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Tag: Benzodiazepine Addiction Help

  • Five (5) facts about benzodiazepine withdrawal (you need to know)

    Five (5) facts about benzodiazepine withdrawal (you need to know)

    Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be debilitating. The limbic system in the brain kicks into overdrive. Symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, and panic are common. How can you support yourself during the months-years long process of detox from benzos? Quitting a benzodiazepine medication can be made easier if you are prepared for what to expect and equipped with the right information about what benzo addiction is, how you can find the best addiction treatment program for you, and the rehab process entail. Learn more in this Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Programs and Help guide. With a section at the end for your questions and comments.

    Benzos overexcite our minds and bodies

    Before we talk about what you can do to support yourself when going through benzodiazepine withdrawal, let’s review how benzos affect the brain.

    There are two opposing systems in the brain: the glutamate and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) systems. Think of glutamate as the gas pedal: it excites things into action. GABA, on the other hand, puts on the brakes. Benzodiazepines damage GABA receptors so that glutamate is free to run rampant, overly exciting everything in our bodies.

    Without enough working GABA receptors to calm down the excitement from glutamate, our central nervous system goes into overdrive. The limbic system, the region of the brain responsible for flight, fight or freeze kicks into action around the clock. We experience:

    • fear
    • terror
    • debilitating panic

    Derealization and depersonalization are common withdrawal symptoms, as well. Severe depression, crushing fatigue, weakness, dizziness, burning skin, and a host of other debilitating symptoms can occur from taking a benzodiazepine.

    We’re still learning about benzo withdrawal

    It’s true that not everyone taking a benzo will experience a horrific withdrawal. Genetic mutations are the suspected culprits that cause the drug to mangle some brains but not others. However, the exact pathway of damage is not yet known.

    What we do know about the experience of detoxing from benzo withdrawal comes from the collective stories of people who have survived it. The Internet is helping collect information about withdrawal and to disseminate more accurate facts to help people better navigate benzo withdrawal.

    Five (5) benzodiazepine withdrawal facts

    Here are five (5) of the facts that everyone taking a benzodiazepine should know:

    1.  Going to a doctor who is not benzo-wise can make you worse.

    Most doctors are not very well educated about the dangers of benzos or the withdrawal process and symptoms. It is important that you educate yourself by studying the Ashton Manual, the gold standard to date for getting off a benzo. You may want to join one of the new online benzo communities run by benzo survivors that are springing up in response to the global need for help and guidance in benzo withdrawal.

    Rehabs and detox centers are not the place to go to stop taking a benzo. Both taper patients off very quickly, which shocks the brain so to speak. This can result in a more symptomatic and longer withdrawal.

    TIP 1: Consult with a medical doctor with experience in benzodiazepine withdrawal.

    2.  Time is the only thing that heals.

    There are no pills, potions, or lotions that speed up the healing process or make it go away. Some things can take the edge off, however. Many of those things come with a steep price tag of their own to pay when you want to stop taking them. It may be better to gut out withdrawal without adding insult to injury.

    Many drugs, vitamins and supplements make us worse, not better. Compiling the stories of so many that have gone though withdrawal we now know that vitamin D, vitamin B and magnesium often rev up our symptoms. Further, herbs and supplements that work on GABA receptors should be avoided. Kava Kava, Valerian, Phenibut, and Chamomille are known to cause problems.

    Medical marijuana usually makes people have an increase in symptoms. Anxiety, depersonalization, derealization, fear, paranoia and panic can result from smoking or eating edibles. CBD, (cannabidiol) is a marijuana compound that does not cause a high. It is not psychoactive like THC. CBD has been shown to reduce seizures and pain. However, some people in benzo withdrawal react negatively to it. It is best to avoid the use of medical marijuana in benzo withdrawal.

    Many naturopaths, acupuncturists and functional medicine doctors like to prescribe vitamins and supplements. You must do your homework before you agree to take any thing no matter how natural or organic it may be. Not sure how to find out if what you want to take is known to cause problems? Join one of the many online benzo groups and ask other members. Remember, we can’t rely on doctors (yet) because they are not educated about benzo withdrawal. They mean well, however, the often harm instead of help.

