Benzo Detox in Indiana

In 2018, researchers wanted to understand why people were misusing benzos. 46.3% stated that their interest in taking benzos was to relax or relieve stress, followed by helping with sleep (22.4%). Roughly 5.7% stated they wanted to “experiment” with the medication, and 11.8% stated using benzos to “get high” or because of being addicted. This report also showed that only about 20% of people received benzos from their doctor and had actually obtained the medication through a friend or family member. It’s clear that benzo abuse is prevalent and the drug is widely accessible.

Benzodiazepines pose a serious health risk. While they may be considered safe and effective when used as prescribed, they can cause serious consequences when abused or even combined with other drugs or alcohol. And benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be even worse than those associated with heroin. Individuals suffering from benzo withdrawal symptoms may feel the effects for months or even years after discontinuing the medication. This is what makes a stabilized benzo detox crucial in overcoming benzo addiction. First City Recovery offers medical detox in Kokomo, Indiana.

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines or “benzos” are a group of prescription medications commonly known as sedatives or tranquilizers. Individuals have typically been prescribed these medications for conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, or sleep disorder.

Commonly prescribed benzos include:

• Xanax®
• Klonopin®
• Atavin®
• Valium®
• Halcion®
• Restoril®

What is Benzodiazepine Dependence?

Benzodiazepine dependence occurs when the brain becomes used to the presence of benzos. This means that it takes more and more benzos in order to receive the same effect of the medication. It also means the brain alters its chemistry to function normally, meaning without benzos the brain cannot do so.

When benzos are no longer present, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These withdrawal symptoms can be mental, physical, and emotional. When it comes to benzos, there a wide range of withdrawal symptoms can occur. Some symptoms like delirium tremens and seizures are dangerous without the help of medical professionals.

Why Medical Detox May Be Necessary

Medical detoxification (detox) is a process by which benzo-dependent individuals safely withdraw from the drug while under medical supervision. Individuals are prescribed medication to help offset the symptoms. This is important because benzo withdrawal can be both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Medical detox is monitored 24/7 by detox specialists to be sure that the individual is safe and comfortable. Patients reside at the detox facility during the detox so that medical personnel can check in on them regularly and adjust their medications as necessary.

How Do Benzos Affect the Brain?

Benzodiazepines work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. This increases the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which leads to a feeling of relaxation and calm. GABA is a chemical messenger that resides in the brain and blocks certain signals. Therefore, taking benzos leads to slowing down the central nervous system.

With long-term use, benzos can cause changes in the brain that make it difficult to feel normal without them. GABA also reduces activities in the brain that are responsible for memory, emotion, and rationalization. This can cause lead to disruptions like memory issues, impulsive behavior, and difficulty breathing.

As the brain becomes used to the levels of GABA when taking benzos it will stop regulating this on its own. Therefore, individuals trying to stop taking benzos will suffer from high heart rates, difficulty sleeping, panic, paranoia, and even delusions as a result.

Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal

Symptoms of benzo withdrawal can vary in intensity and may include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Chills
• Sweating
• Muscle pain
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Delirium
• Seizures
• Psychosis

Many of the symptoms related to benzo withdrawal resolve after a few days, however, some individuals can have symptoms that last longer. These are referred to as prolonged or protracted symptoms. It’s hard to determine which people will end up suffering from more serious, prolonged symptoms. Medical personnel can usually determine the likelihood by reviewing the following factors:

• Overall length and severity of the addiction
• If the benzos were mixed with other substances
• If the person is suffering from a co-occurring illness
• Has the person been through a detox program previously
• What types of benzos were being abused and the method of abuse (snorting or swallowing)
• The person’s age, weight, and gender

During the evaluation phase, medical detox personnel will review this information to determine the best treatment plan to approach benzo detox. Each course of treatment is determined on an individualized basis to provide the person with the most comfortable withdrawal experience. Ultimately, detox specialists are working to minimize or eliminate withdrawal symptoms as much as possible.

How Long Does Benzo Detox Last?

The length of benzo detox can vary depending on a number of factors. Typically, benzo detox lasts anywhere from a few days to a week. However, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms for longer periods of time if they have been abusing benzos for an extended period of time or have taken higher doses.

Prolonged or protracted withdrawal symptoms can also occur. These are withdrawal symptoms that can last several months or even years. Typically protracted or prolonged withdrawals include emotional and mental symptoms like depression or mood swings.

What is Benzo Tapering?

Benzo tapering is a term used to describe a benzo detox practice where the individual is provided the same benzos causing withdrawal symptoms, then the initial dose is gradually reduced over time. In some cases, longer-acting benzodiazepines are prescribed to replace the shorter-acting benzos causing withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam or lorazepam are typically prescribed as replacement benzos.

How to Manage Benzo Withdrawal During Detox

Medical detox is typically recommended for benzo detox because of the withdrawal symptoms. This way medical professionals can monitor the process and offset the more uncomfortable, and more dangerous symptoms associated. Medications are prescribed to the patient and they are monitored to make sure that there are no adverse side effects and be sure the medications are working as prescribed.

Medications Used in Benzo Detox and Addiction Treatment

In addition to other benzodiazepines used to taper individuals off shorter-acting benzos, there are a variety of other medications used to help with detox. These include a wide variety to help stabilize the individual’s mind and body to transition back to normal functionality. Common medications include anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and hormone medications.