859-681-7823The 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, Benzodiazepine rehab in Lexington, 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. 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 cause Benzo addiction symptoms.
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.
- 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
- 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.
Suppose you or a loved one is showing any of the signs or symptoms listed above. In that case, Benzodiazepine rehab in Lexington, KY, offers the effective, professional treatment needed for a full recovery.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Treatment
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 Benzodiazepine rehab in Lexington 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 Benzodiazepine addiction treatment in Lexington, KY, empowers individuals by guiding them through benzodiazepine rehab with valuable resources and compassionate care every step of the way.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Following PHP, Clients Might Need To Continue Treatment While Getting Back To Everyday Life. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Offers Treatment For Several Hours Throughout The Week, Yet Allows Clients More Flexibility Than PHP. That Way, Clients Can Begin To Use The Skills They Learn While Tending To Other Obligations, Like Family, School, Or Work.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Is The Highest Level Of Care That We Have To Offer. During PHP, Clients Attend The Program Four To Five Days Per Week For Several Hours A Day. PHP Occurs During Daytime Hours, Which Is Why It Is Also Called “Day Treatment” In The Recovery Community.
Outpatient Program
The Outpatient Program During Louisville Rehab Is The Least Restrictive Program We Offer. Often, Clients Meet With A Therapist Or Group For About One Hour Per Week. Most Clients In Our Outpatient Program Have The Skills Needed To Stay Healthy Outside Of Treatment. Yet, They Still Need To Refine Their Recovery Skills In The Real World With Professional Support.
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