Benzodiazepines: Detox Protocols and Medications

Benzodiazepine detox is a form of medical sedative which focuses on brain and bodily functions. This treatment is used to counter a variety of medical issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression, it has also proven to be of immense benefit to people seeking to overcome addiction.

There is a natural chemical present in the human body referred to as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The primary function of this chemical is to slow down activity in the parts of the brain that influence memory, reasoning, breathing, emotions, and other core functions.

Once benzodiazepine is administered, it drastically enhances the effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid in the body, thereby relaxing the muscles, putting you in a calm and almost sedated state, and nullifying cravings for any addictive substances.

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The Process Of Detoxification

Follow these three simple steps to begin the benzodiazepine detoxification procedure

  • Check-In and Evaluation: This is the first step to getting started with the detoxification program. First, you need to schedule a visit to our treatment center and get evaluated.
  • Your Customized Detox Plan: During your visit to our establishment, a customized detox plan will be assigned to you by one of our specialists to ensure that the procedure is as convenient and effective as possible.
  • Post Detox Recovery: With the conclusion of the treatment, your assigned specialist will walk you through the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid a relapse.

What Is Medically Assisted Detox?

Benzodiazepine is composed of several fast-acting medications including Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin, which are all very effective for dealing with health concerns like anxiety and depression. Benzodiazepine is considered a mild sedative and is usually only administered to patients for 2-4 weeks. This medication is popularly referred to as ‘benzos.’

Benzodiazepine is usually ingested in pill form, although there are rare instances whereby it’s administered through injections to help manage panic attacks.

People hoping to give up any form of drug or substance abuse must begin their treatment by going through the detoxification procedure. While it can be a lot of pressure and extremely challenging to deal with addiction, the good news is that with medically assisted benzodiazepine detox, the process can be a lot more manageable and less inconvenient.

To understand how the benzodiazepine treatment works, we must consider how people become addicted to drugs and alcohol in the first place. During the early stages of alcohol and drug use, the brain of the individual in question gradually becomes re-wired into being dependent on the substance and eventually becomes reliant on it to carry out basic functions.

At this point, if for whatever reason the body is deprived of this substance, the brain issues a distress signal throughout the body, causing it to experience some very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that last until every last trace of the substance has been expelled from the body.

With the aid of the benzodiazepine detox treatment the brain gradually, but ultimately becomes re-wired into not needing the drug or substance to perform its basic functions. Only then can normal emotional and psychological work continue once more.

 

How Long Does A Benzo Detox Take?

The duration of the treatment procedure is largely determined by the severity of the addiction, as such, it can last for a span of 7 to 31 days. Benzodiazepine detox pills are much more efficient when taken in one-off doses rather than daily.

Although they are still quite effective in short-term treatments that last for only a couple of weeks, we highly recommend spacing out the days for using this treatment and avoiding taking them every day.

The following factors might influence the effectiveness of this treatment

  • While benzodiazepine is extremely effective in dealing with addiction, the fact remains that when it’s overused, its effect on an individual will dwindle over time.
  •  Your dosage also plays a role in its effectiveness, as such try as much as possible to stick to the recommended 0.25mg two-three times a day.
  • Your body type and natural composition are key determinants. As such it’s important to see a qualified specialist for the right dosage.
  • Genetics is also a crucial part of the treatment process, so before using this treatment it’s important that you see your doctor first.
  • The treatment may take a little longer for people with prior anxiety issues.
  • The types of medication used in your personalized detox plan can determine the duration of the treatment.

Dual Diagnosis Discovered During Detox

Most people are unaware of the fact that mental health and substance abuse are closely related. The simple truth is that a lot of people take unhealthy and toxic substances as a way of escaping real-life issues they would rather not deal with. 

The only way to bring about real improvement and keep patients from relapsing is by dealing with the source of the problem. Thankfully both disorders can be treated with proper help and a fair amount of time.

Next Steps After Detox

It’s important that you follow each of these steps after the detoxification process.

  • Residential Stabilization: The goal of this program is to address withdrawal symptoms and to help you overcome the urge to go use the forgone substances.
  • Ongoing Therapy: Going to therapy and talking to others who’ve been in a similar situation as yourself is one of the best ways to keep from digressing from the progress you’ve made.
  • Support Groups: This is a lot similar to therapy and also a great way to stay clean and healthy.

 

 

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Ben Fisher

Ben is a content creator with multiple years in recovery. Ben has been writing content and managing instagram and facebook pages that provide hope and healing information to individuals seeking help for substance use disorder. In addition to his work in behavioral health, Ben loves to play guitar and hangout with his kids.

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