Benzodiazepine dependence for the long-term leads to an addiction that may require large doses of the drug to achieve the desirable effects. The withdrawal of the benzodiazepines may be severe and can last up to a couple of months. Medically supervised detox for benzodiazepines can help to scale back the pain and intensity of the withdrawal symptoms to make sure the effective retrieval.
Table of Contents
What are the Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are the prescription drugs that are CNS depressants and are more often named anxiolytics, sedatives, or tranquilizers. They are usually prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. But they may also be fruitful in dealing with other issues like lack of sleep, tremors, withdrawal of alcohol, depression, nausea, etc.
In the US, they are one of the most prescribed drugs, while they are unsafe for long time use because of their dependence and tolerance along with harmful side effects. They have the potential to be highly addictive as they are also controlled substances.
Effects on the Brain
It is believed that benzodiazepines are used to get rid of anxiety sensations by interacting with the naturally occurring neurotransmitters of the brain and increasing the effects of GABA to relax the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.
Common Examples of Benzodiazepines
Following are the most commonly used benzodiazepines;
- Alprazolam
- Triazolam
- Lorazepam
- Oxazepam
- Diazepam
- Flurazepam
- Midazolam
- Clonazepam
- Temazepam
Benzodiazepines Detox
Detoxification or detox is the first step in the treatment of benzodiazepine addiction. This process helps the body to eliminate the drug out of the system so that you can way forward towards the next phase of the recovery. This can be done under expert medical assistance which tapers the drug to the lower doses then gradually cut it off entirely at the Gallus detox.
Benzo Withdrawal
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be very uneasy, and even challenging for persons with chronic use of the drug. Following symptoms may occur during withdrawal;
- Lack of sleep
- Illusions
- Tachycardia
- Seizures
- Fright
Rebound effect may occur in addition to the symptoms of the withdrawal, which is the reappearance of the symptoms for which benzodiazepines were prescribed. This may cause the severity of the symptoms, making the treatment more difficult.
Phases of Benzodiazepine Detox
Benzodiazepines detox usually comprises of two phases under medical supervision to decline the symptoms of withdrawal.
- Acute Withdrawal Phase
- Extended Withdrawal Phase
Acute Withdrawal Phase
The first step in benzodiazepine detox is the acute withdrawal phase. This phase is related to the ailments such as anxiety for which the benzodiazepines were particularly designed to decreases the intensity. Hypersensitivity may occur as a result of an anxiety-created state during withdrawal. Mood swings and illusions are quite common during these phases of detox.
This phase usually lasts from 5-14 days in a row with reappearing of the symptoms in the next phases. Some of the following may occur in this phase;
- Dreadful attacks
- Despair
- Euphoria
- Agitation
- Vertigo
- Paleness
- Muscular pain
- Perspiring
- Shudders
- Misperception
Extended Withdrawal phase
Most of the symptoms of this phase are the same as the acute one, but they are reduced in intensity. The duration of this phase is usually 12-18 months. Some of the symptoms that are still present in this phase are;
- Reduced attacks of anxiety
- Misery
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in mood
- Confusion
- Agitation
Is Inpatient or Outpatient Detox is Better?
In case of in-patient detox, you’re sure to occupy at the detox center 24/7 to receive the right pharmacologically assisted therapy. On the other hand, in outpatient detox, it’s not obligatory to stay at a detox facility, rather you can visit on regular basis to ensure the right treatment.
The inpatient detox program at the Gallus medical detox centers is employed to offer you a better, in-depth analysis and personalized protocol of the therapy under the strict supervision of the doctors and para-medical staff.