Answer Addiction

Tag: benzodiazepine withdrawal

  • Luxury Rehab Guide for Klonopin Addiction Treatment

    Luxury Rehab Guide for Klonopin Addiction Treatment

    If you are looking for information about Klonopin addiction and treatment, find answers here in this helpful guide.

    1. What is Klonopin Addiction?
    2. Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: Evaluating Your Options
    3. Treatment Plans for Klonopin Addiction
    4. Finding the Best Klonopin Rehab Facility for You

    If you are suffering from Klonopin addiction, you will need expert assistance to overcome the immense challenges you’re facing. Fortunately, high-quality drug and alcohol treatment centers can provide exactly the kind of help you need. But you are probably asking: what are the best rehabs for Klonopin addiction, and what characteristics do they share? 

    The best rehabs offer evidence-based therapies and other healing services that give their clients tremendous hope for recovery. In the interests of your health and future, you must take the time to carefully examine and evaluate your options before you choose a Klonopin treatment center.

    What is Klonopin Addiction?

    Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs known for its soothing and tranquilizing effects on the human mind and body. 

    Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed for anxiety and panic, and Klonopin is one of the most popular anti-anxiety medications on the market. It may be safely given to those who’ve been diagnosed with any type of anxiety disorder, or to anyone whose life is adversely affected by ongoing stress and anxiety. Benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use, to help men and women with anxiety learn to manage their troubling symptoms. 

    But those who abuse Klonopin by taking it recreationally, or for longer periods of time or in greater amounts than recommended, are at high risk for Klonopin addiction. The hazards can be especially acute for those who mix Klonopin with other intoxicating substances, such as alcohol, marijuana or opioids. 

    This behavior is tragically common among those who consume benzodiazepines without a prescription. Drug mixing increases the likelihood of chemical dependency developing and also puts users at greater risk for a potentially fatal drug overdose. 

    In fact, benzodiazepines are implicated in about 30 percent of the drug overdose deaths in the United States each year. This is one of the main reasons why anyone experiencing the symptoms of Klonopin dependency should seek treatment right away. 

    Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: Evaluating Your Options

    The best Klonopin addiction treatment facilities will offer recovery services on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Either type of program will usually last for 30-90 days, depending on the nature and severity of the chemical dependency and any comorbid conditions. 

    For most people with a substance use disorder, inpatient treatment is considered the superior option. Men and women who enroll in these treatment programs receive 24-hour care and monitoring, giving them access to immediate medical assistance whenever they need it. Those who have been diagnosed with Klonopin dependency often have co-occurring mental or physical health disorders that require this type of intensive, round-the-clock supervision. 

    During inpatient treatment, clients are able to devote virtually all their time and attention to their recovery. They are able to do so in a supportive, health-oriented environment where others are on the same path to wellness. 

    One of the biggest benefits of inpatient rehab is that it removes sources of temptation or other negative influences that might endanger recovery. Stressful or unpleasant situations on the job, at home or in relationships often contribute to the onset or worsening of chemical dependency. Klonopin addiction doesn’t develop in a vacuum, and those who have it may need to get away from everything for awhile to keep their recovery on course.

    Unfortunately, some people have work, school, parental or other caregiving responsibilities that make it impossible to pursue inpatient treatment. They have time limitations and need more flexible services than an inpatient program can provide. 

    Outpatient programs that allow participants to live at home or in other off-campus facilities are designed to meet the needs of these clients. In an outpatient program, all the usual elements of a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment plan are included in their recovery regimen. However, their involvement is limited to a certain number of days per week and/or hours per day. 

    Nevertheless, if emergencies arise while clients are absent from facility grounds, they can still call or come in to receive immediate assistance. 

    The best rehabs for Klonopin addiction will offer both inpatient and outpatient options. Which a person chooses will depend on the personal circumstances and the recommendations of addiction treatment professionals. 

    Treatment Plans for Klonopin Addiction

    Before formal treatment can begin, clients diagnosed with Klonopin addiction will require medically-supervised detox. These 7- to 10-day programs will carefully and safely guide clients through the most serious of their withdrawal symptoms. These physical and emotional signs of addiction can threaten recovery in the early stages, which is why detox is such a vital step in the healing process.

    Treatment plans for Klonopin addiction will incorporate daily psychotherapy sessions. These meetings are designed to help people with substance use disorders confront the issues and life experiences that left them vulnerable to drug abuse and dependency.

    Individual therapy will form the core of the treatment plan. But group sessions that involve interactions with peers will also be offered on a regular basis. 

    The best drug addiction rehabs make a great effort to involve family members in every step of the recovery process. Family therapy sessions can help individuals with Klonopin addiction heal important relationships that have been damaged by their behavior. When relationships are already strong, loved ones can provide essential emotional support that increases the likelihood of success for men and women in rehab.

