Benzodiazepine Detoxification

In the mid-1960s, we had barbiturates and they came with cute nicknames like barbies, stumblers, downers, tranks, reds, goofballs, bluebirds, yellow jackets and pink ladies. The Rolling Stones even named a song in honor of these popular pills. It was called “Mother’s Little Helpers.”

The barbiturates of yesteryear have long since been replaced by benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety and other mental disorders. These prescription drugs are categorized as tranquillizers, depressants or sedatives, depending on their chemical makeup.

Listed among the most popular benzodiazepines today are Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Serax, Ativan and Librium. All act as depressants or sedative-hypnotics to the central nervous system. Benzos are used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures and muscle spasms. Ironically, benzodiazepines are also used in substance abuse treatment clinics to reduce the discomfort experienced in withdrawal from alcohol, opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine and hallucinogens.

Today, they remain among the most widely prescribed, highly addictive and misused drugs available through the pharmacy window. And no matter the decade or the name they go by, withdrawing from a modern-day habit of benzodiazepine is a difficult and dangerous undertaking for those who abuse these drugs.

Morningside Recovery in Newport Beach, California, has a detoxification program that is designed specifically for the benzo-addicted client. Detoxing from benzodiazepine is not a cut-and-dry process. It is a procedure that requires the attention of medical professionals who understand the specific difficulties facing the benzo addict.

For example, when you decide it’s time to get help in curtailing your benzodiazepine habit, you are literally facing the unknown. There’s no way to accurately measure how severe your withdrawal will be. Factors such as the type of benzodiazepine you use, how much you use and how long you’ve used it are important. In addition, your age, health and body chemistry must also be part of the treatment equation.

Signs of withdrawal from benzodiazepines include:

• Seizure risk
• Heart palpitations
• Tremors and shakes
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Blackouts
• Impaired vision/speech
• Loss of motor skills

Sometimes withdrawal includes an increase in anxiety. You might experience sensitivity to light and noise as well as involuntary muscle twitching. Many long-term benzo users say they continue to take the drug because the withdrawal is too unpleasant – not because of the persistent anxiety.

The medical staff at Morningside Recovery understands this hesitancy on the part of the benzo addict. These medical professionals also understand that when it comes to detoxification from benzodiazepines, “taper” is the key word. Going cold turkey off benzos can spark severe symptoms, including seizures and convulsions. A medically supervised graduated detoxification from benzodiazepine is a must.

As prescribed, benzodiazepines are intended for short-term use because the body develops a tolerance to the drug that rapidly makes them less effective. That can prompt the patient to use larger and larger doses. A full-blown addiction can develop in as little as four to six weeks of use.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that benzos are seldom abused in and by themselves. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates 80 percent of people who are addicted to benzodiazepine also use – or abuse – another drug. Benzos are often used to “come down from” or ease the stimulating symptoms of a drug like cocaine or methamphetamine. Alcoholics – many of whom are poly-drug abusers – also use benzos to modulate their intoxication.

Because of these factors, you should not attempt to stop taking benzos on your own. Sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepine is a dangerous method of withdrawal that could lead to possible life-threatening conditions, including seizure. This is why a Benzodiazepine detox is so important.

At Morningside Recovery, you receive medication and around-the-clock supervision in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. Morningside’s staff of detox professionals understand how difficult withdrawal from pills can be. They are trained to make the experience as pain free as possible, and they are on site all day every day to help you get through this first step toward a life free from addictive substances.

For more information about benzodiazepines and Morningside Recovery’s treatment program, call .