Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants intended to treat anxiety and seizure disorders.[1] Sometimes, these substances are also used in the treatment of insomnia and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While benzodiazepines are effective in managing the symptoms of the mentioned conditions, they are known to be habit-forming and highly addictive.
Because of the addiction risk posed by benzodiazepines, they are only intended for short-term use. Unfortunately, many people abuse these medications because they provide a euphoric and drowsy high. The most commonly abused benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Valium (diazepam).
If you or a loved one are addicted to a benzodiazepine drug, you must attend medical detox before attempting to quit. The withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine dependence can be severe and life-threatening in some cases. Benzodiazepine detox centers in Massachusetts can provide the round-the-clock support and medical care required to ensure your safety and comfort during the detoxification process.
What is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
If you have been taking benzodiazepines regularly and for a long time, you will experience withdrawal symptoms once you stop using them. This can happen if you were abusing them with or without a prescription.
Unfortunately, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be hazardous without proper medical assistance. The symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal may include:[2]
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Tension and anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Muscle stiffness and pain
- Perceptual changes
- Seizures
- Psychosis
Because benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause severe symptoms like seizures and psychosis, you should always seek medical assistance from a licensed detox program.
What to Expect at a Benzodiazepine Detox Center in Massachusetts
Benzodiazepine detox centers in Massachusetts operate to help you safely and comfortably overcome withdrawal symptoms. They use an array of evidence-based treatments, including medications, psychological support, nutritional counseling, and individualized treatment planning.
Assessment
When you arrive at a benzodiazepine detox facility you will undergo an in-depth assessment to determine your individual needs. These assessments cover information like your substance abuse, mental health, physical health, and family history. All of this information will allow the staff members to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Common questions asked during an assessment include:
- Which benzodiazepine are you addicted to?
- Were you abusing any other substances?
- How much of the drug and how often were you using it?
- Do you have any diagnosed mental health conditions?
- Have you ever attended addiction treatment before?
- Do you have any medical conditions that require treatment or medication?
- Does your family have a history of mental illness or addiction?
Stabilization
Without medical treatment, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, painful, and even life-threatening. The safest way to detox from benzodiazepines is to slowly taper off them. At a detox center, the physician will prescribe a long-acting benzodiazepine medication and gradually reduce your dose over several days or weeks. Slowly reducing your dose will allow your body to adjust to progressively lower doses, thereby reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Additional symptom-specific medications can be prescribed to manage any symptoms that cause you discomfort.
During stabilization, the medical team will monitor your vitals to ensure your safety. Tapering using long-acting benzodiazepines will also reduce your risk for seizures and other medical complications.
Treatment Planning
After you are medically stabilized, you will begin collaborating with an addiction specialist to create a plan for continued care. It’s important to note that detox is only the first step in addiction treatment. Additional programs like inpatient or outpatient rehab provide you with psychological and behavioral therapies that are necessary to maintain long-term recovery.
Your counselor might recommend you transition into a sober living housing program after you complete benzodiazepine rehab because doing so can help you prepare for independent living as a sober individual.
Get Connected With a Top Rated Benzodiazepine Detox Center in Massachusetts
Benzodiazepine addiction can be incredibly difficult to overcome, especially if you are taking these medications to treat an anxiety or seizure disorder. Attending a reputable benzodiazepine detox center in Massachusetts will ensure that you overcome withdrawal symptoms safely.
At Woburn Wellness, our team works with some of the most highly rated drug and alcohol detox centers in Massachusetts. Before you transition to one of our outpatient programs, we will help you locate the right detox program for you so you can start your recovery journey safely. The sooner you get help, the easier it will be, so don’t wait any longer. Call now to start your recovery journey.
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