Understanding Benzos And Hypnotics Detox

Benzodiazepines (also known as benzos) are prescription sedative-hypnotic medications that have been used for decades to treat disorders like anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia.

There are two different types of benzos: hypnotics and anxiolytics. Hypnotics are shorter acting and usually used for trouble sleeping, while anxiolytics are longer lasting and often used to treat anxiety.

These drugs are usually intended for short-term use until a problem gets under control with another drug or intervention. It is recommended that they shouldn't be used for more than a month, as they could lead to dependence.

The Dangers of Benzos and Hypnotics

When used properly with a prescription from a physician, benzos and hypnotics effectively treat specific disorders, but when used recreationally for sedation or intoxication, that use leads to abuse.

According to an article in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, benzos increase the risk of addiction, withdrawal, cognitive decline, motor vehicle crashes, and hip fracture. The risk of overdose is particularly significant when combined with sedative drugs such as opioids or alcohol.

Addiction is not the only risk that comes with using benzos. In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed that close to 7,000 people died from a benzodiazepine overdose.

Although these medications are prescribed by doctors, without proper supervision or a prescription, their tranquilizer effects can be detrimental to one's health. These are essentially sedatives that lower heart rate, core body temperature, blood pressure, and respiration. Even a slight overuse or interaction with other drugs or alcohol can easily lead to an overdose.

These risks of benzo use can turn people off of using the drugs or even cause them to stop cold turkey. However, that should never be done. Even with the assistance of a medical professional, stopping benzo use should be a gradual process.

How to Detox From Benzos and Hypnotics

Whether someone is addicted to prescribed benzos or ones they procured illegally, suddenly stopping can cause intense and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These drugs suppress the overactivity of the nerves, so a sudden end to their use results in excessive activity via:

• Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature 
• Worse insomnia
• Worse anxiety and panic
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 
• Suppressed appetite
• Hallucinations
• Depression

The safest way to detox from benzos and hypnotics is by weaning off during medical detox in a facility. A medically assisted detox allows your body to safely purge these drugs from your body without the intense physical discomfort of doing it alone.

With help from professionals, your withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings can be managed so that your drug dependency can be treated appropriately.

Depending on your dosage and how long you've been taking the benzos, withdrawal experiences will vary. Upon arriving at a detox and treatment center, a doctor and care team will determine your treatment plan by focusing on the following information:

• Length of time taking benzodiazepines
• Dosage amount
• Type of drug 
• Method used 
• Underlying medical or mental health issues
• Abuse of other drugs or alcohol concurrently

Within the first few hours of detox, you may experience anxiety and insomnia. That discomfort will increase in the next four days. Some symptoms can last up to two weeks before fading; however, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can continue for months after stopping benzodiazepine use. A properly medicated detox can help prevent these symptoms, and the facility should offer extended care for those who experience PAWS.

While detox alone is not enough to prevent relapse, especially with a benzo addiction, it is the first step of the treatment process.

How Detox Helps in Recovery

Following benzo detox with longer-term treatment is essential for recovery. Entering into an inpatient rehab facility offers a safe space to recover. Detox removes the drugs from the body and helps with the physical symptoms of withdrawal and addiction. Through that process, the rest of the addiction needs to be addressed as well.

Whatever emotional or mental issues led to this addictive behavior will be dealt with — while under the influence, a person cannot properly face these problems. Having clarity through sobriety offers those in recovery a chance to work through their struggles with healthy coping mechanisms.

Methods for this include:

• One-on-one therapy
• Group support meetings
• Physical or creative therapies like art and yoga

Being present and focused on recovery through these means gives you the best chance at safely recovering. The support provided during detox and treatment is essential to one's sobriety and continuing care during recovery.

Benzodiazepines: Prescription Medications Are Dangerous When Abused

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medications for disorders like insomnia and anxiety. With short-term and supervised use, they can offer patients a great deal of relief. However, any use beyond what is recommended or legal is likely to cause a dangerous addiction.

Addiction to these drugs can lead to health problems, relationship issues, and even trouble at work or with the law. Benzos are potent and often lead to overdoses, especially when used along with other drugs or alcohol. Seeking help for a benzo addiction is vital for health and recovery. Medically supervised detox is the only secure pathway to getting clean and staying that way. Without the support and guidance from professionals, the withdrawal symptoms of stopping benzos can be overwhelming and even fatal.

Reach out to DetoxNearMe.com to ensure your safety and future. We are here to help you find the best detox and treatment center in your area. Don't let addiction control you. Take control back with DetoxNearMe.com!