Benzodiazepines are prescription medications used to treat conditions such as insomnia, seizures, and anxiety. Used improperly, they can be addictive. Benzodiazepine withdrawal occurs when a person with a dependence on the drug stops using them. While this is an important step in overcoming addiction, it can be managed effectively within a drug detox center like Ethan Crossing in Ohio.
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Why Does Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Happen?
A person with a physical dependence on benzos is unlikely to stop using them on their own without feeling muscle and bone pain. Many struggle with other withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Panic attacks or restless feeling
- Anxiety, increased tension, extreme fear
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in perception
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
These occur because the body becomes accustomed to the drug’s presence. When that drug is suddenly not available, it can create intense pain as the body (and brain) desire it.
Cravings are another component of benzodiazepine withdrawal. A person becomes so focused on getting the drug because nothing else is important because of the brain’s reliance on it. This compulsiveness is hard to resist.
The most intense withdrawal symptoms from benzos start as soon as eight hours after the last dose and can continue for several days to a week.
How to Deal with Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Going through withdrawal does not mean toughing out these symptoms on your own. Most of the time, a drug detox center is the best choice. There, medications can be used to ease the body and brain from the intensity of withdrawal. Medications such as Flumazenil and Buspirone are two types of drugs used to treat withdrawal and create a calmer mind.
In addition to medications, engaging in holistic care may help to ease these symptoms. For example, the use of services at Ethan Crossing, such as our calm room and wellness services, may help make detoxing a bit easier. There are also opportunities for healing through yoga and music therapy. Physical fitness programs in our gym can help reduce a lot of the frustration and stress associated with withdrawal.
Why You Should Not Face Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Alone
There is some risk to detoxing alone. Most of the time, it is best to seek out a benzo addiction treatment center to ensure the process is monitored medically and through mental health support. It is possible to have intense withdrawal symptoms, including a racing heart, hallucinations, seizures, and abnormal behavior.
For some people who have used benzos for a long time, a step-by-step come-down process is necessary. In this treatment, a doctor monitors the drug’s slowed withdrawal through smaller and smaller doses over a period of time. This helps minimize the effects of intense anxiety or an inability to sleep. It also makes withdrawal symptoms more manageable while ensuring a person doesn’t experience negative medical outcomes.
How Our Substance Abuse Treatment in Ohio Helps
At Ethan Crossing, we provide a range of resources to address and manage withdrawal in a safe environment. This includes providing a medical detox program where medications and a licensed medical doctor are available to ensure you are safe through the process.
At the same time, our range of addiction treatment programs is available to help you on your journey through healing. We encourage you to learn more about each one of them, including:
- Trauma therapy program
- Motivational interviewing program
- Yoga therapy program
- Music therapy program
- 12 step therapy program
Benzodiazepine withdrawal doesn’t last forever. With proper care and support from a benzo addiction treatment center like Ethan Crossing, you can find the relief you need. To learn more about our location in Ohio, call 937-646-7795 or connect with us online today.
