The Two Types of Benzodiazepine Addicts

When people follow their prescription to the letter and listen to their doctor’s orders, it is much less likely for them to develop addictions. Typically, addiction occurs when drug use exceeds four to five weeks. When people abuse benzodiazepines, they aren’t doing it in order to make their lives better. Instead, they are listening to chemical changes deep within their brain. There are two groups of addicts: those with prescriptions and recreational users. Those with prescriptions begin abusing these drugs when they take doses too close together, take too much of the medication at one time, take it when it is no longer needed, or hoard pills to take on a particularly difficult day. Recreational users get the pills anywhere and however they can, abuse the pills purely for relaxation or euphoric purposes, use the pills to boost or soften another drug’s experience, or lean on benzodiazepines to make alcohol or cocaine easier to abuse. Recreational users tend to be within the 18-25 age range and get the drugs through theft or buying them from dealers.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

As soon as a benzodiazepine user needs a higher dosage of the medication to get the same desired effect, it is clear that a tolerance has developed, and an addiction has started. When a user abruptly stops taking the medication, withdrawal symptoms set in and become so uncomfortable that many seek other drugs as a substitute. About a third of people who take benzodiazepines for more than six months will experience health problems, including seizures, when they attempt to stop taking the pills for good. Other symptoms of withdrawal include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Body tremors
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty speaking

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction

The first step of benzodiazepine addiction treatment is medical detoxification. However, it is not advised to attempt any detoxification without the supervision of our addiction specialists or medical personnel who are trained to handle any addiction emergencies. Because stopping usage of the drug cold turkey is hazardous, detox begins with a gradual decrease in the dosage until it can be completely and safely discontinued. This is always done to minimize withdrawal symptoms and maintain patient comfort and safety. Detox is only the first stage of long-term rehabilitation. After benzodiazepine detox is completed, treatment turns toward counseling, group therapy, and changing addictive behavioral patterns. At Mount Sinai, we take each person’s individual needs into careful consideration when drafting their treatment plan. It’s important that we work closely with all of our patients to address the heart of their addiction issues and provide them with attentive treatment so they can overcome their substance abuse struggles.

What Happens After Benzo Rehab?

A person’s recovery journey does not end once rehab is completed. Sobriety is a long-term commitment, and it is one that will likely come with struggles and missteps along the way. At Mount Sinai, we proudly offer a variety of aftercare programs and alumni services to keep recovering individuals connected with a supportive community. You are not alone once you leave rehab. From community get-togethers to quarterly return visits, we provide the resources and support you need to stay on the sober path.