Benzo Detox

Benzodiazepines, commonly called benzos, are classified as CNS (central nervous system depressants) and are commonly prescribed to people who struggle with anxiety and panic disorders. These medications can also be used to help people who struggle with seizures and insomnia. When taken on a short-term and as-needed basis, these pills can be very helpful to those who need them, but also extremely addictive if taken long term, leading to the need for ‘benzo detox.’ Sadly, they have a very high potential for abuse due to the powerful mood and mind-altering properties they contain. Anyone who struggles with physical or mental dependence on these pills should seek professional help from a medically supervised detox in California.

Overcoming the withdrawals associated with this drug class is not only very difficult and painful, but it can also be dangerous and life-threatening. Benzodiazepines are one of the few drug classes in which the detox can cause a seizure which has the potential to be fatal. It is imperative that those who struggle with substance abuse disorder receive the help they need and deserve. Going about this alone is never suggested, please seek out help from a benzodiazepine detox center. Divine Detox understands how difficult and dangerous it can be to try and detox from benzos without proper medication. Our staff of medical and addiction professionals is here to ensure not only your safety but your comfort. It has been proven that being comfortable throughout the detox process greatly increases one’s chance of getting clean.

A Prescribed Problem

Not everyone who is physically dependent on benzos is an addict. There are tens of thousands of people out there who have developed a tolerance that leads to physical dependence by just taking their medications as prescribed by a doctor. Benzodiazepines are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Pills like Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin have become household names and are used by millions of people yearly. With such a large quantity of these pills out there it is no surprise that they have made their way to be a popular street drug.

Between 1996 and 2013, the number of people over the age of 18 who filled a benzo prescription increased by a massive 67%. In 1996 there were 8.1 million people who filled a prescription, by 2013 that number jumped to 13.5 million. Not only have the number of prescriptions risen, but the quantity of benzos being received has also risen substantially. Unlike opiates, which prescribing peaked in 2012 and has been on a steady decline since then, the prescribing of benzodiazepines has been on the rise for years. The risk of an overdose occurring increases by nearly 400% when benzos are combined with other substances like alcohol or opiates. Sadly, rates of co-prescribing benzodiazepines and opioids have almost doubled between 2001 and 2013. Overdose deaths involving

Benzodiazepines increased more than sevenfold between 1999 and 2015. There were over 22,000 deaths linked to prescription drugs in 2013, more than 30% of those deaths involved benzodiazepines. On top of this, more than 20% of people who died of a heroin or fentanyl-related overdose also tested positive for benzodiazepines. It is obvious that these pills have become a serious issue throughout the country. The need for high-quality benzo detoxes in Southern California has never been higher.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity and duration of withdrawals will vary from person to person and is typically determined by a few main factors, including how much they use, how often they use, how long they have been using, and if they are using long-acting or short-acting benzos. Those who have been recreationally using and these pills for eight years will have much more severe withdrawals than someone who has been taking them as prescribed for two months.

Xanax is the most prescribed medication in the benzo family and is classified as intermediate-acting. Ativan and Klonopin are also classified as intermediate-acting. Halcion and Versed are short-acting, while Valium and Librium are long-acting. The effects of short-acting benzos can be felt in about 30 minutes after using the drug, while long-acting can take over an hour. The withdrawals associated with short-acting benzos occur quicker and are typically more intense than long-acting. Withdrawal can start just a few hours after the

user’s last use for short-acting benzos, long-acting can take more than 24 hours. These withdrawals are extremely unpleasant and can cause intense physical and mental anguish. As time goes on and the user doesn’t use it again, their symptoms will become more and more severe. Benzo withdrawals start with mild sweating, crawling skin, racing thoughts, increased anxiety, drug cravings, and muscle spasms. As time passes these discomforts will become more severe. Extreme cold sweats cover the goosebump layered skin, as the struggling individual’s mind races. They will have an upset stomach, vomit frequently, and have uncontrollable bowel movements. Increased anxiety and mood swings will keep the individual restless. They will also experience muscle cramps, achy joints, watering eyes, and headaches. In severe cases, the individual is at a high risk of having a seizure which has the potential to be fatal.

Finding a Benzo Detox

If you or a loved one are currently struggling with substance abuse issues, please do not hesitate to contact our toll-free line today. A specialist at Divine Detox is standing by ready to help you through this difficult time however they can. Calls into our detox center are always free of charge and completely confidential. Please do not try to do this alone and without proper medical assistance, help is available, call today.

Divine Detox logo, addiction treatment center in Simi Valley CA
DHCS-White