    Good treatment centers offer a wide variety of therapies, all of which are evidence-based and all of which have produced results. Some of the therapies available might include:

    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
    • Experiential therapy
    • EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
    • Life skills and relapse prevention classes
    • Holistic healing therapies (yoga, art therapy, music therapy, biofeedback, etc.)

    Quality rehab centers are always prepared to provide dual diagnosis treatment services to those who have co-occurring mental health conditions or addictions. Dual diagnosis programs are often a lifeline for men and women with Klonopin addiction, since many have anxiety disorders that still require treatment.

    The best rehab centers will involve clients in the healing process every step of the way, making them active participants in the creation of their own recovery plans. This enhances the possibilities of success by ensuring that clients receive the type of care and attention they need and desire. 

    Finding the Best Klonopin Rehab Facility for You

    Before you get treatment for Klonopin addiction, you will need to be evaluated and officially diagnosed by a mental health professional or addiction treatment specialist. Simultaneously, they may also diagnose other mental or behavioral health disorders that are complicating your condition. Physicians may be involved in the diagnostic process as well, mainly to rule out any pre-existing physical conditions that might be the cause of your symptoms.

    When you decide to enter treatment, your initial point of contact with a treatment center will be the admissions office. During the intake process, you may be asked to fill out questionnaires, insurance forms and other paperwork (with the assistance of loved ones if you so require). Treatment center staff members and administrators will be available to answer all your questions, and they will assist you in any way they can to make your enrollment as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

    Before you choose a rehab center for Klonopin addiction, you should visit more than one facility in the company of family members or others you trust. Ideally, you shouldn’t limit your visit to treatment centers that are geographically close, unless financial or personal obstacles force you to do so. 

    Your preferred list of facilities should include those that offer comprehensive treatment services for your specific condition or conditions. This may or may not include holistic or alternative treatment options, depending on your interest in such innovative healing methodologies. But the greater the number of treatment methods they employ, the greater your chances of creating a comprehensive and customized treatment plan that meets all of your individual health-related needs. 

    On a physical level, facility grounds should be kept clean and well-maintained. They should offer comfortable and attractive housing, and possibly extra amenities if you’re looking for a luxury rehab experience. Ideally, they should feature stimulating and interesting recreational opportunities that can keep you active and focused on wellness even when you aren’t in therapy. 

    Most importantly, these facilities should be able to demonstrate a proven track record of success. That is much more revealing than a shiny brochure or impressive sales pitch. They should employ highly-trained and accomplished professionals who are recognized as experts in the addiction treatment and mental health fields. 

    In your conversations with them, they should give you a thorough outline of the type of treatment you’ll be receiving, while at the same time welcoming your input and feedback. They should be able to explain exactly what they hope and plan to accomplish during your period of collaboration, both to yourself and your family members.

    What are the best rehabs for Klonopin addiction and what is the best rehab for you? Ultimately, these are questions you’ll have to answer on your own. While the advice of loved ones and medical professionals can be helpful, in the end you must choose that facility that feels right to you. Your future is in your own hands, and the best rehab center for you is the one you believe will empower you to strive for—and achieve—lasting sobriety and a permanent life transformation.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How to Find Treatment for Oxazepam Addiction

    How to Find Treatment for Oxazepam Addiction

    Use this handy information guide to find out everything about Oxazepam and Oxazepam addiction.

    1. What is Oxazepam?
    2. What are the medical uses of Oxazepam?
    3. What are the Slang Names for Oxazepam?
    4. What is an addiction?
    5. Problems with Addiction
    6. What are the Oxazepam Addiction Symptoms?
    7. What are the Oxazepam Withdrawal Symptoms?
    8. Is Drug Rehab for Oxazepam a Solution?
    9. Types of Rehabs for Oxazepam
    10. Inpatient Rehab Program
    11. Outpatient Rehab Program
    12. Residential Rehab Program
    13. Rehab Payment

    What is Oxazepam?

    Oxazepam is one of the Benzodiazepines used for mild to intermediate action. Oxazepam belongs to a class of organic compounds called 1, 4-benzodiazepines. They are compounds that contain benzene ring fused to a 1,4-azepine. 

    It is a metabolite of prazepam, diazepam, and temazepam, and has moderate anxiolytic, amnesic, anticonvulsant, sedative, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant properties; compared to the other benzodiazepines. 

    It comes in tablet and capsule form. Oxazepam is orally administered and gets absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract at a slower rate, unlike the other Benzodiazepines such as diazepam or flurazepam. It delivers its effects in 2-4 hours and these last for around 3 hours.

    It relieves anxiety by activating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production in the brain. Patients are supposed to take Oxazepam in three intervals per day or one or two tablets in a day. In case the patient is administering the drug to have a better sleep, it’s advisable to take the medication only at bedtime. 
     

    What are the medical uses of Oxazepam?

