Using Benzos? Here's Why You Might Need Benzo Detox

Tens of millions of people live with the effects of mental illness every day. The medical field constantly searches for new ways to treat disorders. Not every medication is safe, though. Benzodiazepines are a class of common psychiatric medications.

But when abused, they pose many potential dangers.

Benzos are among the riskiest drugs to abuse. Their fast-acting and chemical effects make benzo addiction highly addictive ... but benzo detox can help you find a way out.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are a class of drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They mostly impact the limbic system and the cerebral cortex. Benzos bind to the GABA-A receptor site. The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binds to the GABA-B receptor site. These receptors create an allosteric effect.

Benzos increase the effect of GABA. Together, they inhibit neurons related to anxiety. The GABA results in sedation and calmness, but it can also cause a high. 

Science currently does not possess a solid explanation for the cause of the addictive properties. Still, it is addictive enough to elicit a black box warning, also called boxed warnings. This is one of the most serious warnings the FDA provides for medications. Due to its addictive nature, doctors may hesitate to prescribe benzos.

Still, they are one of the most frequently filled medications. Common benzos include:

• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
• Restoril (temazepam)

Legality of Benzodiazepines

The United Nations and the United States both classify benzodiazepines as Schedule IV controlled drugs under their respective systems (i.e., the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 and the Federal Controlled Substance Act). Possession of benzos without a valid prescription can result in arrest. In some places, storage of benzos in any container other than its original prescription bottle is also illegal. Giving out benzos to other people or using them in a way that was not prescribed breaks the law too.

As such, a person with prescribed benzos should closely monitor their medications. 

Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

The symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction involve life impairment and mental distress. People may feel out of control of their actions. They may exhibit drug-seeking behaviors that interrupt their daily life. They may become more secretive to hide their benzo misuse. They may react with hostility if confronted about their problem. They may experience mood swings.

All of these signs can help determine whether a person might be experiencing addiction.

It is important to note that people who take benzos at therapeutic doses for an extended period can develop an addiction. This mental disorder is not exclusive to people who abuse their prescriptions or obtain benzos illegally. If prescribing benzos, doctors should monitor their patients for tolerance, dependence, and addiction symptoms. Patients should also report any negative effects of the medication on their life.

As a sedative, benzodiazepine addiction falls into the DSM-5 diagnosis of Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Use Disorder (SHAUD). It varies between mild, moderate, and severe depending on the number of symptoms met. The DSM-5 specifies 11 criteria. Doctors usually diagnose SHAUD if a patient presents two or more symptoms from a sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic substance. If a person is concerned about benzodiazepine use, they can compare their symptoms to the checklist below.

Diagnostic Criteria for Benzodiazepine Addiction

#1. An individual takes benzodiazepines at a larger amount or for a longer time than intended.

#2. An individual persistently wants or unsuccessfully tries to decrease or control benzodiazepine use.

#3. An individual spends a large amount of time doing activities to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of benzodiazepines.

#4. An individual experiences cravings or intense urges to use benzodiazepines.

#5. An individual fails to fulfill major responsibilities at work, home, or school due to chronic benzodiazepine use.

#6. An individual continues benzodiazepine consumption despite frequent or ongoing social conflicts caused by the effects of benzodiazepines.

#7. An individual gives up or reduces important activities because of benzodiazepine use.

#8. An individual repeatedly uses benzodiazepines in physically dangerous situations.

#9. An individual still uses benzodiazepines despite knowing the physical or mental problems it causes or worsens.

#10. An individual develops tolerance to benzodiazepines in at least one of these ways:

• Requiring higher amounts of benzodiazepines to achieve the desired impact
• Decreased effectiveness at the same dose

#11. An individual experiences benzodiazepine withdrawal in these ways:

• Sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic withdrawal syndrome
• Taking benzodiazepines to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

Why You Need Benzo Detox

If an individual finds themselves relating to many of the statements above, it is time to seek help. Individuals should not attempt to discontinue benzodiazepine use without the assistance of a detox program. Benzo withdrawal is particularly difficult, especially if taking short-acting benzos. The withdrawal period can last anywhere from 7 to 56 days. The acute withdrawal symptoms are unique to each person, but they are usually painful and distressing. 

Professional detox facilities are particularly helpful for benzo detox as doctors can manage the patient's symptoms with medication. Patients also receive mental health support to help them remain hopeful throughout the healing process. Group therapy will offer individuals support from people who understand what they are going through.

Towards the end, the program will help individuals set up rehabilitation or aftercare. This sets them up for long-term success. 

Find Benzo Detox Today with DetoxNearMe.com!

Many people cope with the effects of benzo abuse every single day. You should take steps to pursue treatment for your mental illness. Recovery is within reach. You deserve to live a full, happy life free from the shackles of benzo addiction. Detox provides the first step toward long-term recovery. DetoxNearMe.com can get you there. Our directory contains thousands of listings for places to detox near you. With us, you’ll find a detox center within your area, budget, and needs.

Don’t risk overdose – benzo addiction can be lethal. Start your recovery journey now with DetoxNearMe.com!