    TIP 2: Avoid the following vitamins and supplements:

    • Chamomille
    • Kava Kava
    • Magnesium
    • Medical marijuana
    • Phenibut
    • Valerian
    • Vitamin B
    • Vitamin D
    • Any herbs and supplements that work on GABA receptors

    3.  Watch what you eat. Food can trigger an avalanche of symptoms.

    It’s not just drugs, vitamins, herbs or supplements that can cause an unbearable spike in benzo symptoms. Food can trigger very uncomfortable reactions as well. Many people going through benzo withdrawal become food sensitive. I couldn’t eat garbanzo beans without an increase in symptoms. Salmon revved up my symptoms too. Cane sugar and honey can increase withdrawal symptoms.

    Monosodium glutamate (MSG) needs to be avoided. It is an excitotoxin. Food additives, colorings, preservatives and artificial sugars can increase withdrawal symptoms. Sugar substitutes such a xylitol have been known to cause severe gastro problems. Caffeine and alcohol also make us much worse and should be avoided.

    Benzo survivors usually try many different eating styles in order to feel better. Some try the GAPS diet, while others go Paleo. Some become strict vegans, while others just shun gluten. Diet is personal choice that only you can decide for yourself. Nothing to date speeds up the healing of the damaged GABA receptors, however, some diets do allow us to feel a bit better than others.

    TIP 3: Find a diet that works for you. Look into GAPS, Paleo, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Avoid certain foods like:

    • Alcohol
    • Artificial sugars or sugar substitutes
    • Caffeine
    • Cane sugar
    • Food additives, preservatives, or coloring
    • Garbanzo beans
    • Honey
    • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
    • Salmon

    4.  Don’t up dose or reinstate unless it is to save your life.

    One of the worse pieces of advice people are given in benzo withdrawal is to take more of the drug if they are struggling while tapering, or to reinstate (go back on the drug) if they are off.

    A process called “kindling” can take place once you have been exposed to a benzodiazepine. No one knows exactly what takes place in the brain to cause this phenomenon. However, we know that it exists. If you go down in dose then go up, getting back down can be even harder the second time. The brain has been “kindled.”

    If you are off the drug, especially for more than four (4) weeks, going back on the drug can backfire. You may become tolerant to the dose you reinstate on, and up dosing will not bring relief. You may be far more symptomatic and tapering may be brutally hard.

    TIP 4: Keep moving down in dose. Once off, stay off, unless you feel your life may be in danger.

    5.  Chances are good your old anxiety will be history!

    Many people who have navigated benzo withdrawal find that the original complaint that drove them to see their doctor is long gone after withdrawal ends. You may be frightened in the midst of withdrawal and feel that your old anxiety has returned. That is your damaged brain misfiring fear.

    You’ll know when withdrawal ends if you still have your original anxiety. (you’ll be able to seek appropriate help if you feel you need to do so.) Once we are healed, many of us feel we are made of titanium. We’ve lived through hell on earth. Nothing much ruffles our feathers. Chances are good that you will feel this way, too.

    TIP 5: No matter how much fear, anxiety and panic you have in withdrawal, know that once your brain heals, it will fade away. The amount of fear you feel in the depths of withdrawal is not the way you will feel the rest of your life.

    Freedom from benzos is a new beginning

    Benzo withdrawal is not a walk in the park for many. However, getting free from the drug increases your health and possibly your life span. For the millions who have gotten free, a whole new life awaits! Many are happier and far healthier than they were pre-benzo or on a benzo.

    You can get free!

    You can be whole, happy and healthy again.

    If you are struggling, please send us a message in the comments section below. We’ll do our best to respond to you personally and promptly.

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • How long do benzos stay in your system?

    How long do benzos stay in your system?

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Benzodiazepines can be detected up to 30 days in urine although chronic use (1+ years) can be detected 4–6 weeks after last dose in urine. Benzos can also be detected in serum and plasma for 12 hours to 2 days after last dose.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Taking Benzos

    Benzodiazepines, or “Benzos”, are one of the most powerful tranquilizer sedatives prescribed by doctors. As a central nervous system depressant, benzodiazepine can be highly effective. However, benzos vary in terms of uses, active times and addictive qualities. When taken recreationally, people use these meds for sedative effect, or to enhance the effects of alcohol or opioids…but also increase addictive potential.

    Medically, benzodiazepines are prescribed to induce sleep, relieve anxiety, to sedate, treat muscle spasms and prevent seizures. Benzos can also be prescribed during alcohol withdrawal, or used to treat anxiety related disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. They should only be prescribed for short periods of time.

    Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed and taken orally, but some people use benzos without a prescription from a doctor. This is illegal and can be very dangerous. Some use intravenous injection after preparing a solution from crushed tablets. Commercially available liquid forms can also be injected, and gel forms can be rectally administered.

    The list below shows some of the different generic and brand names of benzodiazepines:

    • Bromazepam: Lexotan.
    • Clonazepam: Rivotril.
    • Diazepam: Valium, Ducene, Antenex.
    • Flunitrazepam: Rohypnol, Hypnodorm.
    • Lorazepam: Ativan.
    • Nitrazepam: Mogadon, Alodorm.
    • Oxazepam: Serepax, Murelax, Alepam.
    • Temazepam: Euhypnos, Normison, Temaze.

    Some slang names for benzos are rowies, serries, moggies, vals, V, normies, downers, tranks and sleepers.

    Main Effects

    The effects of benzodiazepines can be divided into immediate and long-term effects and may last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the dose and type of benzo you take.

    The immediate effects can include that you:

    • Become confused or dizzy.
    • Cannot judge distances or movement properly.
    • Cannot remember things from just a short time ago.
    • Feel drowsy, sleepy or tired.
    • Feel really good.
    • Feel relaxed.
    • Have blurred or double vision.
    • Have mood swings.
    • Have no energy.
    • Slur your words or stutter.

    If you use benzodiazepines often for a long time, you may:

    • Be cranky.
    • Be depressed.
    • Be hungrier and put on weight.
    • Experience fatigue or drowsiness.
    • Feel sick in the stomach.
    • Get skin rashes.
    • Have dreams that make you feel bad.
    • Have headaches.
    • Have menstrual problems if you are a woman.
    • Have no energy or interest in doing normal things.
    • Lose interest in sex, or your body will not work properly during sex.

    Factors that Influence Metabolism

    Not everyone reacts to benzos the same way. In fact, there are a number of factors that play into how these types of drugs effect you and how you metabolize them. For example, your current mood, past experience with benzodiazepines, and whether you use alone or with others, at home or at a party can also include outcomes.
    Generally, benzodiazepine metabolism depends on:

    • How many tablets and what dose you take.
    • Route of administration.
    • Whether you use benzos on their own or with other drugs.
    • Your general health.
    • Your height and weight.

    Peak Levels And Half-Life

    Peak levels and drug half life of benzos depend upon the particular drug prescribed, dosage, interval between doses, and route of administration. Longer half-life benzodiazepines have a more sustained effect, although some may accumulate. In general, benzos can be divided into these three categories:

    Ultra short acting benzos: The half-life of ultra short acting benzodiazepines is less than 5 hours. These drugs are essentially non-accumulating.

    Short acting and intermediate benzos: This class of benzodiazepines have half-life values from 5-24 hours and can be dosed more frequently. Accumulation during multiple dosage is less extensive than with the long-acting group, and diminishes as the half-life becomes shorter.

    Long acting benzos: Long acting benzodiazepines have half-life values usually exceeding 24 hours. Drugs in this category have long acting pharmacologically active metabolites, which accumulate extensively during multiple dosage.

    Blood, Hair, And Urine Sample Tests

    Testing cutoff concentrations for benzodiazepine are at 200 ng/ml. So how long do benzos stay in the body?

    Blood: Benzos can be detected in serum and plasma for 12 hours to 2 days after last dose.

    Hair: Hair samples are usually not used to detect benzodiazepines. While some popular medicines like diazepam may regularly be detected via this method, false negative results and variability in performance make this test less standard.

    Urine: Benzodiazepines can be detected up to 30 days in urine although chronic use (1+ years) can be detected 4–6 weeks after last dose in urine.

    You can find a full list of Drug Tests approved by the FDA here. [1]

    Benzodiazepines are now part of most routine drug screening procedures. Most standard drug screens are usually unable to distinguish between different benzodiazepines. Since a number of benzodiazepines share common pathways of metabolism, it is not possible to test for the abuse of specific benzodiazepines such as diazepam or temazepam. It is also difficult for drug tests to detect ‘low’ dose benzodiazepine use.

    Tolerance and Dependence

    Anyone can develop a ‘tolerance’ to benzodiazepines. Tolerance means that you must take more of the drug to feel the same effects you used to have with smaller amounts or lower doses. This may happen very quickly with benzodiazepines.

