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The Dangers of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

young man seated in darkened room with his head in his hands experiencing the dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal

Benzodiazepines are also known as benzos. With extended use, It is easy to become addicted to benzos whether you have been prescribed them by a doctor or you have obtained them illegally. In either scenario, once addiction has set in, it’s very hard to stop using the drug. This is partly because the drug is not intended to be used long-term. In fact, the withdrawal symptoms can be severe and require medical supervision as the body adjusts to the absence of the drug in one’s system.

At The Arbor, we offer benzo addiction treatment to help get you on your way to recovery. Contact The Arbor today at 844.413.2690.

What Are Benzos?

Benzos (benzodiazepines) are a commonly prescribed drug used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and, in some cases, for those with trouble sleeping. The drug is intended for short-term use.

Brand names of benzos that you might see in the marketplace include:

  • Xanax
  • Klonopin
  • Valium
  • Ativan

While many people take the drug for a prescribed use, many also take it illegally to experience the calming and euphoric effects of the drug. In either case, it is easy to become addicted to the drug. Then, when you try to stop using it, the withdrawal can be very difficult. This is why it is important to understand the dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Professional treatment is needed to safely withdraw from drug use and get therapeutic treatment to maintain a recovery plan.

Dangers of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

You may be asking, “Is benzo withdrawal life-threatening?” This drug directly affects the nervous system and can slow down heart rate and breathing. Because of its relaxing and depressing effects and the sense of euphoria it can create, users will take more and more of the drug to achieve these effects. This extended and increased use of the drug leads to a dependence that can be difficult to stop on one’s own.

Some serious side effects can occur when you stop using the drug, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Severe depression
  • Insomnia
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Body shakes
  • Nausea or cramps
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart issues
  • Seizures

In addition, the side effects can be more intense if you have certain pre-existing conditions including:

  • You have a family history of addiction to drugs or alcohol
  • You have had seizures in the past
  • You are over sixty-five
  • You have a co-occurring mental health disorder
  • Your physical health is poor
  • You are already diagnosed with another substance use disorder

Without supervision, side effects can become overwhelming and cause the user to resort back to drug use and, in some cases, experience an overdose and even death.

Types of Benzo Addiction Treatment

Once a drug has been removed from the body, therapeutic treatment can begin. Each person’s treatment journey will be different, but the end goal of recovery is the same. A variety of therapies will be used as part of the treatment experience, whether it is a residential or an outpatient program.

Therapies can include:

  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Equine therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Yoga therapy
  • Trauma therapy
  • 12-step aftercare programming

Clients will work with a treatment team to craft a personalized approach using a combination of these therapies.

Reach Out to The Arbor for Benzo Addiction Treatment Today

While there are many dangers associated with benzo withdrawal, it is an important first step in getting treatment for an addiction. This paves the way for effective therapeutic treatments that will help to prevent relapse and get you on the road to lifelong recovery. Re-entering society as a newly sober person requires a strong sober support system, including family, friends, peers, and therapeutic professionals. Aftercare support through a structured program—like a 12-step program—can also be highly beneficial.

Call The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 to learn more about the dangers of benzo withdrawal and your treatment options. You may also contact The Arbor online.