Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used to treat anxiety disorders, certain types of seizures, and insomnia. However, they are typically prescribed for short-term use because they can be habit-forming. Even when taking benzodiazepines as prescribed, individuals can develop a physical dependence on the medications to the point where they experience mild withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking them.
Despite being effective medicine, benzodiazepines are highly addictive when abused. If you have been abusing benzodiazepines or are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you sober up. Unfortunately, these symptoms can make it difficult to stay sober, and they can even be life-threatening.
The safest way to detox is to seek help from a licensed medical facility. Mandala Healing Center’s benzodiazepine detox in West Palm Beach, FL offers medically-assisted detox in an exclusive, private recovery facility.
Do I Need to go to a Detox Center for Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can begin 24 hours after taking your last dose. In some cases, benzo withdrawal can result in severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that require medical attention. For example, symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, neurologic emergencies, and psychotic behavior can occur, particularly in long-term benzodiazepine users.[1]
Even if you think your symptoms won’t be that bad, it’s impossible to predict exactly what you will experience while detoxing. Symptoms of withdrawal can go from mild to severe in just minutes, so it’s always ideal to detox under medical supervision.
By choosing to detox at a medical facility, you choose your safety over your preference. It can be a decision that saves your life by giving you an opportunity to start your recovery with professional support.
Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Anyone who has taken a benzodiazepine medication for longer than 3-4 weeks may have symptoms of withdrawal if they stop taking the medication abruptly.[2] However, the severity and duration of these symptoms depend on how often the medication was used, how high the dose was, and other individual health factors.
Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:[3]
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sweating
- Headache
- Hand tremors
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Heart palpitations
- Changes in perception
- Drug cravings
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms of withdrawal can last for up to two weeks. Some symptoms, known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS, can last for six months or more. These symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Low sex drive
- Depression
Seeking ongoing care from an addiction treatment facility can help you cope with the symptoms of PAWS.
What to Expect at a Benzodiazepine Detox Center in West Palm Beach, FL
Medically-supervised detox is the easiest and safest way to detox from drugs and alcohol. The process generally involves three phases:
1. Intake and Assessment
Before your detox can begin, the medical professionals providing your care need to learn about your situation. That’s why the first phase is intake and assessment. During this time, you will undergo a comprehensive physical and psychiatric exam so the medical team can create a treatment plan based on your needs. The team needs to know which type of benzodiazepine you have been using, how often, and whether or not you have been abusing other drugs or alcohol, too.
2. Medical Stabilization
The next phase is medical stabilization. This is when you begin medical treatment for your withdrawal symptoms. You may be prescribed a long-acting benzodiazepine to slowly taper you off of the drugs, allowing you to avoid the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to medications, you will be under constant medical supervision. Nurses will regularly check your vitals and evaluate your symptoms. Doctors may prescribe other medications if needed. And, in the rare event of a medical emergency, the team will be ready to intervene.
3. Treatment Planning and Arrangement
The last phase of detox involves preparing for treatment. Since medical detox doesn’t cure addiction, you need to go to rehab or therapy so you can stay sober. A substance abuse counselor will meet with you to learn about your substance use and help you choose the right treatment program for you. The counselor will also help you make arrangements to transition from detox to treatment.
Holistic Benzodiazepine Detox in West Palm Beach, FL
At Mandala Healing Center, our board-certified physicians and world-class clinical team are ready to help patients struggling with a wide variety of substances, including opiates, methamphetamine, benzodiazepine, and illicit substances.
The Mandala Healing Center understands that addiction presents differently with each patient, as each substance affects individuals in unique ways. After a careful assessment of each patient’s history and patterns of drug use, a personalized detoxification plan is developed. After the physical addiction is treated, healing can then begin.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you deserve. Call now to begin your recovery journey.
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