    Physical dependence occurs when you regularly take benzos for period of a few weeks or longer. In fact, most of the drugs in this class of medications should be prescribed for 6 weeks or less, due to the phenomenon of dependence. According to this 2015 article published in the Australian Prescriber [2]:

    Any patient who has taken a benzodiazepine for longer than 3–4 weeks is likely to have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is ceased abruptly. The risk of inducing dependence can be reduced by issuing prescriptions limited to 1–2 weeks supply.

    When you become drug-dependent, your brain has adapted to the psychoactive chemicals found in the benzodiazepine by compensation, in this cases, “speeding up” certain processes or functions. It does this to balance out the sedative, depressant effects of the strong benzo drug in your system. When you significantly lower dosage or quit altogether, it takes time for the brain to find homeostasis again. So, withdrawal symptoms occur.

    However, benzo dependence is not limited to physical dependence. ‘Psychological dependence’ on benzodiazepines is also possible. When a benzo takes up a lot of your thoughts, emotions, and activities…you might be hooked on it. People who are psychologically dependent spend a lot of time thinking about using benzodiazepines, looking for them, using them, and getting over the effects of using them. You may also find it difficult to stop using or control how much you use. This kind of dependence, also known as addiction, can lead to a variety of health, money, legal, work and relationship problems.

    Not all people who ever use benzodiazepines become dependent. But it is very easy to become dependent on benzodiazepines and it can happen within four weeks.

    Withdrawal

    People who are dependent on benzodiazepines find it very hard to stop using them or cut down because of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal often involves “rebound” symptoms related to the original problem. So, if you were taking the meds to control anxiety, your anxiety can be amplified. Likewise for sleeping problems.
    Still, suddenly stopping using benzodiazepines can be dangerous. You should get help and withdraw gradually if you have been using benzos regularly or using high doses of them. Tapering guidelines outlined by Dr. Heather Ashton are consider the go-to medical guidance for safely coming off these strong drugs. [3]

    Symptoms of benzo withdrawal can include:

    • Being confused or depressed.
    • Convulsions.
    • Disturbed sleep.
    • Feeling nervous or tense.
    • Feeling afraid or thinking other people want to hurt you.
    • Feeling distant or not connected with other people or things.
    • Flu-like symptoms.
    • Heavier menstrual bleeding and breast pain in women.
    • Pain, stiffness or muscle aches or spasms.
    • Panicking and feeling anxious.
    • Shaking.
    • Sharpened or changed senses (e.g. Noises seem louder than usual).

    Signs of a Problem

    There is significant concern regarding overprescribing of benzodiazepines and the resultant harms. People who are benzodiazepine dependent or at risk because of misuse should be identified and appropriately assessed to determine their risk of harm.

    You may have a problem if you present any of these characteristics:

    • Amnesia.
    • Appearance of dementia.
    • Benzodiazepine overdose.
    • Blurry vision.
    • Confusion.
    • Disturbing dreams.
    • Drowsiness.
    • Hostility.
    • Instability when walking or moving.
    • Irritability.
    • Judgment alteration.
    • Lack of coordination.
    • Reduced inhibition.

    Furthermore, these medicines can be addictive. Since many benzodiazepine addictions start out as prescriptions, it can be challenging to notice when a person becomes addicted. Once a person has become addicted to benzodiazepines, they may appear detached and apathetic. They may begin removing themselves from normal family and social activities and lose interest in hobbies and maintaining relationships.

    The main signs of benzodiazepine addiction include:

    1. Continued use, despite harm to health, work, or relationships.
    2. Feeling that you cannot function without the medicine.
    3. Trying to quit but being unable to stop.
    4. Using benzos to get high.

    Prescribing interventions, substitution, psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies all contribute to the management of benzodiazepine dependence.

    Risks of Misuse

    The way a person uses benzodiazepines can also cause some problems. If you take a very high dose of benzodiazepines alone or with other drugs, you can depress the respiratory system, go into a coma or die. Injecting benzodiazepines that are intended to be swallowed in tablet/capsule form can also cause severe damage to veins, leading to loss of limbs from poor circulation, organ damage or stroke. Injecting benzodiazepines with used or dirty injecting equipment makes you more likely to get infected with HIV, hepatitis B or C, get blood poisoning and skin abscesses.

    NOTE HERE: To minimize possible harm, avoid injecting benzos. If you do, DO NOT SHARE fits (needles and syringes), spoons, water, filters, alcohol swabs, or tourniquets.

