Prescott Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Services

Comprehensive Benzodiazepine Abuse Treatment in Arizona

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Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos,” are a group of medications collectively known as tranquilizers. In the United States, benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed medications and include household names like Valium®, Ambien®, Xanax®, Ativan®, and Klonopin®. Unfortunately, misuse of these drugs can quickly turn into abuse, tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

While getting help is never easy, admitting that you need it is the first step. At Holdfast Recovery, we understand what it’s like; we’ve been there. We offer a number of treatments and therapies at our Prescott benzodiazepine rehab to help you on the path to recovery.

We accept most forms of insurance. Contact us online or call (800) 680-7738 today to learn more. 

Understanding Benzodiazepine Abuse and Its Impacts

Benzodiazepines affect the body’s central nervous system, producing a sedating effect that relaxes the muscles and lowers anxiety. They are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and similar conditions. However, many people misuse these medications in order to achieve the mild to moderate euphoric high commonly associated with prescription benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepine abuse might look like:

• Taking someone else’s prescribed medication
• “Borrowing,” stealing, or buying others’ medications
• Visiting multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions
• Building up a “backup” supply
• Forging prescriptions
• Spending a significant amount of time getting benzos
• Spending a significant amount of time taking or recovering from benzos
• Needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect
• Taking benzos for longer than initially intended
• Experiencing issues at home, work, or school
• Cravings or withdrawal symptoms when not using benzos

Over time, a person’s tolerance will increase, meaning they will need to take higher quantities of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can be a slippery slope to benzo abuse and addiction.

Recognizing the Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Because benzodiazepines are so commonly prescribed in the U.S., it can be difficult for friends, family members, and loved ones to recognize when someone may be developing an addiction. The fact that doctors prescribe these medications all the time, and may even have provided a prescription to a loved one, can lead friends and family to believe benzos are not dangerous and can deflect attention from warnings signs of abuse.

Some of these warning signs include:

• Pronounced drowsiness
• Lethargy/lack of energy
• Inactivity
• Impaired coordination
• Dizziness
• Sluggishness
• Mental “fog”
• Sweating
• Impaired speech (slurring)
• Shallow breath
• Lack of interest in daily activities
• Failure to manage normal responsibilities
• Taking medications without a prescription

Understanding the Health Risks of Benzodiazepine Misuse

Over time, benzodiazepine misuse can lead to a number of negative health effects. Some of the immediate, short-term effects that can occur soon after a high has worn off include anxiety, headaches, confusion, forgetfulness, fatigue, blurred vision, and irritability.

Long-term effects of benzo abuse can include:

• Poor cognitive functioning
• Impaired memory
• Inability to concentrate
• Drowsiness
• Slow reaction time
• Reduced inhibitions
• Poor coordination
• Depression
• Dementia
• Falls
• Ataxia (a degenerative nervous system condition)

Benzodiazepine use becomes even more dangerous when they are taken along with other drugs/medications or when benzos are mixed with alcohol. In the most serious of cases, benzodiazepine abuse can lead to overdose and death.

Essential Information on Benzodiazepine Overdose

What are the signs of a benzodiazepine overdose?

A benzodiazepine overdose can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Coma

What should I do if I suspect that someone has overdosed on a benzodiazepine?

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for a benzodiazepine overdose.

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Monitor the person's breathing and responsiveness.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.

How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal last?

The duration of benzodiazepine withdrawal varies depending on factors such as the type of medication, dosage, and length of use. Symptoms may last for several weeks or even months. It's important to seek professional help during withdrawal to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.

How long does benzodiazepine rehab typically last?

The length of benzodiazepine rehab can vary depending on individual needs and factors such as the severity of addiction and the presence of co-occurring disorders. Programs typically range from a few weeks to several months.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our Prescott-based benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs. Call (800) 680-7738.