    It helps in the treatment of short-term anxiety associated with depression, acute substance withdrawal, and Oxazepam addiction. It also relieves tension, agitation, and irritability in older patients. Alcohol withdrawal associated with acute tremulousness and inebriation is responsive to Oxazepam. Long term use of Oxazepam, for around four months, is not yet analyzed as being helpful. One should consult a physician before administration.

    Oxazepam does not cause a patient to be “high,” it has other effects like slurred speech, disorientation, sleepiness, and lack of coordination. When a patient uses Oxazepam for a prolonged period, it leads to an increase in side effects like change in appetite.

    What are the Slang Names for Oxazepam?

    People who obtain Oxazepam and other addictive medicines without a prescription use slang names. These names help in making a transaction without being catching attention from the authorities. The slang names used for Oxazepam include:

    1. Benzos
    2. Dippers
    3. Blues/ Heavenly Blues
    4. BZDs
    5. Downers
    6. Goofballs
    7. Nerve Pills
    8. Tranks
    9. Zannies
    10.  Footballs

    If you find a loved one who exhibits addictive symptoms and uses any of these names in their calls or texts, you must take proper measures to identify if this person suffers from Oxazepam addiction and seek help. 

    What is an addiction?

    Oxazepam is in the class of Benzodiazepine, which is a drug class that is highly addictive when used for a prolonged time. Even though it works slowly, it increases the risk of abuse and addiction, and an overdose is fatal.

    Sometimes, it’s difficult to know the signs of addiction, and this is because Oxazepam is considered a safe and mild drug compared to other active drugs like Klonopin. A patient is more likely to misuse Oxazepam and not know its escalation to abuse and possible Oxazepam addiction.

    Problems with Addiction

    When a patient has Oxazepam addiction, they always want to obtain a prescription. The addict still has this tendency of going from one doctor to another seeking more of the drug than the prescribed dosage. It’s known as “doctor-shopping,” and the patient lies to get more dosage.

    It turns into an addiction when the patient craves for more, struggling to control the urge to have Oxazepam and continues to use despite the adverse effects. Oxazepam addiction makes the patient skip work or school, opt to take the drug compared to their favorite activities, and causes difficulties in their relationships with people and healthy social life. 

    Oxazepam has sedating effects, and this can cause accidents and injuries to the user. When used with alcohol, it increases sedation effects. Using alcohol alongside Oxazepam addiction increases life-threatening side effects like lightheadedness, unusual dizziness, difficulty breathing, and extreme sleepiness. A chance of an overdose is higher when mixed with opioids, which can be fatal.

    What are the Oxazepam Addiction Symptoms?

    Oxazepam addiction symptoms are gradually more noticeable and become more evident with continued use of the drug. When noticed in a family member or friend, it’s advisable to seek help and treatment immediately. These symptoms include:

    • Use of Oxazepam other than the doctor’s prescription that a patient has.
    • Using Oxazepam without a prescription.
    • Having cravings and withdrawal when not using the drug.
    • Using Oxazepam for different uses other than what it was prescribed for.
    • Tolerance increases on Oxazepam effects.
    • Lying about the use of Oxazepam.
    • Not able to stop the use of Oxazepam even when the patient tries.
    • Not ready to function normally even when not using Oxazepam.
    • Financial issues due to usage and low performance in school and at work.

    What are the Oxazepam Withdrawal Symptoms?

    With Oxazepam addiction, when the patient immediately stops taking the drug, there are possibilities of experiencing withdrawal. It produces very uncomfortable symptoms, which take effect in 1-2 days when the patient stops the last dose, and the symptoms can last for 2-4 weeks.

    The symptoms include:

    • Insomnia
    • Anxiety
    • Muscle aches and pains
    • Restlessness
    • Agitation and irritability
    • Poor Concentration
    • Loss of Memory

    Is Drug Rehab for Oxazepam a good Solution?

    Rehabs are the best option for patients suffering from Oxazepam addiction. Detox programs that are medically supervised take place in hospitals and rehab centers. Medical staff administers medications to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Such a solution is safe, comfortable, and ensures support for the Oxazepam addict and prepares them for treatment.

    Patients suffering from Oxazepam addiction are recommended to sign up for a detox program that is medically supervised. This is because the withdrawal symptoms are severe, and a detox program helps a great deal in escaping them. 

    The program is crucial for recovery, but not without treatment. One of the popular treatment plans is behavioral therapy. It changes the patients’ way of thinking and their attitude towards drugs- for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, commonly known as (CBT), helps the patient with coping skills. The skills help to deal with stressful situations that mostly lead to the use of drugs. Behavioral therapy is still the best in helping with Oxazepam addiction.

    Types of Rehabs for Oxazepam

    There are several rehab programs, and there are several factors to consider before settling on one. These factors include financial capability, facilities offered, the support services, the cost, amenities, visitation policies, rules and restrictions, distance from home, the reviews, and staff to patient ratio.

