Benzodiazepine Rehab in Lexington, KY

The prevalence of benzodiazepine use has escalated, becoming a significant concern within communities in Kentucky. Doctors frequently prescribe these medications (also referred to as benzos) for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. 

Benzos are increasingly misused or abused, leading to a rise in addiction and associated health risks. These days, benzo rehab in Lexington, KY, is essential for those caught in the grips of its addiction.

At Lexington Addiction Center, we know benzo addiction is often rooted in underlying issues like mental health disorders (OCD, depression, PTSD) or trauma. We’re here to help people or their loved ones overcome their addiction as well as address the underlying causes.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzos, short for benzodiazepines, are a class of prescription drugs commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. 

These medications are classified as sedatives and have a calming effect on the person taking them. However, they can be habit-forming and may cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and dependency if misused or for extended periods.

Common benzos include the following prescription drugs:

• Xanax
• Valium
• Ativan
• Klonopin
• Restoril
• Librium

Benzos are also classified by how quickly they work and how long the effects last. For instance, short-acting benzos produce an immediate impact that diminishes within a few hours.

Doctors often prescribe short-acting benzos for sleep disorders, panic attacks, or seizures. Conversely, long-acting benzos are generally less potent, but the effects last much longer. 

These medications ease chronic conditions, like anxiety disorders, by keeping a person calm for an extended period.

Why Are Benzos Addictive?

While benzos help with medical and psychological disorders, they also carry the risk of dependence and addiction. Benzos are addictive because they enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to feelings of relaxation and calmness. 

Even a person who takes benzos as prescribed could quickly develop a dependency without becoming addicted to benzos. Hence, their bodies are unable to function normally without benzos. As a result, benzo withdrawals set in if they suddenly stop taking their medication. 

Simply put, physical dependency on benzos can lead to addiction. As a person continues taking benzos, they develop a higher tolerance for the medication and take more for the same effects. Sometimes, people begin misusing their prescriptions to overcome their high tolerance.

On the other hand, they could misuse their benzos for the euphoric effects or to get “high.” They might also misuse their prescription to self-medicate for different reasons, like low self-esteem, depression, or symptoms of trauma. 

Are You Addicted to Benzos?

Despite the benefits of benzo prescriptions, some people abuse or misuse their medications. However, while not everyone who takes benzos will develop an addiction, some people have risk factors that make addiction more likely.

These risk factors include things like present or past substance abuse disorders, untreated mental health disorders, and a history of trauma. Abusing and misusing benzos can lead to several physical and behavioral signs and symptoms.

Physical signs of benzo abuse include the following:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Poor concentration
• Inability to focus
• Sleeping for long periods
• Lack of coordination and other motor skills
• Trouble breathing
• Slurred speech
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Lack of personal hygiene

Behavioral symptoms of benzo abuse and addiction include:

• Mixing benzos with other drugs or alcohol
• Visiting multiple doctors for additional scripts (“doctor-shopping”)
• Exaggerating symptoms to get higher doses of prescription benzos
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities
• Hoarding prescriptions or purchasing benzos illegally
• Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence
• Decreased performance at work or school

These physical and behavioral signs can cause other long-term and short-term issues in a person’s life. For instance, their relationships with family and friends can become tense and full of conflict. Plus, benzo abuse often creates social issues, job loss, and legal problems. 

If you or a loved one is showing any of the signs or symptoms listed above, benzo rehab in Lexington, KY, offers the effective, professional treatment needed for a full recovery.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawl Treatment

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience for individuals who have become dependent on these medications. When someone abruptly stops or significantly reduces their benzodiazepine use after prolonged use, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. 

Typical  benzo withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety 
• Insomnia 
• Irritability 
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Seizures in severe cases

The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s dosage, duration of use, and overall health.

Proper management of benzodiazepine withdrawal typically involves gradually tapering off the medication under medical supervision to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of severe complications.

 Medical professionals may also provide supportive care and medications to alleviate specific withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety and comfort of the individual undergoing withdrawal.

 It’s crucial for individuals who are considering discontinuing benzodiazepines to consult with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized tapering plan and receive appropriate support throughout the withdrawal process.

Benzo Addiction Treatments in Lexington, KY

At Lexington Addiction Center, we understand that the journey to recovery from benzodiazepine addiction is multifaceted, requiring tailored approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of dependence. 

Our benzo rehab in Lexington, KY, offers a comprehensive continuum of care designed to support individuals who have completed detox and are no longer experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms. 

Furthermore, our outpatient programs are particularly well-suited for individuals who have already undergone some form of inpatient treatment, such as detox or residential care and are now seeking ongoing support as they transition back to their everyday lives. 

These programs are especially beneficial for those who reside in supportive environments, whether it be with family members or in sober living homes, where they can receive encouragement and stability as they work towards long-term sobriety. 

Our benzo addiction treatments in Lexington, KY, empower individuals by guiding them through benzodiazepine rehab with valuable resources and compassionate care every step of the way.

We provide the following benzo abuse treatment programs in Lexington, Kentucky: 

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our partial hospitalization program  (PHP) is the highest level of care we offer for treating benzo addiction and underlying mental health conditions. Our PHP, also called “day treatment,” occurs for several hours per day for five days a week. Clients start in the morning and finish by the evening, similar to attending a full-time job schedule. PHP is for those who need to transition from residential treatment and attain employment or housing.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Some people step down from a PHP to an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Alternatively, other people attend IOP instead of PHP if they have work, school, or family obligations that aren’t conducive to the daily schedule of a PHP. During IOP, clients still attend a program for several hours per week around their work or school schedules.

Outpatient Program

Standard outpatient programs require clients to attend a therapy session once per week. However, some clients might attend more or less frequently than that. For example, a person might have an hourly one-on-one session with a counselor and an additional group therapy session during the week. On the other hand, some people attend therapy every other week or complete a family therapy program. These programs help people work on their recovery skills in daily life while still getting the guidance of a therapist.

Reach Out For Benzo Rehab in Lexington, KY, Today!

A Benzodiazepine addiction can sneak up on anyone. Rooted in underlying mental issues or trauma, a benzo addiction may seem impossible. Many try to quit on their own; however, the support of a benzo abuse treatment program is necessary.

If you or a loved one needs treatment for benzo addiction, professional, compassionate help is available to help starting with benzo rehab in Lexington, KY. 

At Lexington Addiction Center, we understand the struggle and are here to provide the support you need to break free. Reach out today for the professional help you deserve to conquer your addiction and reclaim your life.”

Contact us today to get the professional help you and your loved ones deserve to overcome benzo addiction.