Benzo Detox in Florida

Once a benzo addiction has been identified, it is very difficult to wean off from the substance without medical assistance. This is where our staff and facility at Chapel Hill Detox come into play. We have all the necessary tools and detox and therapy plan to treat even the most severe benzo addiction.

What Does Benzo Detox Look Like?

Because benzos are habit-forming drugs, individuals often will become physically dependent on them. During benzo detox, our staff will help each patient slowly rid their bodies of the substance. This is the only way to safely and effectively withdraw from the benzos.

During the first part of the detox process, patients will be monitored 24/7 by our staff. Our physicians will administer smaller and smaller amounts of the substance until the body is no longer dependent on it.

Benzo Withdrawal Timeline

The withdrawal process is often referred to as the hardest part of rehab. This is because our patients are getting used to a new “normal” without the constant consumption of benzos. The first part of the withdrawal timeline will cover the immediate withdrawal. This time period covers the first hours days after being weaned off the substance. Individuals will most likely notice their anxiety or seizures starting again because of this.

After the initial withdrawal process is complete, patients will move into acute withdrawal. This covers the 5-28 days after the detox process started. This is often described as the most difficult phase of withdrawal. If 28 days pass without relapse, individuals will move into protracted withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms have been known to last over 12 months. They are milder, and they eventually go away over time.

Benzodiazepines, or commonly known as Benzos, are classified as central nervous system depressants. They are normally prescribed to individuals suffering from different forms of mental and physical illnesses. Benzos can be used to dull the side effects of anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. They also are prescribed to people who suffer from regular tremors and seizures.

How Do They Work?

Gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) are chemicals within the brain that alert it to perform in stressful situations. Because of certain stressors throughout everyday life or traumatic events, someone can begin to produce too much of this acid. When an individual has too much GABA, they can begin to notice changes within their mental health.

When this happens, doctors often prescribe benzos to help patients cope with the side effects of too much GABA within the brain. They calm the mood and reduce symptoms by slowing down their nervous system. This in turn causes a break in the production of GABA.

How Do Benzos an Individual?

When used as prescribed, benzos can truly help someone who is suffering from anxiety. They allow them to relax and feel some type of relief from the constant state of panic their body is in. If used over a long period of time though, benzos can begin to affect an individual’s brain and body negatively.

How They Affect the Brain

When benzos are prescribed at a young age and taken for a long period of time, they can begin to stunt brain function. This can hinder children’s learning abilities, as well as their brain function as they grow older. Benzos can also cause early onset dementia to older patients who are prescribed the medication. They have also been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of cognitive impairment.

How They Affect the Body

As with every medication, taking benzos comes with risks. Some of the more mild symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. The symptoms can also become severe and lead to mood swings and slowing down reflexes.

When abused, benzos can have very serious negative effects on the body. An individual can become dependent on them without even realizing it. Withdrawing from benzos can cause seizures, coma, and even death in severe cases.

Different Types of Benzos

Benzos come in many different forms. All of them have the ability to become addictive if not taken as prescribed. Some different types of benzos include:

• Ativan: A very high potency type of benzo. It has a very short half-life though, so the effects only last a couple of hours.
• Valium: The most common type of benzo used to treat seizures. It is a tranquilizer that relaxes the muscles of the body and helps individuals fight off the urge to seize.
• Xanax: As one of the most well-known benzos, it is a drug prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It reacts to the brain by calming it down and acting as a depressant.
• Klonopin: This type of benzo treats panic attacks and manages chemical imbalances within the brain. It can also be used to treat seizures within children.

When abused, each of these benzos can have serious side effects. This is why they are highly monitored by doctors who prescribe them. It is important to watch out for signs of benzo addiction within yourself or a loved one.

Benzos are a very helpful type of medication when used as they’re supposed to be. Unfortunately, an individual’s body can become used to the original dosage amount. This can cause them to start to misuse the medication and even steal or buy it illegally.

Because of this, our staff at Chapel Hill Detox wants loved ones to be aware of the signs of benzo addiction. If you suspect someone you know has fallen victim, we have compiled some ways to monitor their behavior. This will allow you to determine whether or not they have become dependent on the substance.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Because benzos are a prescribed substance, addiction can oftentimes be difficult to pinpoint. Although it’s not easy, there are ways to spot benzo addiction. Some of the different behavioral and physical signs can include:

• Disheveled appearance like not showering or changing clothes
• Mood swings or spurts of anger that come out of nowhere
• Talking about when they can fill their prescription
• Becoming reclusive and distant from family and friends
• Constantly feeling tired due to the benzos depressant nature
• Impaired coordination and slow reflexes
• Being secretive about their whereabouts or the money they’re spending

Treatment Options for Benzo Abuse in Florida

Benzo addiction is not something to ignore. Our staff at Chapel Hill wants you to know that recovery is possible. We offer many different types and levels of treatment for all individuals and addictions.

What Level of Treatment Do You Need?

The level of benzo treatment needed to assess and treat your addiction all depends on the severity. After you are placed into our care, our staff will perform an initial evaluation to determine which treatment is best for your needs. After a plan of action has been created, we will immediately begin the process.

Our compassionate staff will do everything in their power to help you achieve your goals in recovery. No matter the level needed, they will be by your side every step of the way.