Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are sedative drugs that are prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While they are safe to use as instructed by a doctor, the abuse of benzos can lead to addiction. In fact, even when use is closely monitored and limited, it can still result in physical dependence. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzos, there are many substance abuse treatment programs in PA that can help, like the ones offered at Gemini Recovery.
Gemini Recovery offers a wide variety of addiction treatment programs and therapies to help clients that are struggling with substance abuse. Our warm and compassionate staff provides the right guidance and support to help our clients achieve genuine recovery and long-term sobriety. If you are looking for quality benzo addiction rehab, contact us at 888.341.2524 or reach out online today to learn how we can help.
What Is Benzo Addiction?
Benzos are a class of depressant drugs that work by enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA to produce a calming effect on the body. They are often used to treat panic, anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms or to aid with alcohol withdrawal. While benzos do have a lot of therapeutic benefits, prolonged use can still lead to dependence, misuse, and addiction. An addiction to benzos can result in the following negative side effects:
- Slurred speech, impaired balance, and motor coordination
- Muscle stiffness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction
- Blurry vision, dizziness, vertigo, drowsiness, and lethargy
- Impaired concentration and amnesia
- Hallucinations, delirium, depression, and an increased risk of dementia
- Disinhibition, erratic behavior, and hostility
Apart from the risk of overdosing on benzodiazepines, they are also typically combined with other substances, such as opioids. Mixing benzos with alcohol or other drugs can greatly increase the risk of death due to accidental overdose.
If someone is battling an addiction to benzos, it is best for their safety and health to reach out to a trusted addiction treatment facility like Gemini Recovery. Experienced addiction specialists can provide the right medical interventions and therapies to guarantee a safe and successful recovery.
What to Expect in Benzo Addiction Rehab
If someone enters into benzo addiction rehab, the first step will be to detox their system from all substances that they may be taking. It is not recommended to attempt to detox from benzos without proper medical supervision, as the side effects of withdrawal can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the volume and length of abuse, but the typical withdrawal symptoms are:
- Increased body temperature, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, shakiness, or tremors
- Overactive reflexes, heightened pulse, or increased blood pressure
- Headaches, muscular pain, or fatigue
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleeping problems such as insomnia
- Anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, delirium, or hallucinations
- Seizures
In order to ease the more severe symptoms of withdrawal, medication-assisted treatment is available for the treatment of benzo addiction. These interventions greatly contribute to higher chances of a successful detox and lower rates of relapse.
Though detox is an important part of benzo addiction treatment, it is only part of the solution. Detox should always be followed with therapy and rehabilitation in order to address the psychological dependence the client may have on the drug. In order to ensure long-term sobriety, the root causes of addiction should be determined and addressed.
Gemini Recovery Offers Benzo Addiction Treatment Programs in PA
As with any addiction treatment program, successful recovery from benzo addiction can be obtained with the right commitment, support, and guidance. Here at Gemini Recovery, we offer many various treatments and therapies that can suit every client’s unique needs. We are committed to helping our clients emerge from treatment into new, healthier lives that are free from substance abuse and addiction. If you are ready to take the first step towards a better tomorrow, contact us at 888.341.2524 or reach out online today to get started on your recovery journey.