    Benzos and Addiction

    Do you have problems with Benzodiazepines? If you think that you have a problem (with any chemical or drug), you probably do. Ask yourself, why you are taking it? And you will have an answer. We understand some benzodiazepines are more addictive than others and the problems they can cause.

    You are not alone. In fact, once you are ready to face potential addiction to drugs, help is available. If you think that you are addicted to benzos, please email us or write us a comment below. We would love to hear from you and are here to help you get treatment.

    Reference Sources: [1] FDA: Drugs Of Abuse Test
    [2] NCBI: Management Of Benzodiazepine Misuse And Dependence
    [3] New Castle University: Benzodiazepines: How They Work And How To Withdraw
    FDA: Drug Safety
    NIDA: Well-Known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines’ Addictive Properties
    NIH: Detection OF Benzodiazepines AND Z-Drugs IN Hair Using AN Uhplc-Ms/Ms Validated Method: Application TO Workplace Drug Testing
    SAMHSA: FDA Regulation Of Drugs Of Abuse Tests
    STATE OF NJ: Benzodiazepine Addiction Help And Treatment In New Jersey

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse

    Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW:Benzodiazepines act on the brain by slowing down its activity. But they are one of the most abused medications in U.S. Check out the recent statistics on how many people abuse benzos and what the possible treatment options are here.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 7 minutes

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    Benzodiazepines can be dangerous.

    Understanding Benzodiazepines

    Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are pharmaceutical medications that are used for many mental issues such as panic attacks, seizures, or anxiety. Sometimes, they are used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Below is a list of the generic names of benzos, and well as their brand names:

    • Alprazolam – Xanax
    • Clonazepam – Klonopin
    • Diazepam – Valium
    • Lorazepam – Ativan
    • Temazepam – Restoril

    These medications are classified as Schedule IV by the Controlled Substances Act [1] which means that they have a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.But, benzos can be really addictive, and dangerous medications. In fact, a NIDA study has found that these medications cause addiction in a similar way as opioids, cannabinoids, and GHB. [2]

    Many researchers have come to understand that benzodiazepines have their own addictive potential. But there is still no strong movement to classify them as dangerous, even though they are.

    Finally, it is important to know that benzodiazepines are part of a drug classification type known as “depressants” because they work to slow down the brain. Theyare divided into two main groups: tranquilizers and sedatives. Moreover, benzodiazepines can be divided according to the length of time they are active in the body, which is measured by the half-life of each medication:

    1. Short-acting benzodiazepines. These benzos have a short half-life, which means they are processed more quickly, and leave the body faster.

    2. Long-acting benzodiazepines. These medicines have a long half-life, which means they stay in the body longer because are processed more slowly.

    Benzos can have a serious effect on your health.

    Benzodiazepines Effects and Abuse

    Benzodiazepines act directly on the central nervous system by binding with GABA receptors. This leads to slowing down brain function and relieving metal stress. In addition, benzos may produce euphoria, especially if used for a long period of time.And when you get high on benzos over the long run, benzos can put your health in serious risk.

    But, when do you abuse benzodizepines?

    Any use of benzodiazepines without a doctor’s recommendation is considered abuse. Also, if you take benzos in a way as not recommended by your doctor, this is considered abuse. If you crush, inject, chew, or snort benzos, you are abusing the drug. Some of the negative physical and mental side effects caused by benzo abuse include:

    • Anxiety
    • Blurred vision
    • Blunted emotions
    • Confusion
    • Dizziness
    • Depression
    • Drowsiness
    • Headaches
    • Lack of motor coordination
    • Loss of self-confidence
    • Memory lapses
    • Physical weakness
    • Poor judgment
    • Problems breathing
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Slurred speech
    • Tremors

    Additionally, abusing benzodiazepines can affect your personal life, not just your health. Some of the negative consequences may include:

    • Financial problems
    • Losing close friends
    • Problems with family
    • Troubles performing in work/school duties

    Benzos can be addictive.

    Benzodiazepines and Other Drugs

    People who work with addiction report that benzodiazepines are rarely abused by their own, and they are not typically the first drug of choice. Usually, these medications are often used in combination with other substances.The most recent SAMHSA DAWN report shows that during 7 years, almost a million emergency department visits occurred due to combination of benzodiazepines with opioid painkillers, alcohol, or other substances. [3]

    Alcohol, painkillers, and other benzos are the most common substances used in combination with benzodiazepines.

