Comprehensive Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Maryland
When someone takes benzodiazepines regularly, their brain starts to rely on the drug to feel normal. This creates both physical dependence and psychological addiction. Physical dependence means the body adapts to the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms if it stops suddenly. Psychological addiction, also called benzo addiction, involves cravings and using the medication even when it’s not needed.
The most commonly misused benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax): Fast-acting, often prescribed for panic attacks
- Diazepam (Valium): Long-acting, used for anxiety and muscle spasms
- Clonazepam (Klonopin): Medium-acting, prescribed for seizures and panic disorder
- Lorazepam (Ativan): Medium-acting, commonly used in hospitals
- Temazepam (Restoril): Prescribed specifically for sleep problems
Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Abuse
Physical symptoms include drowsiness during the day, poor coordination, slurred speech, and memory problems. People may also experience headaches, dizziness, or confusion that weren’t present before starting the medication.
Behavioral changes are often the most noticeable signs:
- Taking more than prescribed: Using higher doses or taking doses more frequently
- Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to get more prescriptions
- Hiding use: Lying about how much medication they’re taking
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations
Psychological symptoms include mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety between doses, and difficulty concentrating. Social consequences often follow, such as withdrawing from friends and family or having relationship problems related to drug use
Risks and Dangers of Benzo Addiction
Long-term benzodiazepine use can cause lasting memory problems, persistent anxiety, and difficulty learning new information. The risk of overdose increases significantly when benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol abuse or opioids, which can slow breathing to dangerous levels.
| Short-Term Risks | Long-Term Consequences
|
| Memory problems and confusion | Permanent cognitive impairment |
| Poor coordination and fall risk | Chronic anxiety and depression |
| Drowsiness and sedation | Physical dependence requiring medical detox |
| Slurred speech and dizziness | Increased overdose risk |
| Accident-prone behavior | Social and legal problems |
Withdrawal and Dependence on Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures, which can be life-threatening without medical supervision. This is why people should never stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly or without professional help.
Physical Withdrawal Phases
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within hours to days after the last dose. The acute phase usually peaks during the second week and can last several weeks. Common physical symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and severe insomnia.
Some people experience nausea, headaches, and muscle pain throughout their body. In severe cases, withdrawal can cause seizures, which is why medical supervision is essential during this process.
Psychological Challenges
The psychological aspects of withdrawal often include rebound anxiety, which means anxiety symptoms become worse than they were before taking benzodiazepines. Depression, panic attacks, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound are also common.
Many people experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and feeling disconnected from reality. These symptoms can be frightening but are temporary parts of the withdrawal process.
Benzodiazepine Dependence Treatment Options
Tapering means slowly lowering the dose of benzodiazepines over weeks or months. This approach reduces withdrawal symptoms and prevents dangerous complications like seizures. Healthcare providers often switch people from short-acting benzodiazepines like Xanax to longer-acting ones like Valium, which makes tapering easier.
The Ashton Method is a well-known tapering approach that uses specific schedules for dose reduction. The speed of tapering depends on how long someone has been taking the medication and their individual response to dose changes.
Additional medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms during benzodiazepine dependence treatment. Anticonvulsants may prevent seizures, while other medications can address specific symptoms like insomnia or anxiety.
At Elevated Wellness Clinic, doctors choose medications based on each person’s medical history and symptoms. Non-addictive alternatives for anxiety or sleep problems may also be introduced during treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people understand the thoughts and behaviors connected to their addiction. This therapy teaches new ways to manage anxiety and stress without relying on medication.
Group therapy allows people to share experiences and support each other during recovery. For those with both addiction and mental health conditions, dual diagnosis treatment addresses both issues at the same time.
How Elevated Wellness Clinic Addresses Benzos Addiction
Elevated Wellness Clinic uses evidence-based methods for benzodiazepines addiction treatment. Our team includes doctors, therapists, and case managers who work together to create individualized treatment plans.
Treatment approaches include medically supervised tapering, therapy sessions, and connections to community resources. The clinic accepts various insurance plans, including Medicaid, making treatment accessible to more people in Maryland.
Key features of treatment at Elevated Wellness include:
- Comprehensive assessment: Evaluation of medical history, mental health, and social circumstances
- Personalized tapering schedules: Dose reduction plans tailored to individual needs
- Dual diagnosis care: Treatment for both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions
- Outpatient flexibility: Programs that work around work and school schedules
- Family support: Resources and education for loved ones
Moving Forward with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Recovery
Benzodiazepine rehabilitation includes learning healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety. This might involve regular exercise, mindfulness practices, good sleep habits, and staying connected with supportive people.
Recovery milestones often include improved sleep quality, better concentration, reduced anxiety over time, and the ability to handle stress without medication. These improvements typically happen gradually over months or years.
Frequently asked questions about benzodiazepine addiction treatment
Treatment length varies based on factors like how long someone used benzodiazepines, their dose, and individual health factors, but typically ranges from several months to over a year.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures and tends to last longer than withdrawal from many other substances, making medical supervision essential for safety.
Elevated Wellness Clinic offers flexible outpatient programs designed to accommodate work and school schedules, allowing people to maintain their daily responsibilities during treatment.
Treatment options include non-addictive medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and other evidence-based approaches available through Elevated Wellness Clinic.
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover benzodiazepine addiction treatment, and Elevated Wellness Clinic staff can help verify coverage and benefits.
Professional treatment for benzodiazepine addiction addresses both the medical risks of withdrawal and the underlying issues that contribute to substance use. Elevated Wellness Clinic provides specialized care with experienced staff who understand the complexities of benzodiazepine dependence and recovery.
For confidential information about benzodiazepine addiction treatment, or to schedule a consultation, or contact us.