Benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, muscle spasms, and certain sleep disorders. Some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam).
However, the sedative effects of benzodiazepines—benzos for short—make them ripe for abuse. In such cases, a medically supervised benzodiazepine detox near Nashville, Tennessee is recommended.
Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Since benzos are a prescription drug, people initially have a legitimate medical reason to use them. However, over time, they may develop an addiction to benzos. In such cases, the individual will take increasingly risky measures to obtain the drug they feel they need. Mental health professionals use the term “hypnotic, sedative, or anxiolytic use disorder” to describe benzodiazepine abuse or addiction.
Someone living with a benzo addiction may exhibit some of the following signs and symptoms:
Behavioral Symptoms
- Social withdrawal
- Isolating from family
- Not participating in formerly enjoyable activities
- Failing to meet expectations at work or at home
- Forging prescriptions
- Visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions
Physical Symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Drowsiness
- Unsteadiness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Fainting
- Light-headedness
Cognitive Symptoms
- Confusion
- Slowed thought processes
- Poor concentration
- Reduced inhibition
- Impaired judgment
- Perceptual disturbances
- Memory difficulties
Psychosocial Symptoms
- Feelings of hostility
- Sudden mood changes
- Emotional detachment or dysregulation
- Intense irritability or anger
Benzodiazepine addiction and any co-occurring mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder are especially dangerous. In such cases, it is strongly recommended to undergo medically-supervised benzodiazepine detox near Nashville, Tennessee.
The following symptoms can occur in cases of benzo addiction with a co-occurring mental health disorder:
- Increased frequency of anxiety or panic attacks
- Higher risk of isolating behaviors, and social anxiety
- Sweating, shaking, and hyperventilation
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and depression
- Difficulty coping with lifestyle, relationship, and work situations
- Inability to regulate emotions and feelings
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from benzos begins when the brain starts to process without the drug. Therefore, this process tends to make someone anxious and disrupt their sleep patterns, and the initial symptoms benzos have reduced return.
Initial withdrawal symptoms tend to be less intense, usually entailing interruption in sleep patterns and vague feelings of unease or anxiety. However, as withdrawal symptoms escalate over the next few weeks, the person will be so uncomfortable that medication may be necessary to reduce the symptoms’ severity.
Withdrawal symptoms from benzos may include the following:
- Nausea, vomiting, dry heaves, and diarrhea
- Panic attacks, anxiety, and feelings of agitation
- Tremors and sweating
- Headaches and heart palpitations
- Muscle pains, tension, and twitching
- Seizures, blurred vision, and psychosis
- Hallucinations and short-term memory impairment
- Difficulty focusing, thinking, and mood swings
- Weight loss due to lack of appetite
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Unfortunately, treatment professionals cannot predict how long benzo withdrawal symptoms last either during or after detox. However, some signs can offer a vague idea of the length and severity of withdrawal symptoms. For example, these can include the length of the drug use, the potency of the drugs, and physical features. These can include weight and age, as well as metabolism.
Another reason why the length of withdrawal symptoms cannot be predicted is that new symptoms can pop up at any time. In some cases, symptoms appear to be under control and then come back without warning. Those withdrawing from benzos can suddenly experience bouts of unpredictable behaviors as the brain reacts to the drug’s absence.
Acute withdrawal is the most extended time frame for symptoms to occur, with acute withdrawal symptoms lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Sometimes these withdrawal symptoms grow so severe, the individual requires hospitalization.
The Importance of Medically-Supervised Detox
The best bet for a safe and successful detox from benzodiazepines is with medical supervision by experienced treatment professionals. These professionals can dispense medications like antidepressants and anticonvulsants to treat the intense symptoms of withdrawal. The medication is administered both orally and through an IV.
During medically supervised benzodiazepine detox near Nashville, Tennessee, a tapering process is commonly relied upon to ease withdrawal symptoms. Meanwhile, if any complications arise, the appropriate personnel will be nearby to administer aid.
Therapy, in addition to a complete detox treatment plan, aids in preventing relapse. In this way, the chances of relapse are greatly decreased. After all, psychological and emotional concerns directly link to the withdrawal process. Individual, group, and holistic therapies combined contribute to an overall benzo addiction treatment plan.
How Does Benzodiazepine Detox Work?
An incorrect approach to the benzo detoxification process can lead to dangerous, sometimes lethal results. Therefore, it is strongly recommended one seek the proper support system when experiencing benzo withdrawal. Details of the process of benzodiazepine detox near Nashville, Tennessee can vary from person to person.
Still, most people move through these three stages:
- Evaluation. Patients are screened for physical and mental health issues. This screening includes a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical and psychiatric histories, as well as a history of their substance use.
- Stabilization. Patients are stabilized with medical and psychological therapy to prevent relapse or physical harm. During this process, a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Preparing entry to treatment. Preparation for a comprehensive and individualized addiction treatment program.
Begin Benzodiazepine Detox Near Nashville Today
When searching for benzodiazepine detox near Nashville, Tennessee, you can find help with Detox Nashville. We accept UHC, Cigna and BCBD insurance plans for qualifying people. We pride ourselves on exceptional mental health and medical services to detox safely and effectively. Once your detox program is complete, we can assist you with aftercare treatment options to help you avoid relapse.
For further information about our medically supervised benzo detox and addiction treatment programs near Nashville, contact us today.