Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

There’s no denying that benzo addiction has skyrocketed in America over the past 20 years. They are widely available and accessible, making them ripe for misuse. At Enlightened Recovery, we understand the profound challenges and struggles that accompany addiction. That’s why we offer specialized Benzodiazepine addiction treatment in New Jersey, alongside our locations in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Our mission is to provide personalized, empathetic care to help our clients start their journey toward healing and recovery. Learn more about our Benzo addiction treatment in New Jersey today.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

First discovered and made available in the 1960s, benzos have become one of America’s most widely distributed and commonly used drugs, primarily prescribed for panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines activate the neurotransmitters in the brain that produce calm and relaxation. It’s no surprise that benzodiazepine drugs, such as Xanax,  have become one of the most prescribed drugs nationwide.

Doctors nationwide prescribe benzodiazepine, commonly known as benzos, at more than 66 million appointments each year.

Examples of Benzodiazepines

Nearly everyone in today’s world is familiar with some of the common brand names for benzos, such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Centrax, and Tranxene. They may take these drugs themselves or know someone who does.

Other benzos listed by the Drug Enforcement Administration are the following:

Shorter-acting benzodiazepines used for managing insomnia include:

• Estazolam (ProSom®)
• Flurazepam (Dalmane®)
• Temazepam (Restoril®)
• Triazolam (Halcion®)

Benzodiazepines with longer durations of action are utilized to treat insomnia in patients with daytime anxiety. These include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax®)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene®)
• Diazepam (Valium®)
• Halazepam (Paxipam®)
• Lorazepam (Ativan®)
• Oxazepam (Serax®)
• Prazepam (Centrax®)
• Quazepam (Doral®)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin®), Diazepam, and Clorazepate are also utilized for similar purposes

Benzos are typically prescribed in a pill or tablet form for oral use. However, those who misuse them often crush and snort the tablet. The pills or tablets are usually small, sometimes football-shaped, in various colors like white, blue, and pink.

Are Benzos Addictive When Taken as Prescribed?

Benzodiazepines are considered a Schedule IV controlled substance according to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), and yes, they are addictive.

Benzos stimulates the neurotransmitters in the brain that produce euphoria, peace, relaxation, and other pleasurable effects. It’s no surprise that benzodiazepine drugs (such as the popular Xanax) have become one of the most prescribed and addictive drugs nationwide, often making it necessary for individuals to seek professional help at a benzodiazepine addiction treatment in New Jersey.

GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that helps block activity in the nervous system, such as anxiety. Low GABA activity and anxiety disorders are closely linked, so benzodiazepines such as Xanax work well. They help increase the brain’s GABA activity so the individual will experience pleasure, euphoria, or calm instead of stress.

Benzodiazepines also have depressant properties that lower brain activity. As a result, they also treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. Interestingly, many treatment centers use benzodiazepines to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms under close medical supervision.

Benzos are typically only prescribed for short-term use since they are so habit-forming. Other medications are more suitable for long-term anxiety treatments. However, when used as prescribed short-term, benzos can help those with anxiety issues by helping even out the GABA activity in the brain.

Why are Benzos so Addictive?

Over time, the brain can adapt to benzos in the system, leading to drug tolerance. Those misusing benzos will need a higher dose to achieve the same pleasurable feelings.

Abruptly quitting benzos leads to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. These factors and benzos’ pleasurable effects make them highly addictive when misused for extended periods.

Using benzos only as prescribed by a healthcare professional dramatically minimizes the risk of addiction. Understanding why are Benzos so addictive is crucial for healthcare providers to make informed decisions when prescribing these medications and for individuals to recognize the risks associated with their use.

Additionally, it highlights the importance of benzodiazepine addiction treatment to address both the physical and psychological aspects of benzodiazepine addiction.

Xanax Addiction

Many people become addicted to Xanax as it is one of the most commonly prescribed benzos.

As previously mentioned, Xanax is a favored benzodiazepine medication used to treat specific anxiety disorders such as panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Xanax can work as a sleep aid. Some treatment centers use Xanax to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms under close medical supervision.

Xanax tablets are small, oval-shaped white, peach, or blue pills. Some common slang names for Xanax include Xannies/Zannies, Z-bars, and footballs (due to the shape).

Xanax is typically only prescribed for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. Other medications are more effective for long-term anxiety treatments. However, when used as prescribed short-term, Xanax can help those with anxiety issues by helping even out the GABA activity in the brain.

Benzo Addiction Symptoms

Those who misuse benzos take more than the recommended dosage to create a feeling of euphoria. Benzos usually work very quickly, primarily when crushed and snorted. The effect typically lasts between 6 to 24 hours.

When taken as prescribed for no more than a few weeks, benzos are pretty safe. However, when misused, the side effects mimic symptoms typical of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

This risk is heightened for those who find themselves addicted to benzodiazepines. Thus, the temptation to misuse them can be overwhelming, leading to a spiral of dependence and health complications.

