a few things that can make the process more difficult. The higher the dose and the longer the duration of use, the worse your withdrawal may be. If you’ve been on benzos for years, especially in high amounts, expect a rough road ahead and take extra precautions.
Combining benzodiazepines with other substances or alcohol is dangerous and intensifies the risks of withdrawal. The interactions among multiple substances generate a toxic blend within your body and mind. It is crucial to seek medical assistance for polydrug detox, as abruptly stopping could pose a life-threatening situation.
Underlying health issues, both physical and mental, will also complicate your benzo detox. Conditions like anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and chronic pain are often the reasons people start taking benzos in the first place. Make sure you have support from doctors and therapists to help manage symptoms.
Your environment and relationships can also derail your recovery. A stressful home life, a lack of a strong support system, and exposure to triggers that make you crave benzos will undermine your progress. Consider making lifestyle changes or doing an inpatient program to avoid relapse.
The greater the number of risk factors you possess, the higher the level of assistance and support you will require. Don’t try to detox from benzodiazepines alone. Seek advice from medical professionals on the safest way to withdraw and build a comprehensive aftercare plan. With the right treatment and commitment to your recovery, you can overcome your addiction, even with the odds stacked against you.
What Is Polydrug Benzo Abuse?
Polydrug abuse means mixing multiple drugs, which can intensify side effects and withdrawal. When benzodiazepines are combined with other drugs, the results can be dangerous or even deadly.
Common drugs mixed with benzos include:
- Opioids like heroin, oxycodone, or hydrocodone. This combo depresses the central nervous system and slows breathing, which can lead to an overdose.
- Alcohol enhances the sedative effects of benzos and impairs coordination, judgment, and self-control.
- Stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine. While uppers and lowers may seem to balance each other out, they put a strain on the body and mind.
- Marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids. Though thought of as a “natural” combo, the sedative effects are multiplied and psychotic symptoms may emerge.
Polydrug abuse involving benzodiazepines can have severe consequences for an individual’s physical and mental health. It is crucial to seek professional help that can provide appropriate assessment, support, and treatment options tailored to the specific circumstances.
Benzo Detox Treatment
Benzo detox treatment refers to the medical intervention and support provided to individuals seeking to overcome benzodiazepine addiction. It typically involves a comprehensive approach that includes supervised withdrawal, tapering protocols, and personalized care to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe and successful detoxification process. It often includes psychological support, counseling, and therapy to address the underlying factors contributing to addiction and support long-term recovery.
Ongoing Treatment and Preventing Relapse
After successfully completing benzo detoxification, the true journey toward recovery begins. There are several options for ongoing treatment and relapse prevention.
- Outpatient therapy involves regular counseling and therapy sessions to address the underlying causes of your addiction. You’ll learn coping strategies and ways to avoid triggers. Outpatient rehabilitation enables you to receive treatment while residing in your own home.
- Inpatient or residential rehab provides 24/7 support in a controlled environment. You’ll participate in individual and group therapy, learn life skills, and prepare for reentry into society. Residential treatment is ideal if you have a severe addiction or co-occurring disorder.
- Support groups specifically tailored for individuals struggling with benzo addiction are available to provide a safe and understanding community. Participating in a support group can be instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging, accountability, and encouragement on the journey toward healing and long-term sobriety.
- Medication may be used short-term to manage withdrawal symptoms or on an ongoing basis. Certain antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs can help stabilize mood and stress levels during recovery. Medication should always be combined with therapy and lifestyle changes.
- Making lifestyle changes will significantly impact your success in overcoming benzo addiction. Exercise, eat healthy, limit stress, build a strong support system, and find new hobbies and social activities to fill your time. Staying committed to self-care and avoiding triggers will help you achieve lifelong sobriety.
Relapse is common, so have a plan in place ahead of time. Recognize your triggers, identify warning signs, and develop effective coping strategies. Call your doctor right away if you experience cravings or slip-ups.
Don’t get discouraged. Just get back to your recovery plan and make adjustments as needed. You can do this! Staying committed to your recovery will help ensure long-term success.
Path to Recovery Can Assist You With Benzo Addiction Today!
If you or someone you’re acquainted with is facing benzodiazepine addiction, Path to Recovery is available to provide assistance and support. Our experienced team of addiction specialists is dedicated to providing a comprehensive Benzo Detox in Los Angeles that prioritizes your comfort, safety, and successful transition into recovery. Break free from benzodiazepine addiction and regain control of your life once and for all. Contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier, and addiction-free future!