Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are a class of drugs commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. While benzos can be beneficial when used in the short term or under medical supervision, they can be dangerous when misused. Benzo detox is a crucial step in treating this type of addiction. The process helps to get the powerful drugs safely out of users’ systems, reducing harm to both the user and the community. Detox protocols involve gentle tapering under medical supervision to reduce withdrawal symptoms while allowing the body to readjust and reset itself naturally over time.
As such, it is important to understand how benzo detox works and why it is so important for addiction treatment.
What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines are in a class of medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. There is a lot of controversy surrounding these medications. When they are taken over extended periods of time they can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Each individual’s body chemistry is unique and the decision to go on benzodiazepines should not be made lightly.
While benzodiazepines can be prescribed to treat medical conditions like anxiety, they can also be misused by individuals trying to get high. The most common brand name benzo medications are Ativan®, Valium®, Xanax®, etc. Some users may attempt to crush the medication and snort it, take it intravenously, or increase the dosage beyond what was prescribed. However, self-medicating with these drugs is highly dangerous. It increases the risk of overdose and there’s no way of knowing what else might be in the drug if it is not properly manufactured or prescribed by a doctor. It is important that individuals only take benzodiazepines when supervised by a healthcare professional and only as instructed on the label.
The Dangers of Misusing Benzos
Benzos are highly addictive and can cause significant physical dependence. This means that if an individual uses a benzo for too long or at too high a dose they will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild irritability and difficulty sleeping to potentially life-threatening seizures and delirium tremens. In order to avoid these serious side effects, individuals should never discontinue use of any benzodiazepine without first consulting with a doctor who understands the risks associated with benzo detox.
How Benzo Detox Works
Benzo detox is the process of slowly tapering off of a benzodiazepine in order to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This allows the body enough time to adapt to lower levels of the drug. The exact length of time needed for each taper will vary depending on the type of benzo being used as well as how long it has been taken for and at what dose. Generally speaking, though, most people find that their body adjusts within two weeks or less if done correctly. During this time period it is important to have close medical supervision in order to monitor progress and make sure any potential problems are addressed quickly and effectively.
Benefits of Medically-Assisted Treatment Options
In some cases, medication may be prescribed during benzo detox in order to help manage withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings for more drugs. Medications such as clonidine or buprenorphine may be prescribed in order to help with these issues. There are also other methods that can be used during treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy which may provide additional support throughout the process. It is important to remember that no two cases are ever exactly alike so it is always best to consult with a medical professional before attempting any kind of detoxification program.
Heal From Your Addiction With Benzo Detox at Innovo Detox
Benzo detox is an essential part of addiction treatment for those who misuse benzodiazepines such as , but it must be done carefully and under close medical supervision in order to ensure safety throughout the process. It is also important that any underlying mental health issues are identified and addressed during this time period since they can have a direct impact on recovery outcomes.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction or co-occurring disorders, please give us a call. Innovo Detox offers the latest in evidence-based medical, psychiatric, and clinical care for those in need of detox and medical stabilization in Pennsylvania and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or a loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a detox, rehab, treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (717) 931-7277 or email our team at info@innovodetox.com. For more information on our company or services, please visit our website at www.innovodetox.com.