Benzodiazepine Addiction Rehab in Kennesaw, GA

Holistic Treatment for Benzo Addiction in Georgia

The image of drug addiction in the media and the public mind tends to focus heavily on a dependence on illegal narcotics, but the truth is that prescription drugs like benzodiazepines can be just as dangerous. Benzodiazepines are a type of drug that is prescribed to treat mental health issues and sleep disorders, in addition to other conditions. People who are prescribed these drugs or choose to take benzodiazepines recreationally can become dependent on use. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 4.8 million people aged 12 and older misused prescription benzodiazepines during the past year.

If you are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, North Georgia Recovery Center can help. We apply an individualized approach to all of our treatment plans, so the needs of each of our patients are met. At our state-of-the-art facility in Kennesaw, you can be sure that your treatment plan will be crafted specifically for you. Schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your needs and begin your journey to recovery today.

Learn more about our benzodiazepine rehab program in Kennesaw by calling us today at (678) 940-7873.

About Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine drugs are used to treat conditions such as anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and other conditions. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps calm down excessive brain activity.

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs which includes prescription drugs such as:

• Xanax (Alprazolam): Used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, it's one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines.
• Ambien (Zolpidem): Technically not a benzodiazepine but a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, it's used for short-term treatment of insomnia.
• Ativan (Lorazepam): Prescribed for anxiety disorders, insomnia, and sometimes used in preoperative sedation and to manage seizures.
• Klonopin (Clonazepam): Used to treat seizure disorders, panic disorders, and certain movement disorders.
• Librium (Chlordiazepoxide): Primarily used to alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and to treat anxiety.
• Lunesta (Eszopiclone): Another non-benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia.
• Valium (Diazepam): Used for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and sometimes as a premedication for medical or dental procedures.

There are others, each with slightly different properties and uses, but they all generally act by enhancing GABA activity in the brain, leading to sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant effects. Although this type of medication can be helpful for people who are living with these conditions, benzodiazepines can be addictive and can contribute to negative health effects if abused.

Effects of Benzodiazepine Use

The signs of benzodiazepine use and the potential long-term effects can vary depending on the type of drug (for example, Xanax, Ambien, or Klonopin) that is being used. Many benzodiazepine users begin taking the drugs under a prescription, so issues with dependency may not be noticeable right away.

A benzodiazepine addiction can contribute to feelings of confusion and drowsiness, as well as putting users at risk for health issues such as seizures, coma, difficulty breathing, limited mobility, changes in heart rate, and memory loss, including dementia.

Benzodiazepine users who attempt to quit using the drugs on their own may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal. If a person was prescribed a benzodiazepine drug, they may experience the effects they originally obtained a prescription for, such as anxiety or trouble sleeping. Other symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal may include nausea, muscle spasms, blurred vision, and depression.

A person who uses benzodiazepines for an extended period of time may experience long-term effects such as concentration issues and memory loss. Long-term benzodiazepine usage can permanently alter brain function.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Benzodiazepine abuse can manifest through various signs and symptoms, both physically and behaviorally. Here are some common indicators:

• Physical Signs:
  • Drowsiness or Sedation: Excessive sleepiness or appearing constantly drowsy, even at inappropriate times.
  • Impaired Coordination: Difficulty with motor skills, unsteady gait, clumsiness.
  • Slurred Speech: Speech may become slurred or difficult to understand.
  • Dilated Pupils: Larger than normal pupils, which can indicate drug use.
  • Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant changes in eating habits or noticeable weight fluctuations.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal disturbances can occur.
  • Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations.
• Behavioral Signs:
  • Increased Tolerance: Needing larger doses to achieve the same effect, a sign of developing tolerance.
  • Preoccupation with Obtaining the Drug: Spending a lot of time trying to acquire or use benzodiazepines.
  • Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or neglecting responsibilities due to drug use.
  • Doctor Shopping: Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain more drugs than prescribed.
  • Engaging in Risky Behaviors: Taking benzodiazepines in ways other than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills, or combining them with alcohol or other drugs.
  • Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: Using benzodiazepines even when it causes problems in relationships, work, or health.
• Psychological Signs:
  • Mood Swings: Frequent changes in mood, such as increased irritability or agitation.
  • Anxiety or Depression: Benzodiazepines can lead to paradoxical effects, causing increased anxiety or depression in some individuals.
  • Confusion or Disorientation: Feeling mentally foggy or confused, having trouble concentrating or focusing.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: If someone stops using benzodiazepines abruptly after prolonged use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like increased anxiety, insomnia, irritability, tremors, sweating, and even seizures in severe cases.