    Why do people combine benzos with other substances? Some of the reasons people mix benzos with other drugs are to boost the effect of the two drugs together. Others believe that mixing prescription pills is a safer practice than mixing illicit drugs with alcohol or other substances. However, there are way too many risks and dangers connected with mixing benzodiazepines and other substances.The main dangers include:

    1. Drug synergism.

    When you use medications with similar effects, the final outcome you can get is drug synergism. Both substances can produce high, enhanced, significantly increased effects. Meaning that 2+2 won’t be 4, it may be 8 or 10, or even higher.

    2. Increased risk of overdose.

    Mixing any two substances increase the chances for fatal overdose. It’s hard to overcome an overdose on one substance, but imagine what could happen if you OD on two. Smaller amounts of two different substances are needed to cause suppressed breathing, and/or organ failure that can result in death.

    3. Slow physical reactions.

    Because of synergistic effects of both drugs, you may experience slow motor reaction, lack of coordination, and impairment.

    4. Decreased cognition.

    You may experience decreased cognitive ability because of the enhanced effects of the both substances. This can lead to impaired judgment that can put you in risky situations and bad decisions.

    5. Increased potential for acute conditions.

    Mixing benzodiazepines with other substances increases the potential for heart attack, stroke, seizures, psychosis, or suicidal tendencies.

    6. Increased the risk for addiction.

    Long-term abuse of mixing benzos with other substances increase the risk of drug dependence and addiction. Withdrawal from two substances can lead to fatal outcomes, and treatment is a must.

    7. Increased risk of mental health disorder.

    Prolonged polydrug use increases the probability to develop some mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or stress disorders.

    Call us to discuss benzodiazepine addiction.

    Benzodiazepine Abuse Statistics

    There is a benzo problem in the U.S. So, if you’re facing an addiction, you are not alone. Take a look at these numbers and then give us a call to talk about getting out of the cycle. You don’t need to live with the need for benzodiazepines every day.

    According to the 2017 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, about 5.5 million people aged 12 or older were current abusers of benzodiazepine tranquilizers,and 202,000 people aged 12 or older were current abusers of benzodiazepine sedatives.[4] This break downs by types of benzodiazepine as follows.

     

    Moreover, the Surgeon General’s Report in 2015 stated that 18.9 million individuals misused benzodiazepines [5]:

    • 6.1 million people misused tranquilizers such as Xanax.
    • 1.5 million people misused sedatives such as Valium.

    Additionally, the 2014 DAWN Report of 2014 found that people came to hospitals for overdoses in the hundreds of thousands. From 2005 to 2011,over 943K emergency department visits involved benzodiazepine overdose alone or in combination with opioid pain relievers, or alcohol, or other substances. The benzodiazepine-only visits happened among all ages:

    • 174,998 aged 12 to 34
    • 88,644 aged 35 to 44
    • 150,780 aged 45 to 64
    • 72,575 aged 65 and older

    Finally, the CDC Report on Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths showed that about 6,000 overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in 2014 including [6]:

    • 4,217 people died from alprazolam overdose
    • 1,729 people died from diazepam overdose

    Are you using more and more?

    Don’t wait until it’s too late.

    Make the first step to recovery. Reach out for help and call us today.

    Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today.

    How Does Addiction to Benzos Develop?

    Benzodiazepines aren’t supposed to be used for longer than a week or two at any one period of time. This is because benzos trigger drug dependence.

    When your body and brain adapt to the presence of the benzos as normal, you cannot function without them. The medication highjacks your brain and changes it.

    Is this cycle real?

    Yes.

    One analytical study reported that about a third of people who use benzodiazepines for more than 6 months develop drug dependence and tolerance [7].Another study published in the medical journal, Addictive Behaviors, reports that more 40% of chronic benzodiazepine users become dependent. [8]

    If you take benzo medications for about a month, it is very likely you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly. Withdrawal is a sign that you have become dependent on the drug.Moreover, withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and uncomfortable. Always seek medical supervision when you want to quit a benzodiazepine.

    Caught in a cycle? Addiction is treatable.

    Treating a Benzodiazepine Addiction

    Benzodiazepine addiction is a treatable condition.

