Our specialized benzo addiction treatment program offers comprehensive care designed to address both the physical dependency and underlying causes of addiction.
Peachtree Detox is a premier provider of addiction treatment services and detox programs in Atlanta, Georgia. If you or someone you love is in need of professional care, reach out to us now.
Benzodiazepines, commonly called “benzos,” are a class of prescription medications primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, seizures, and sleep disorders.
These medications work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that produces calming effects in the brain.
While benzodiazepines can be highly effective for legitimate medical purposes, they carry a significant risk of dependence and addiction, even when taken as prescribed. The calming and euphoric effects these medications produce can lead to psychological dependence, while regular use can create physical dependence as the body adapts to their presence.
Common benzodiazepines include medications like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin, each with varying strengths and durations of action. Understanding these medications and their effects is crucial for recognizing when professional treatment may be necessary.
At Peachtree Detox, we offer comprehensive benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs designed to address every aspect of recovery.
Our Atlanta facility provides a continuum of care that begins with safe medical detoxification and continues through long-term recovery support.
Our benzo detox programs are the foundation of benzodiazepine addiction treatment, providing 24/7 medical supervision to ensure safety during the withdrawal process. Our experienced medical team understands the complexities of benzodiazepine withdrawal and uses evidence-based protocols to manage symptoms effectively.
The detox process begins with a comprehensive medical assessment to understand your specific situation, including the type and amount of benzodiazepines you’ve been using, how long you’ve been using them, and any other medical conditions that might affect your treatment. This information helps us develop a personalized tapering schedule that minimizes withdrawal symptoms while ensuring your safety.
Following successful completion of detoxification, our inpatient rehabilitation program provides intensive, comprehensive treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. This residential program allows you to focus entirely on your recovery in a structured, supportive environment away from the triggers and stresses of daily life.
Our inpatient program combines individual therapy, group counseling, educational sessions, and holistic treatment approaches to address all aspects of addiction. You’ll work with licensed therapists to explore the underlying issues that contributed to your benzodiazepine addiction and develop healthy coping strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and other challenges without medication.
Recovery from benzodiazepine addiction doesn’t end when you complete our residential program. Our comprehensive aftercare services provide ongoing support to help you maintain sobriety and continue building a fulfilling life in recovery.
Our aftercare options include outpatient counseling, support groups, alumni programs, and resources for ongoing mental health treatment. We understand that many people who develop benzodiazepine addiction initially had legitimate mental health concerns, so we help connect you with appropriate ongoing psychiatric care that doesn’t rely on potentially addictive medications.
Benzodiazepine addiction can develop more quickly than many people realize, sometimes occurring even when medications are taken exactly as prescribed.
The brain’s adaptation to benzodiazepines can create both physical dependence and psychological addiction, making it extremely difficult to stop using them without professional help.
Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of benzodiazepines and requires them to function normally. When the medication is reduced or stopped, the body experiences withdrawal symptoms as it attempts to readjust. This physical dependence can develop within just a few weeks of regular use.
Psychological addiction involves the emotional and behavioral aspects of drug use, including cravings, compulsive use despite negative consequences, and the inability to control or stop using the substance. Many people continue using benzodiazepines not just to avoid withdrawal symptoms, but because they feel unable to cope with daily life without them.
The addiction process is often complicated by the legitimate medical conditions for which benzodiazepines were originally prescribed. People may fear that without these medications, their anxiety or panic disorders will become unmanageable, creating additional barriers to seeking treatment.
Several benzodiazepines are more frequently associated with abuse and addiction due to their potency, rapid onset of effects, or widespread availability.
Understanding these medications can help individuals and families recognize potential problems early.
Xanax is one of the most commonly abused benzodiazepines due to its fast-acting nature and potent effects. Its quick onset makes it particularly appealing to those seeking immediate relief from anxiety or panic, but this same characteristic increases its addiction potential.
Ativan is another frequently abused benzodiazepine, often chosen for its intermediate duration of action and reliable effects. Its medical legitimacy and widespread prescribing make it easily accessible, contributing to its abuse potential.
Diazepam (Valium) has a long history of abuse, partly due to its long-lasting effects and its reputation in popular culture. While it has a slower onset than some other benzos, its extended duration can lead to accumulation in the system with repeated use.
Klonopin is frequently abused due to its long duration of action and potent effects. Many people appreciate that they don’t need to take it as frequently as shorter-acting benzos, but this can also mask the development of tolerance and dependence.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction is crucial for getting timely help. The symptoms can be subtle at first, especially since many people have legitimate prescriptions for these medications, making it challenging to distinguish between appropriate use and addiction.
Physical symptoms may include drowsiness or sedation beyond what’s expected from the prescribed dose, slurred speech, impaired coordination, memory problems, and confusion. People may also experience headaches, blurred vision, and weakness. As tolerance develops, individuals may need increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects.
Behavioral changes often include taking higher doses than prescribed, taking doses more frequently than directed, or obtaining prescriptions from multiple doctors. People may become preoccupied with ensuring they have an adequate supply of medication and may experience anxiety when their supply runs low.
Psychological symptoms can include mood swings, irritability when unable to access the medication, depression, and increased anxiety when the medication wears off. Paradoxically, the anxiety that benzodiazepines were originally prescribed to treat may become worse over time.
Social and occupational impacts may become apparent as the addiction progresses. This can include declining performance at work or school, neglecting responsibilities, social withdrawal, and problems in personal relationships. Financial difficulties may arise from the cost of obtaining medications, especially if purchased illegally.
Benzodiazepine addiction treatment is a carefully structured process that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of dependence.
Unlike some other substances, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening, making medical supervision absolutely essential during the detoxification process.
Treatment typically begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand the extent of the addiction, any co-occurring mental health conditions, and the individual’s overall health status. This evaluation helps our medical team develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses each person’s unique needs and circumstances.
The treatment process involves gradual tapering of benzodiazepine doses under medical supervision, often supplemented with other medications to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. This approach helps prevent dangerous complications like seizures while minimizing discomfort during the recovery process.
Alongside medical management, treatment incorporates various therapeutic approaches including individual counseling, group therapy, and educational sessions about addiction and recovery. The goal is to address the underlying issues that contributed to the addiction while developing healthy coping strategies for long-term sobriety.
If you’re struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At Peachtree Detox in Atlanta, we’re here to provide the specialized care, medical expertise, and compassionate support you need to overcome addiction and reclaim your life.
Don’t wait another day to get the help you deserve.
Contact Peachtree Detox now to speak with our admissions team about our benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, verify your insurance coverage, and help you begin your journey to recovery.
Did you know most major health insurance plans with out-of-network benefits can help cover most of the costs associated with our program? Click below to find out your coverage and treatment options for our detox centers in Atlanta, Georgia.
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