Benzo Addiction
Benzodiazepine Addiction
The medical community has recognized benzodiazepine addiction as a more concerning problem due to the loss of lives to mixing opiates and benzodiazepines. According to the latest report from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Alprazolam (commonly known with the brand name of Xanax) was involved in more than 6,000 drug overdose deaths in 2016, an increase of 54% from overdose deaths in 2011. Other commonly misused drugs in this class include Lorazepam and Temazepam.
Alarming Signs for Benzodiazepine Abuse
- Continuing to use a substance despite negative personal consequences
- Repeated inability to carry out major functions at work, school or home on account of the use
- Recurrent use in physically hazardous situations
- Tolerance and withdrawal, using more of the drug or using for a longer period than intended
- Persistent desire to cut down the use, or unsuccessful attempts to control the use
- Stopping or reducing important occupational, social or recreational activities due to use
Strong cravings
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal symptoms
If the patient has used benzos from a long time and has become addicted, benzo withdrawal symptoms include a high risk for seizure and/or other life-threatening complications. It is important to consult with your addiction doctor, psychiatrist, or prescribing doctor when trying to lower the dose of a benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepine addiction treatment options include
- Hospital-based acute detoxification
- Detox at-home with the help of professionals
- The slow taper of benzodiazepine in an outpatient setting over a few weeks to months based on physician recommendation
- Comfort medications like Clonidine or Vistaril (mostly to control withdrawal-related increase in anxiety)
- Group therapy or individual psychotherapy
At Unique Health, we help the patient get detoxed and come off benzodiazepines in the most comfortable manner possible when the patient is motivated, willing, and ready.