    First, you can safely quit these medications by enrolling into treatment program that follows tapering protocols.Tapering involves lowering benzodiazepine daily doses down gradually and slowly. Usually, it takes about 10 or more weeks to finally stop taking the medication. Check out the Ashton Manual to find more information on tapering schedules. [9]

    Then, you can address the reasons why you use benzos. This is done through talk therapy. If you’re self-medicating for anxiety or depression, you can get to the heart of these issues. If you’re mixing benzos with other drugs, you’ll look at why.

    Most people use drugs to feel better.

    Rehabs teach us how to feel better naturally. Basically, we can feel healthy and happy without the need for mind changing drugs. Instead, we adapt healthier habits. This is the main goal of an addiction treatment program.

    Inpatient programs are created for people who deal with severe levels of addiction, and can benefit from time away from a home environment. They live at the facility and are monitored 24/7. Also, this program offers constant medical care conducted by qualified addiction professionals.

    Outpatient programs are designed for individuals with mild levels of addiction. These patients follow their recommended tapering schedule, and only come and go to the facility for few hours, several day per week.

    You can quit benzos. Call us to begin treatment.

    How to Beat a Benzodiazepine Addiction

    Benzodiazepine addiction can ruin your life… but you don’t need to hit rock bottom! Take action today. Call us to discuss treatment options! We can help.

    Give us a call to talk about how benzodiazepines are affecting you. You don’t need to suffer alone. Break through the silence and talk with a compassionate operator. We know addiction. We can get you help.

    And, if you have any questions, please write to us in the comments section at the end. We try to respond to all real life questions personally and promptly.

    Call us and start over. You can live drug-free!

    Reference Sources:
    [1] DEA: Drug Scheduling
    [2] NIDA: Well-Known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines’ Addictive Properties
    [3] SAMHSA: DAWN Report
    [4] SAMHSA: National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 2017
    [5] NCBI: Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health
    [6] CDC: Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths:United States, 2010–2014
    [7] NCBI:Benzodiazepine harm: How can it be reduced?
    [8]NCBI: The Benzodiazepine Dependence Questionnaire
    [9] Benzo: The Ashton Manual

    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Get Rid Of Benzodiazepines Once And For All

    Get Rid Of Benzodiazepines Once And For All

    Despite the fact that benzodiazepines are taken by illicit drug users, many people became dependent on them as a result of medical treatment. When trying to discontinue benzodiazepines the most important thing to have into consideration are the withdrawal difficulties. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be quite dangerous mainly because of the shock to the nervous system through inappropriate and dangerous tapering methods such as detox and abrupt discontinuation.

    Considering to free yourself from taking benzodiazepine, but don’t know how? In this article, we review the safe ways to get rid of benzodiazepines once and for all. Then, your questions are welcomed at the end of the page.

    Is Benzodiazepine Addiction Normal?

    Regardless of recommendations to limit benzodiazepines to short-term use, in the timeline of 2 (two) to 4 (four) weeks, doctors are still prescribing these medications long term, for months or years. The over-prescribing benzodiazepine trend has resulted in large populations of long-term users who have become dependent and has also led to the increase of illicit benzodiazepine drug traffic.

    Anyone can become dependent and/or addicted to benzodiazepines. Individuals who take bezos more than several weeks risk to develop tolerance and physical dependence. After repeated use for months users and/or abusers develop benzodiazepine addiction. Coming off benzodiazepines can be challenging resulting with feelings of losses, isolation. Most benzodiazepine abusers feel misunderstood and unsupported when they decide to quit these medication. The extremely uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal is what leads so many people to the emergency rooms.

    If you want to get rid of benzodiazepines once and for all, it’s best to go through a medically supervised detox to ensure your life and health safety.

    What Are The Characteristics Of Benzodiazepine Dependence?

    Benzodiazepines are medications with high level of dependency. Medical practice has shown that 50-80% of people who regularly take low doses of benzodiazepines for longer than a few months will develop a physical tolerance and become dependent. As the lack of recognition of benzodiazepine dependency is common, it often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed. Be alert for dependency, even though it may not be initially identified as a problem. Benzodiazepine dependence is usually visible through physical and psychological signs. Individuals with benzodiazepines dependency usually have the following symptoms:

    • Experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit
    • Find it extremely difficult to stop taking benzodiazepines
    • Have cravings for their benzodiazepines
    • Lose their ability to respond to the effects from benzodiazepine, so they increase their dose to be able to achieve
    • The same effect
    • Need benzodiazepines to function normally
    • Unable to cope without their benzodiazepine pills

    Unless users are well informed about the risks associated with long term benzodiazepine use, they are likely to continue to use them and end up developing dependency. In the short-term, benzodiazepines are very effective in relieving the symptoms of anxiety and promoting sleep. People who use them will feel much better and will often choose to continue using them because they have not been warned about the risks.

