Laguna Shores Benzodiazepine Rehab and Detox in Orange County
Laguna Shores Recovery is an addiction treatment center located in Mission Viejo, California, specializing in providing full-service, individualized treatment options for those struggling with benzodiazepine addiction. Self-detoxing from an addictive substance without the oversight of a medical professional is never recommended, especially from benzodiazepines, as they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including death, injury, illness, or overdose. The licensed clinical staff in our medical detox center can help you through your detox and withdrawal process in a safe, comfortable environment.
Empathy is a core value at Laguna Shores, and our facility is designed to make our clients feel at home. We understand that the detoxification process can be incredibly uncomfortable; each staff member at our facility is also in recovery. Following detox, our private benzodiazepine rehab will provide you with the attention and treatment you need to achieve lasting recovery.
Treatment options for addiction to benzodiazepines include:
Understanding Benzodiazepines
What Are They?
Benzodiazepines are one of the most popular classes of psychoactive-prescribed sedatives in the United States that treat health conditions such as seizures, anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Even though this category of drugs is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, prescription benzodiazepines are incredibly addictive, and misuse can lead to serious side effects, including death.
Some of the most commonly used benzodiazepines in the U.S. today include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Diazepam (Valium)
How Benzodiazepines Work
Benzodiazepines activate and enhance the GABA receptors in the brain. When benzodiazepines are present in the body, they inhibit the production of neurotransmitters linked to stress and anxiety. This activation of GABA receptors will leave an individual feeling sedated and calm as it dulls stimulation in the central nervous system. However, this relaxed state can also increase the likelihood of seizures.
Side effects of benzodiazepines include:
- Vertigo
- Numbness
- Impaired cognition
- Confusion
- Slow reaction time
- Reduced libido
Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Since doctors prescribe this category of narcotics, there is a common misconception that benzodiazepines are safer than illicit drugs, such as heroin or meth. On the contrary, benzodiazepine abuse can leave lasting damage on an individual’s body and mind, particularly when overdose and withdrawal occur.
The effects of benzodiazepines take effect almost immediately after consumption; however, chronic use leads to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses in order to produce the same effects. The sedative properties and their addiction–forming chemical compounds make benzodiazepines more desirable, especially since the effects wear off after only a few hours.
Benzodiazepine addiction can destroy virtually every area of a person’s life; it often leads to stealing, forging, lying, and manipulating others to obtain more of the drug. Over time, these unhealthy habits can lead to devastating outcomes, such as incorporating other drugs and fatal overdose.
Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction
If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from benzodiazepine use disorder, monitoring signs of abuse and addiction can save a life. Like any other substance abuse, those with benzodiazepine addiction will continue to use the drug despite the adverse and harmful effects on their personal lives and physical and mental health.
Some physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction or abuse include:
- Forging prescriptions in order to obtain more of the drug
- Drowsiness or fits of unconsciousness
- Impaired judgment
- Slurred and slowed speech
- Increased doses to achieve the same effect
- Failed attempts at stopping benzodiazepine use due to severe symptoms of withdrawal
- Mood swings
Withdrawal and Detox
When benzodiazepine abuse spans over long periods of time, physical dependence on the drug will develop. When this occurs, the individual is no longer just seeking a high; they have become entirely dependent on the drug and require more in order to combat the painful withdrawal symptoms that arise as the drug begins to exit the body. In this stage of addiction, benzodiazepine users are merely taking the drug to retain feelings of normalcy.
The symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome affect both the mind and body and make detoxing from the drug dangerous and nearly impossible without the help of medical professionals. Some symptoms include:
- Emotional clouding
- Body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Tremors or uncontrollable shaking
- Palpitations
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Seizures
- Muscle stiffness
The extent to which an individual will experience benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is dependent on the length and degree of use. The Wiley Online Library reports that withdrawal symptoms appear to be more severe following fast-acting benzodiazepine consumption or high doses.
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction begins with detoxification, as many other substance abuse treatments do. This stage of recovery is perhaps the most physically and mentally grueling phase to endure due to the detrimental and uncomfortable symptoms that occur. Medical professionals will closely monitor your vitals during the detox process while providing the highest quality care to prevent potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms. A medically assisted detox can be the safest way to remove toxins from the body; only then can you begin healing the mind, body, and spirit.
Addiction to benzodiazepines can have disastrous effects on an individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being as well as their relationships with loved ones. Laguna Shores Recovery believes in treating the whole person with an individualized treatment approach designed to fit the needs of each client in our care. Call us today to explore our many options for benzodiazepine addiction at 866-934-5276.
