Benzo Detox in Houston, Texas
Benzodiazepines Detox
Though benzodiazepines can be beneficial for certain individuals, they can lead to addiction for others. Thankfully, benzodiazepine detox in Houston helps individuals to safely withdraw from these medications in a secure and transformative environment.
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What is Benzodiazepine Abuse and Detox?
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to be taken at specific times in specific dosages. Typically, this includes times of heightened stress or anxiety. These medications are only meant to be used short-term and as directed. When an individual begins taking them more frequently or in larger doses, it quickly leads to dependency and even addiction. When an individual is abusing benzodiazepines, they are very likely to experience unpleasant, often dangerous, withdrawal symptoms in the absence of these medications. This highlights the need for professional detox services.
During benzodiazepine detox, an individual’s body and mind are rid of all harmful drugs and toxins. Our detox programs in Houston provide a safe and structured atmosphere for our clients. Those in our care live on-site where they are medically-monitored around the clock. We offer a full suite of therapeutic services as well as place an emphasis on rest and comfort. It is our overall goal to help those in our benzodiazepine detox to improve their physical health and mental clarity, so that they can build a strong and lasting foundation for recovery.
Most Commonly Abused Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for anxiety, sleep, and seizure disorders. However, they can also be sold illicitly. Benzos typically fit into one of two categories: short-acting or long-acting. This refers to their half-life, or the time the drug stays in the body following consumption. Commonly abused short-acting benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Dormonoct (Loprazolam)
- Halcion (Triazolam)
Examples of long-acting benzos include the following:
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Klonopin (Clonazepam)
- Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)
The Effects of Benzodiazepines on the Body
Benzodiazepine use often results in specific side effects. These become more serious with excessive use. Extended use of benzodiazepines can lead to:
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Dry mouth
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Irritability
- Sedation
- Blurred vision
- Depression
Long-term benzodiazepine use may lead to severe side effects. These include:
- Hallucinations
- Mania
- Seizures
- Aggression
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Brain damage
- Death
Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Detox
When an individual stops benzo use, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. The exact symptoms a person encounters depend on the type of benzo being used, how often it is being used, for how long an individual has been using it, and how much they use at one time. Early withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepine use are considered rebound symptoms. This may include anxiety and insomnia—as these are conditions treated by this class of medication. Acute withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few days. These include the following:
- Nausea
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Hypertension
- Irregular heart rate
- Profuse sweating
- Tremors
- Trouble concentrating
- Short-term memory impairment
- Anxiety & panic attacks
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Tension
Following acute withdrawal symptoms, which are primarily physical, individuals may experience extended psychological side effects. These are considered post-acute withdrawal symptoms and include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced sex drive
How Long Does It Take To Detox from Benzodiazepines?
The exact withdrawal timeline associated with benzodiazepines depends on the severity of an individual’s dependency on these medications as well as their overall mental and physical health. Additionally, the amount of time it takes to detox from benzos depends on the half-life of the exact medication being misused. Generally, benzodiazepine withdrawal happens in three phases. It begins with rebound symptoms, which surface shortly after an individual’s last dose. Within a few days, acute withdrawal symptoms develop. These symptoms typically subside within a week, but can persist for over a month. The last phase of benzodiazepine withdrawal includes post-acute symptoms, which are primarily psychological and emotional.
There is no set time an individual is in benzodiazepine detox. It depends on their specific needs and symptoms as well as the progress they make in recovery. However, detox is primarily designed to aid those in the acute withdrawal phase. Further addiction treatment such as residential treatment is highly beneficial for those with lingering post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
How Do I Know I Need Benzodiazepine Detox?
Virtually anyone struggling with benzodiazepine misuse can benefit from professional detox. It allows individuals to undergo withdrawal symptoms in a safe and controlled environment. If you or a loved one is experiencing the following issues, it’s time to seek help:
- Past attempts to quit drug use have failed
- Spending large amounts of time seeking or using benzodiazepines
- Developing a dependency, thus having to take more to achieve the same effects
- Thoughts are consumed on how to stop using
- Continued benzo use despite negative consequences
- Using more medication than intended
- Neglecting personal and professional responsibilities in favor of benzo use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping benzo use
It is important to remember that detox is only the first step towards abstinence from benzodiazepine use. Further addiction treatment is necessary to establish recovery on a long-term scale.
Medications Utilized for Benzodiazepine Detox
Specific medications can be used to lessen withdrawal symptoms during benzo detox. These commonly include:
- Flumazenil: Flumazenil has shown success in reducing withdrawal symptoms associated with long-acting benzodiazepines. It works by blocking the effects of benzos and alleviating withdrawal symptoms, as it attaches to the same pleasure centers in the brain.
- Tapering Agents: Medications such as diazepam or chlordiazepoxide can help gradually reduce benzodiazepine dosages to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Clonidine: This medication helps reduce specific withdrawal symptoms. These may include sweating and anxiety.
- Anticonvulsants: In severe cases, withdrawal can result in seizures. Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine or gabapentin, can prevent this.
- Antidepressants: SSRIs and SNRIs are helpful in relieving anxiety and depression, which are commonly associated with both withdrawal and benzodiazepine use.
- Buspirone: This medication can help relieve emotional symptoms of withdrawal, particularly anxiety. It does not cause physical dependence. However, it does take two to three weeks to take full effect, so it is best suited to treat post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
Can I Detox from Benzos at Home?
Due to the dangerous nature of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, it is always recommended to detox at a reputable facility. An individual who detoxes at home puts themselves at risk of severe physical, mental, and emotional damage. This is mostly because at home, individuals do not have access to the medical attention required during detox. This includes medication-assisted treatment as well as measures to prevent dehydration. Furthermore, individuals detoxing at home typically do not have a strong enough support network. Support is an essential component to relapse prevention. Those at our detox facility in Houston have 24/7 support from our compassionate staff.
Additionally, we emphasize peer settings that encourage open communication and empathetic listening. We also employ evidence-based interventions and holistic healing strategies to help clients identify and address the underlying causes of their addiction so that they can cultivate healthy coping mechanisms.
Therapies an individual may participate in while at our addiction treatment facility include:
Find Benzodiazepine Detox in Houston, TX
The time to reclaim your life from benzodiazepine addiction is now. Whether this is your first time seeking detox or you have relapsed in the past, Kemah Palms can help. We are committed to guiding you toward a firm foothold in sobriety. Our experienced staff is prepared to help you throughout every step of your journey to recovery. From detox to aftercare, we have you covered. To get started today, give us a call or visit our admissions page.