    Some basic rehab programs like Outpatient program, Inpatient program, and Residential program exist in almost all rehabs. However, the choice depends on the level of Oxazepam addiction, the doctor’s recommendation, and each of their unique features and benefits. The rehab program starts after the detoxification stage. It involves several therapies and treatments to help stop Oxazepam addiction, where the patient learns about coping skills.

    Inpatient Rehab Program

    The treatment for Oxazepam addiction is limited, and an inpatient rehab program is always recommended because it provides all the resources needed to overcome Oxazepam addiction and live a better life. The patient lives away from home to receive 24-hour medical care, and supervision is required.

    The medical professionals available can address multiple addiction cases and other mental health issues. This mostly lasts for 30 to 90 days. The professionals also prepare the addict to manage their life after rehab, like the importance of sobriety maintenance programs, how to overcome triggers, and what to do when there is a relapse. 

    Outpatient Rehab Program

    This rehab program involves going to the treatment facility during the day and going back home in the evening, and mostly takes place in a hospital setting. The patient must visit the treatment facility for physical and mental check-ups; doctors will sometimes administer medications on-site to reduce the withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, and increased heart rate.

    It’s less restrictive than the inpatient program; it requires around 10 to 12 hours a week of visitation to a local hospital-like facility. It involves education on drug abuse, group and individual counseling, and teaches the addicts on how to cope with cravings for the drug.

    This is a good option for patients with mild Oxazepam addiction. It’s also considered a long-term treatment option that lasts for 3 to 6 months or over one year. Outpatient detoxification is a more effective treatment plan if your everyday life is not disrupted so much. 

    Residential Rehab Program

    It’s a treatment program offered to the patient of Oxazepam addiction in a residential setting; this is over a treatment program that mostly lasts for less than 30 days or more than 30 days. The length of stay depends on the addiction type, the frequency of using the drug, co-occurring addictions, or medical conditions.

    In the program, it’s also advisable first to start with the detoxification program to clear the harmful toxins from the body. After the detox process, there are several treatment forms used in the residential setting. This involves counseling, group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 12-step program participation, educational lectures, and training in preventing relapse. Choosing the residential program is voluntary, but sometimes, it can come as an order from the court.

    Rehab Payment

    Rehab treatment can be costly, and this is why most people consider not seeking help. However, it’s known that the benefits of the program outweigh the cost involved. An excellent facility provides the best chance to live a better and healthy life again after recovering from Oxazepam addiction. The price can be considered to be on the lower- costing $350 to $750, and on the upper from $1500 to $3000. There are also other options for treatment costs.

    Rehab Insurance

    Several insurance companies extend funding for patients suffering from Oxazepam and other addictions. Different insurance policies have different options. Before a patient seeks treatment, it’s advisable to find out about such possibilities. 

    An insurance program requires you to:

    • Complete outpatient program first before joining the inpatient program.
    • In the case of outpatient care, co-payment needs to be made first.
    • The coverage is generally for several visits per annum.
    • A patient is supposed not to exceed the amount set aside for treatment.

    Private Funding

    For patients who can afford the treatment cost, it’s better to pay the full cost upfront. It can be done in advance, over the treatment program period, or per session. It’s best to go with the outpatient program since it’s considered more reasonable than the inpatient program.

    Rehab Loan

    A patient can get a loan from the bank to help cover the cost of treatment. It’s best to first seek the loan before checking into a facility. After everything is sorted, the patient can arrange for the treatment facility. Most private residential programs are always in a position to negotiate the cost price.

    Selling personal properties

    It involves the sale of properties like cars, jewelry, clothes, antiques, and collectibles to help raise funds for the treatment plan. Art collections, music collections, sports equipment like bicycles, skis, and technological equipment like computers, smartphones, tablets can also be sold. 

    Cash Donations

    This can be done by getting help from friends and family members. You can look for online personal funding platforms like GoFundMe.com. This can actually be an excellent way to raise funds for the rehab treatment plan. 

    Getting Government Grants

    There’s also an option of federal funding and grants. This is dependent on where the addiction victim lives and their age. A grant is a better option since it’s not considered as a loan, and the patient is not supposed to pay before the outcome of the program is evident. However, it’s essential to use the funds for the sole purpose of treatment, and sometimes, an audit-proof is conducted to verify that.

    You can follow this link to find more about treatment plans and centers.

    https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help/get-help-problematic-substance-use.html

    For any patient with Oxazepam addiction, a rehab treatment program should be started at an early stage to avoid the problem of relapse or overdose. Friends and family members should be on the lookout for the stated symptoms and seek help. Even though the cost is high, the patient should consider the benefits that can help them lead a normal and healthy life.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • 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

  • 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

    View the original article at