When they arrive at our benzodiazepine addiction treatment in New Jersey, individuals often experience the following side effects of drug misuse:

• Slurred speech
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Mood changes
• Angry, erratic behavior
• Impaired motor coordination
• Detachment from surroundings

In addition to the common physical and mental symptoms listed above, the effect of benzo misuse goes much further and creates even more problems, such as:

• Strained interpersonal relationships
• Financial problems as a result of buying more benzos
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work
• Anger, increased anxiety, and unpredictable mood swings
• Disorientation, no sense of direction, unsure of one’s whereabouts
• Amnesia, blackouts, no memory of large chunks of time
• Changes in hygiene (not bathing/showering, wearing sloppy clothing)
• Changes in sleep patterns (too much/too little sleep or sleeping at odd times)
• Changes in diet (overeating, too little, or bad food choices)
• Attempting to cut down or stop using benzos but being unable to do so
• Continuing to use benzos even if it has caused negative consequences
• Taking risks and making bad decisions that would usually be out of character
• Legal challenges as a result of driving under the influence, improper acquisition of prescription medication, or other charges related to one’s benzo abuse

When the issues noted above become apparent, it signals that Benzo addiction symptoms have become a bigger problem. Even though some of the effects of Benzo abuse may be obvious on the outside, the damage happening on the inside may not be as noticeable.

Although benzos aren’t likely to cause a fatal overdose on their own, when combined with opioids or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol, prescription sleep medications, or other sedatives, the risk of overdose and death significantly increases.

Addiction to Benzos & Withdrawals

While benzodiazepines have been able to help millions of people with anxiety disorders, abusing benzos is dangerous. Getting off of benzos brings uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can be alarming and long-lasting.

In fact, some of the withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous if left unsupervised.

Benzo withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Perceptual changes
• Increased tension
• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Paranoia

These withdrawal symptoms can range in severity depending on how long an individual has been misusing the drugs and elements unique to their benzo addiction. Consequently, accessing Benzo detox in New Jersey through accredited facilities guarantees comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.

How Long Do Benzo Withdrawals Last?

The average person typically starts experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms around the first 24 hours of last use. The symptoms will peak from there during the first 1-4 days.

The timeline for benzo withdrawals varies depending on the type of benzo, the amount used, and the length of use. For example, based on these factors, one could experience major withdrawals between a few days and several months.

At Enlightened Recovery, our specialized Benzodiazepine addiction treatment in New Jersey is designed to provide our clients with the support and guidance they need to start the withdrawal safely. Our experienced medical team will work closely with them to create a personalized withdrawal plan customized to their specific needs

It’s crucial to understand how long do benzo withdrawals last and what symptoms to expect during this challenging period. Moreover, enrolling in a Benzo rehab program equips individuals with the necessary tools and coping strategies to overcome addiction and maintain long-term sobriety.

With our comprehensive approach to treatment for benzo addiction in New Jersey, our clients can rest assured that they are in capable hands as they take the first steps towards a healthier, drug-free life.

Is Benzo Withdrawl Dangerous?

With the correct Benzo addiction treatment, the risks of severe withdrawal decrease. However, detoxing solo without a sound support system and proper management can be extremely dangerous.

Quitting “cold turkey” from addiction to benzodiazepines often triggers the most intense withdrawal symptoms and severe physical and psychological reactions.

The unpredictability of the withdrawal process can lead to dangerous and sometimes lethal situations.

At Enlightened Recovery, we understand the critical importance of receiving professional care during the detoxification process. That’s why we offer specialized benzodiazepine detox to provide our clients with the comprehensive support and medical supervision they need to navigate withdrawal safely and effectively.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction in New Jersey

Taking on the detox process alone is not a good idea and can lead to tragedy.

Seeking professional assistance for Benzo detox in New Jersey ensures a safer and more effective path toward recovery. A medically supervised withdrawal plan will offer the best chances for a safe and successful relapse-free recovery.

At Enlightened Recovery, we provide comprehensive care and personalized support for treatment for benzo addiction in New Jersey and guide our clients through every step of their journey toward healing and lasting sobriety.

The medical supervision for benzodiazepine addiction treatment ensures that our qualified staff will manage any complications. Chances of relapse significantly decrease when the detoxification process is done using safe and appropriate methods for withdrawal.

Begin Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in New Jersey Today

If you’re at the end of the rope with your (or a loved one’s) benzodiazepine addiction, it’s time to seek help.

At Enlighted Recovery Center, our Benzodiazepine addiction treatment in New Jersey combines evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy with alternative and complementary therapies such as yoga and nutritional therapy to promote healing and recovery during your benzo addiction treatment.

We understand that overcoming addiction is not just about breaking free from physical dependence but also about addressing the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to substance misuse. Choosing a reputable Benzo rehab facility like ours can significantly improve the chances of successful recovery from this addiction.

Now is the time to start your recovery journey. Contact us today.