Benzodiazepine (benzo) addiction and abuse are rampant in the U.S. due to increased prescriptions. Many experts refer to this as the benzodiazepine epidemic. Those struggling with addiction should consider detox at a benzo treatment center. Despite being available by prescription, these drugs are not safe.
We want people to know that a comprehensive benzo addiction treatment program is available at Northpoint Seattle, along with other substance abuse treatment options. Our benzo rehab center is equipped to guide you through recovering from benzo abuse. Contact our team online or call 888.483.6031 today to learn more.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that depress the central nervous system by releasing a tranquilizing brain chemical. This means they limit the central nervous system’s responses to external stimuli, helping calm the user. For this reason, benzodiazepines are classified and referred to as tranquilizers. They are among the most prescribed medications in the United States but are registered as Schedule IV drugs due to the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Benzodiazepines as Prescription Medication
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to individuals for several psychological and neurological disorders, including:
- Insomnia
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic attacks and panic disorders
- Alcohol withdrawals
Since benzodiazepines work by depressing the central nervous system, they effectively relieve anxiety, stress, and panic attacks.
Types of Benzos
Benzodiazepines can be grouped into four categories depending on the symptoms or disorder they treat:
- Alprazolam and clonazepam are used mainly to treat panic disorders.
- Temazepam and lorazepam help those with insomnia or other difficulties sleeping.
- Clonazepam, clorazepate, and diazepam help mostly with seizure disorders, like epilepsy.
- Chlordiazepoxide is often used to aid alcoholics during the withdrawal process.
Some commonly known benzodiazepine medications include Restoril (Temazepam), Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), and Librium (Chlordiazepoxide). These medications are widely used for various medical conditions and are known for their calming and sedative effects. Restoril, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Librium are all brand names associated with benzodiazepines, which are a class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other related conditions. Note that these medications should only be used under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional.
Again, benzodiazepines are mainly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but a doctor should be the one to determine their necessity. Since there is a high potential for addiction to benzodiazepines, taking them without a doctor’s recommendation and supervision can be dangerous.
What to Expect from Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
As with any addiction, you must take treatment for benzodiazepine addiction seriously. It must also be specified to each patient’s needs and addiction history. After detoxing from benzos addiction, individuals can turn to Northpoint Seattle to find the rehab program that meets their needs. We offer extensive outpatient treatment with an emphasis on addressing co-occurring disorders.
Most people with benzodiazepine addiction do not realize the importance of rehab during recovery. Many of them assume that it must be safe because a doctor prescribed the drug they use. In their minds, that also means that it is safe for them to stop taking it. However, this is not the case.
Benzodiazepine addiction can lead to devastating withdrawal symptoms when the drugs are stopped. Through detox, the possibility of relapsing due to withdrawal is reduced. This gives people hope that recovery is possible, and they feel much more motivated to continue.
Remember that detox is not the sole component of recovering from benzo addiction. People need to move on to the rehabilitation phase of treatment afterward to understand why they started using and how to address those issues to prevent relapse.
Enroll in Benzo Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Seattle in Washington
At Northpoint Seattle, we help people who suffer from benzodiazepine addiction. We offer outpatient rehab, and we have several levels of care for our clients. They are intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, and traditional outpatient rehab.
Would you like to know more about benzodiazepine abuse and addiction? Are you interested in starting a quality rehab program in Idaho? Please contact our team online or call 888.483.6031.