Helping Someone with Benzodiazepine Addiction

Helping someone addicted to benzodiazepines can be a challenging but crucial process. Here are steps you can take to assist someone struggling with benzodiazepine addiction:

1. Educate Yourself: Understand benzodiazepine addiction, its effects, withdrawal symptoms, and the recovery process. This knowledge will help you support your loved one more effectively.
2. Express Concern and Support: Approach your loved one with care and concern. Express your worries about their well-being without being judgmental or confrontational. Let them know you're there to support them in getting help.
3. Encourage Professional Help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional assistance. This might involve consulting a doctor, addiction specialist, therapist, or rehabilitation center. Offer to accompany them to appointments or help in finding suitable treatment options.
4. Create a Supportive Environment: Provide a supportive and understanding environment. Avoid enabling behaviors that facilitate their addiction. Instead, encourage healthy activities and offer emotional support throughout their recovery journey.
5. Be Patient: Recovery from benzodiazepine addiction is a gradual process that requires time and commitment. Understand that setbacks might occur, and recovery might not be linear. Be patient and supportive throughout the process.
6. Monitor and Encourage Treatment Compliance: If your loved one enters a treatment program, ensure they follow through with it. Attend therapy sessions or support groups together if appropriate and encourage adherence to medication (if prescribed) or other treatment modalities.
7. Seek Support for Yourself: Supporting someone with an addiction can be emotionally taxing. Consider seeking support for yourself through therapy, support groups for families of addicts, or counseling services.
8. Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being while supporting your loved one. It's essential to maintain your own health during this challenging time.
9. Encourage Lifestyle Changes: Help your loved one adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and engaging in fulfilling activities to replace the time spent on substance use.
10. Understand Relapse: Relapse is a common part of the recovery process. If it happens, remain supportive and encourage them to continue seeking help.

Remember, addiction recovery is a complex and individualized journey. While you can offer support and guidance, the decision to seek help and commit to recovery ultimately rests with the individual. Encouraging them to seek professional guidance and providing unwavering support can significantly aid in their recovery from benzodiazepine addiction

Treating Benzodiazepine Addiction

By far the most effective way to treat a benzodiazepine addiction is to seek help through an accredited addiction rehab facility. Attempting to quit benzo use "cold turkey" without medical supervision is both dangerous and highly difficult as the discomfort of withdrawal often pushes addicted individuals to immediately relapse.

A reputable benzo rehab facility like North Georgia Recovery Center will begin treatment by evaluating factors like the severity of the person's addiction, the amount of time the drug has been used, and identifying if the person is struggling with any other addictions or co-occurring mental disorders. In some cases, the addicted person may need to undergo detox to cleanse their body of the drug before participating in an ongoing rehabilitation program.

Our Benzodiazepine Rehab Programs

At North Georgia Recovery Center, when we create a rehabilitation plan for our patients, we do so based on factors such as the type of drug they are entering treatment for, the patient’s goals for recovery, the involvement of the patient’s family, and any underlying issues the patient is struggling with. The consideration of all of these elements lets us tailor your recovery path to your specific situation.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Outpatient group and after care

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal last?

The duration of benzodiazepine withdrawal varies depending on the type of benzodiazepine, dosage, and length of use. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few hours to several days of stopping the medication and can last for weeks or even months. It's crucial to undergo medically supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

How long does benzodiazepine treatment typically last?

The duration of benzodiazepine treatment varies depending on individual circumstances. Factors such as the severity of addiction, the length of benzodiazepine use, and the individual's progress in therapy will influence the treatment timeline.

What are the long-term effects of benzodiazepine addiction?

Long-term effects of benzodiazepine addiction can include cognitive impairment, memory problems, anxiety, depression, and increased risk of other substance abuse disorders.

Can benzodiazepine addiction be prevented?

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent benzodiazepine addiction, education about the risks and proper use of these medications can help reduce the likelihood of developing an addiction.

Complete our contact form or call (678) 940-7873 to schedule a free consultation with our team.