Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs. The core of the molecule is a diazepine ring and a benzene ring. Chlordiazepoxide was the first of this type of drug, discovered by accident in 1955 by Leo Sernbach. Hoffmann–La Roche released the drug in 1960 and began marketing Valium or benzodiazepine diazepam in 1963. By 1977 benzodiazepines were the most prescribed drug in the world.
Benzodiazepines are classified as minor tranquilizers. The drug enhances the effects of the GABA or neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid and the GABA receptor. The result is a muscle relaxant, sedative, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medication. When the shorter acting version is taken the result is often dissociation and amnesia. In the past benzodiazepine was used to treat:
Although considered safe in the past, benzodiazepines users became addicted. In addition to becoming addicted some users overdosed. Effective for short term use for up to 4 weeks the drug can cause cognitive impairment, behavioral issues and aggression. In some cases it can increase panic and agitation. Suicide risk increases with benzodiazepines. Long term use is controversial because:
Stopping benzodiazepines usually improves mental and physical health but benzodiazepine withdrawals are common and can be dangerous. The risk of short and long term side effects is higher for the elderly. For that reason the drug is not suitable for older adults. There is controversy among doctors that the drug is not safe for pregnant women due to risk of cleft palate and neurobehavioral issues. Benzodiazepines have been shown to cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
If you overdose on benzodiazepines you can fall into a deep and dangerous coma. The drug replaced barbiturates because they were considered less toxic. If the only drug you are taking is benzodiazepines, death is rare unless the overdose is severe. If you are taking this drug with CNS or central nervous system depressants, opioids or alcohol your risk of toxicity increases. That means you are at higher risk of fatal overdose.
Unfortunately this is one of the most abused drugs and often taken with other drugs of high abuse potential.
Not prescribed nearly as often as in the past benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for OCD and severe muscle spasms. This drug is often the first prescribed if the individual is experiencing hypnotic sedative withdrawal or delirium due to alcohol.
Since this drug has been around since the 1960s the interactions, withdrawal symptoms and side effects are well known by the scientific and medical community. The effects of the drug are good when taken as directed by the prescribing doctor for several conditions. If the drug is abused it is habit forming and will usually lead to addiction.
Benzodiazepines are not prescribed long term because of the risk of tolerance and addiction. Those who have a legitimate prescription from their doctor are at lower risk of becoming addicted or taking more than prescribed than those who buy the drug illegally or on the street.
We are committed to providing a comfortable and effective place for clients to get clean and begin their journey in recovery. Your recovery is our number ONE priority at Asana Recovery. Call us today.
Saving lives. Supporting families. Strengthening communities.
Although this drug works initially, tolerance occurs very fast. If you or a loved one is addicted to benzodiazepines quitting without medical help is very difficult and dangerous. You can experience long term complications from your addiction including:
Here are the symptoms and signs of benzodiazepine addiction you can look for if you think you or a loved one is addicted:
If you are already addicted/tolerant to this drug, you are at higher risk of overdose whether accidental or intentional. The symptoms of overdose include:
The symptoms of withdrawal are painful and dangerous. If you are addicted to this drug and want to stop you will need the support of your family and friends and help from doctors and trained counselors and therapists.
If you try to quit on your own you need to know it can be very dangerous. Going through medical detox then into a rehab is much safer.
This article will cover the symptoms of withdrawal, the dangers of benzodiazepine and what you can do to get help for your addiction.
Most people who are given a prescription from their doctor for benzodiazepine for insomnia or anxiety will eventually start to abuse the drug. This usually leads to addiction. If the individual stops using the medication a rebound effect is common. This is when an underlying medical condition gets worse such as anxiety or insomnia.
Rebound insomnia is hard to treat and hard to live with. Some of the discomforts can be managed by doctors if the person goes into a medical detox facility. The most common physical symptoms of withdrawal are:
If you use benzodiazepines long term and experience sudden withdrawal symptoms you are at higher risk of serious complications. You can experience seizures and tremors. If this happens you need to get medical help fast or you can fall into a coma. The result is usually death.
The most common psychological issues during benzodiazepine withdrawal are:
Up to 10% of people recovering from a benzodiazepine addiction will experience protracted symptoms. This includes:
If you don’t get proper treatment you are at risk of relapsing or becoming addicted to another drug. It’s very hard to manage these symptoms on your own.
Start your recovery journey with us at Asana Recovery,
where we prioritize your well-being and provide
a welcoming environment for you to heal.
The first step is an assessment for underlying medical conditions once you get to the facility. You will also be assessed for polydrug use and mental health conditions. Depending on your situation, how long you’ve been using benzodiazepines and your medical profile, the length of time you will need to stay in a detox facility and the medication for your withdrawal symptoms will be determined.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal takes a long time. So you may need to stay in a detox facility for a few weeks. The drugs will be completely out of your system during detox. Once detox is complete your therapists and doctors will assess any mental health conditions. They will also determine your risk for depression episodes. More than 50% of people entering drug rehab have untreated mental health conditions.
Doctors can’t determine if you were self medicating a mental health condition or if your condition is a result of drug use. When you are in rehab you will work with trained social workers and therapists to address your mental health issues. You can work with your support team and counselors to create a treatment plan while you are in recovery.
With a customized treatment plan and mental health workers you reduce your risk of relapse. If you do relapse therapists, doctors and your plan are used to address the issue quickly and efficiently. Everyone’s experience in detox and rehab is different because no two people are the same. The amount of time you need to stay in rehab or detox depends on:
Rehab facilities have many different treatment plans and can handle many physical and medical conditions. They have many options available such as family support and one on one or group therapy. They have many amenities on site you can use. These are not available if you detox at home. Progressive, modern rehab centers are located throughout the country with pool, games and group therapy.
When you are in a rehab facility there are trained counselors and others going through the same struggles. The sense of purpose and community you feel in rehab is not available outside. There is staff to work with your insurance company, most rehab centers offer financing or payment plans for qualified applicants.
There is treatment for benzodiazepine addiction regardless of your payment method or if you can’t pay. If you or a loved one is addicted to benzodiazepines call a licensed rehab counselor today at Asana Recovery. Get the help you need before it’s too late.
At Asana Recovery, we understand the challenges of benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawal. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care through a range of treatment programs designed to help you recover safely and effectively. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, we have the right program for you:
Contact us today to start your recovery journey. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Asana Recovery is licensed and certified by the State Department of Health Care Services.
© Copyright 2024 Asana Recovery™ | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
