What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a type of drug that is prescribed to treat sleep disorders and mental health conditions, such as anxiety, seizures, or insomnia. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps calm down excessive brain activity.

Even when used as prescribed, benzodiazepines can be highly addictive. If you or a loved one are struggling to stop benzo use, it may be time to seek benzodiazepine addiction treatment.

Signs You or a Loved One May Benefit From Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

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

  • Excessive sleepiness or appearing constantly drowsy, even at inappropriate times
  • Difficulty with motor skills, unsteady gait, or clumsiness
  • Speech that sounds slurred or is difficult to understand
  • Larger than normal pupils
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations

  • Increased tolerance, or needing larger doses to achieve the same effect
  • Preoccupation with obtaining the drug
  • Avoiding social interactions or neglecting responsibilities due to drug use
  • Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain more drugs than prescribed, also known as “doctor shopping”
  • Taking benzodiazepines in ways other than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills, or combining them with alcohol or other drugs
  • Using benzodiazepines even when it causes problems in relationships, work, or health

  • Frequent changes in mood, such as increased irritability or agitation
  • Paradoxical effects, such as increased anxiety or depression
  • Feeling mentally foggy or confused
  • Having trouble concentrating or focusing
  • Increased anxiety, insomnia, irritability, tremors, sweating, or seizures when stopping benzodiazepine use abruptly after prolonged use

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, recovery starts with a simple phone call. One conversation can be the turning point.

Programs

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment at North Georgia Recovery Center

Attempting to quit benzo use without medical supervision is both dangerous and highly difficult. It’s also unlikely to be effective, because the discomfort of withdrawal often pushes addicted individuals to immediately relapse.

Receiving benzo addiction treatment from a reputable rehabilitation facility, like North Georgia Recovery Center, is the safest and most effective way to treat an addiction. After you undergo detox to cleanse your body of the drug, you can participate in our rehabilitation program to sustain lasting sobriety.

We start by evaluating the severity of the addiction, the amount of time the drug has been used, and any other addictions or co-occurring mental disorders. With that information, we tailor your rehabilitation plan to your specific situation.

Types of Benzodiazepine Addictions We Treat

Benzodiazepine addiction commonly stems from drugs that can often be prescribed for legitimate medical needs, such as:

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Xanax is commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, making it one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines.

Ambien (Zolpidem)

Ambien is technically a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, and it’s used for short-term treatment of insomnia.

Ativan (Lorazepam)

Ativan is prescribed for anxiety disorders, insomnia, and sometimes used in preoperative sedation and to manage seizures.

Klonopin (Clonazepam)

Klonopin is used to treat seizure disorders, panic disorders, and certain movement disorders.

Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)

Librium is primarily used to alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and to treat anxiety.

Valium (Diazepam)

Valium can be used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

See If Your Insurance Covers Benzo Addiction Treatment

Getting professional help may be more affordable than you think. Our admissions team provides free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage and explore your treatment options before you commit.

Call us today to verify your benefits and take the first step toward recovery.

United Healthcare
United-Healthcare
Magellan Health
Aetna
Aetna Insurance
carelon
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Multi Plan
MultiPlan Insurance
Tricare

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to answer your questions about benzo addiction treatment, our specific programs, and all the ways we can help. When you’re ready to learn more, reach out to our team for a free consultation.

Although benzodiazepines can be effective in treating certain conditions, both prescribed and recreational use can lead to addiction and negative health effects over time. Long-term effects of benzodiazepine addiction can include cognitive impairment, memory problems, anxiety, depression, and increased risk of other substance abuse disorders.

Encourage your loved one to seek professional assistance by helping them connect with a doctor, therapist, or addiction rehabilitation center. Offer to support them by attending appointments or helping them find the right care. Throughout recovery, avoid enabling addictive behaviors and promote healthy habits instead. Understand that setbacks might occur, and recovery might not be linear. Be patient and supportive throughout the process.

Abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines, especially after prolonged use or at high doses, can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medically supervised detoxification is crucial because it allows for a gradual tapering of the medication under the close monitoring of medical professionals. This process helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms and manage any complications that may arise to keep the user safe throughout the process.