    What Do The Experts Say About Benzodiazepines?

    Dr. Jennifer Leigh, Psy.D. says that Benzo withdrawal can take years and they can kill you. Benzodiazepines kill people. They can totally obliterate people’s lives when they try to stop taking them. Granted, not every benzo user will experience extreme benzo withdrawal, but a good proportion will. Benzos are dangerous at any dose and even when used for a few days. Poll a group of benzo survivors and you’ll hear horror stories from people who took them for a handful of days, and then took years to heal.

    Benzodiazepines destroy lives. That’s the bottom line. For those of us in the trenches healing from their damage, we are busy trying to put our lives back together again from the debilitating emotional and physical symptoms benzo withdrawal causes. Add in the bankruptcy, abandonment, divorce, and homelessness that withdrawal can cause, and you understand our grumbling when the media doesn’t portray the real reasons why benzos are dangerous.

    Jillian Jesser talks about hope in the treatment of benzodiazepines. The new data did confirm impaired cognitive abilities persist six months after the detox/withdrawal period of chronic benzo use. However, there is an important “but” to that statement. Some of the specific cognitive skills need a longer period of recovery to improve, so six months should not be used a benchmark for “full recovery.”

    Another important area of hope in treating the thinking, reasoning and other impairment issues that result from long-term benzo use is the new area of neuroplasticity. This means that the brain can be retrained and that the brain can actually change in structure resulting in cognitive improvement.

    How Can You Get Rid Of Benzodiazepines?

    Addiction counselors and doctors treat benzodiazepine dependence with gradual reduction of the doses people usually take.

    Doctor’s advice is that benzodiazepine dosage should be tapered gradually in cases where the individual was a long time users/abuser. Abrupt withdrawal, especially from high doses, can cause convulsions, acute psychotic states and panic reactions. Even with slow withdrawal from smaller doses, psychiatric symptoms sometimes appear and anxiety can be severe.

    Withdrawal from Benzos is different in every dependent individual, but it usually last from 6-8 weeks to a few months and some for some people it may last even up to a year. Addiction professionals advise that very slow rates of withdrawal might prolong the agony, and that although symptoms may be more severe with more rapid withdrawal, they do not last so long. But the tapering dynamics should be in accordance with the individual case of the person.

    The size of each dosage reduction depends on the starting dose. Individuals who used higher doses can usually tolerate larger dose reduction than those on lower doses. The reduction would of course vary according to the type of the abused benzodiazepine. But the scariest thing for addicts is stopping the last few milligrams. This is so mainly because of fears about how they will cope without their Bezos at all. However, doctors and addiction counselors constantly provide psychological support and encouragement to addicts reminding about the new sense of freedom when you completely come off Benzos.

    Guide on best practices and psychotherapy treatment for benzodiazepine treatment. What are the exact ways that counselors or mental health professionals treat benzodiazepine dependence? Describe the steps and/or treatments.

    Residential Vs Counselling Treatment: What Works Best?

    There are divided opinions on the matter of should you choose residential setting or home setting for benzodiazepine withdrawal. Some favour treating people in a counselling setting rather than treating them in hospital or a residential withdrawal facility. Benzodiazepine addiction treatment results show slow reduction of as the safest, most cost effective and most successful way for people to become pill-free. Slow reduction is best achieved in a counselling or home based withdrawal setting.

    Residential withdrawal is recommended only in the following cases:

    • Cases of more severe medical problems
    • History of withdrawal seizures
    • Psychiatric disorder as well as benzodiazepine dependency
    • If the person is a high dose user
    • In case the individual feels that they will be able to reduce their dose more successfully in residential setting
    • If the individual is a polydrug user

    Who Can Help You With Benzodiazepine Dependence?

    When facing benzodiazepine dependence and looking for help, you can always trust this issue into the hands of:

    • Addiction counselors
    • Doctors
    • Licensed psychiatrist
    • Physicians
    Reference sources: Benzo: The diagnosis and management of benzodiazepine dependence
    Benzo: Beyond Benzodiazepines
    Benzo: The Treatment of Benzodiazepine Dependence

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