Benzodiazepine Detoxification Treatment*
Benzodiazepines are classified as tranquilizers or anti-anxiety drugs that act as depressants or sedative-hypnotics. “Benzos” are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures and muscle spasms. The most commonly abused benzodiazepines are Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Serax, Ativan and Librium. These drugs are usually intended for short-term use.
Although they can be very effective in the treatment of many disorders and are very useful in the detoxification treatment of opiates and other drugs, benzodiazepines are among the most highly addictive and misused prescription drugs available, and addiction to these drugs can manifest in as little as four to six weeks. When benzodiazepines are prescribed for emotional and mental disorders, relief is a double-edge sword because of the likelihood of abuse. Frequently individuals want to clear their heads and free themselves, but they fear that their anxiety, insomnia or other problems will return.
Some individuals quickly develop a tolerance for benzos, creating the need to take more pills in order to get relief. For clients who have become addicted to ever-increasing doses of benzodiazepines, stopping their use can be daunting, and should not be attempted without trained supervision. Signs of withdrawal from benzodiazepines include: increased anxiety; insomnia; confusion and disorientation; sensitivity to light and noise; and heart palpitations. There is no certain way to know what to expect in benzo withdrawal. There are some horror stories circulating from ex-users that can scare others with dramatic tales of outrageous withdrawal symptoms. However, symptoms can be mild to moderate for most recreational users and vary depending upon how much and how long a client has used. The detoxification team considers the individual’s age, overall health and body chemistry. Different benzodiazepines are metabolized at different speeds in the liver, and each drug accumulates differently in the body. The clinicians take into account how some benzodiazepines remain in the bloodstream much longer than others, using this information to help clients detoxify.
Probably most important is adequate psychological support. At Morningside, support comes from our compassionate staff, who understand benzodiazepine addiction and stay up-to-date on the latest research. Our therapeutic staff begins teaching clients relaxation techniques, deep breathing and how to deal with panic attacks. Clients also begin to attend group therapy, where they gain strength from understanding many others have been successful in beating benzos. One client shared, “I had a prescription for sixty pills a month, but I would end up taking more because I’d pop one every time I wanted to check out from reality. At Morningside I learned how deal with the situations that used to make me sweat and want to use.”
Many long-time benzo users have unreasonable fears of withdrawal. Detox staff recognizes that anyone withdrawing from long-term use of benzodiazepines must reduce the dosage slowly. Abruptly stopping or withdrawing too quickly, especially from high dosage, is the main cause of severe symptoms. Slow withdrawal means tapering dosage gradually, and the clinical staff allows clients to remain in a secure detox facility for as long as necessary to obtain a steady and slow decline of the bodily concentrations of benzodiazepines. A smooth reduction in benzodiazepines allows the body to kick up the natural systems that control anxiety. Recovery after long-term benzodiazepine use is not unlike the gradual recuperation of the brain after a serious concussive injury. Healing the brain is a slow process.
The exact rate of detoxification is an individual matter. It depends on many factors including the dose and type of benzodiazepine used, duration of use, personality, lifestyle, previous experience, and the client’s motivation. Individuals who have gotten used to high doses of potent benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Klonopin need more time. One client shared: “Before Morningside, I’d heard that it’s better to detox fast and doing it slow is crazy because you’re just prolonging the pain. But for me going slowly worked.”
The staff at the center understands the complexities of benzodiazepine detoxification. Detox staff supports clients through the medication taper, using nutrition and natural relaxation practices to minimize discomfort and help clients get their personality back. Clients get the rest they need in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, supported by professionals trained in complex detox protocols.
*Detoxification services are not provided at Morningside Recovery facilities. We work closely with local, fully licensed detoxification centers that provide the highest level of care to our clients. If a client requires detoxification and is admitting to any of Morningside's programs, our clinical team will follow the client’s detoxification treatment at these local facilities. If the detoxification period is to exceed 72 hours, we will also begin private therapy and other treatment services at the designated location. Our consulting physician and psychiatrist will also follow each client’s case at this outside center in order to ensure a smooth transition into any of our many levels of care. Although outcome studies have shown significant increase in client success when receiving full or extended treatment services after detoxification, if you require only a detoxification without further treatment, we are happy to refer you to one of the highly regarded and trusted detoxification facilities that we utilize.
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