What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a group of medications prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, and other mental health issues. Additionally, benzodiazepines treat seizures and muscle spasms in individuals experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Benzodiazepines work by producing a state of sedation and are considered central nervous system depressants. They work by facilitating the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) at various GABA receptors throughout the central nervous system.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states, “The most common benzodiazepines are the prescription drugs Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin. Shorter-acting benzodiazepines used to manage insomnia include estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), temazepam (Restoril), and triazolam (Halcion).”
Find a full list of benzodiazepines below:
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanex)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Estazolam (ProSom)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Chlordiazeporide (Librium)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Halazepam (Paxipam)
- Oxazepam (Serax)
- Prazepam (Centrax)
- Quazepam (Doral)
Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Consequently, physical tolerance develops quickly. This means a higher dose of the drug is required for the desired effects to be achieved. Additionally, benzodiazepines cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Many individuals continue taking benzos for longer than they were prescribed to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines are one of the only drugs that can cause death upon withdrawal. Therefore, a person must seek medical detox before severe symptoms develop.
Benzodiazepines also produce several side effects, including amnesia, hostility, irritability, nightmares, drowsiness, impaired functioning and coordination, respiratory depression, impaired reflexes, and sometimes coma or death. It is possible to overdose on benzodiazepines. Furthermore, using benzodiazepines in conjunction with opioids significantly increases the risk of drug overdose.
Our benzo addiction treatment in Boulder, CO, lowers the risk of overdose and lessens the impact of other side effects.
Signs & Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Common symptoms of benzo addiction include:
- Obtaining benzodiazepines without a prescription.
- Attempting to obtain more than one benzodiazepine prescription at a time (also known as doctor shopping).
- Using a higher dose of benzodiazepines than prescribed for a more extended period than intended or recommended.
- Attempting to quit or cut back on the dose being taken with limited success.
- Developing a physical tolerance over time.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when benzodiazepine use is stopped.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
The symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal are physical and psychological, and often severe when left untreated. For this reason, undergoing withdrawal in a designated facility is always recommended.
Common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:
- Increased agitation and irritability
- Extreme anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
- Hand tremors and uncontrollable shaking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Muscular pain
- A host of perceptual changes, including delusions and hallucinations
- Seizures
- Coma
When untreated, benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to life-threatening symptoms, including seizures and coma. For many, medically monitored detox is a necessary first step on the lifelong journey toward benzodiazepine addiction recovery.
Benzo Addiction Treatment in Boulder, CO
At Flatirons Recovery, we offer effective benzodiazepine addiction treatment in Boulder, Colorado. Because benzo addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, every treatment plan looks different. We pay close attention to the unique clinical needs of each client, crafting integrated plans of action that address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.
The programs we offer at our Colorado benzodiazepine addiction treatment center include:
- The Recovery Ranch Program — Our inpatient rehab in Boulder, Colorado, provides 24/7 care in a comfortable, supportive environment. Clients participate in intensive therapeutic and holistic programming, followed by participation in a range of recovery-friendly activities.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment — We offer daytime and nighttime Intensive Outpatient treatment (IOP). Our IOP program includes individual and group therapy, relapse prevention training, vocational training, and other pertinent services.
- Day Treatment — Our Day Treatment program resembles a traditional Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Therapeutic groups meet Monday through Friday from the morning until the afternoon. PHP is a step above IOP and below inpatient rehab regarding program intensity and commitment level.
- Sober Living — Sober living facilities are an excellent accompaniment to benzodiazepine rehab during and after treatment. Our Colorado sober living home is comfortable and structured, providing residents with the accountability they need to thrive in their newfound lives of recovery.
