Benzos (benzodiazepines) are medications prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. While benzos can be helpful when used as directed, this class of drug can be highly addictive. Many people who take benzos long-term find themselves relying on the medication to function or feel normal. Regrettably, dependence can lead to addiction, severe health complications, and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms upon quitting.
There are many options for addiction to benzodiazepines treatment in Huntington Beach, California, and this page shows you how to get compassionate care and evidence-based therapies for benzodiazepine addiction.
What is Benzo Addiction?
Benzo addiction happens when someone becomes dependent on benzodiazepines, a class of drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Benzos calm the brain and CNS (central nervous system), making them beneficial for short-term relief. That said, sustained use of benzos causes the body to rely on them to function.
Over time, someone taking benzos may need more of the drug to deliver the initial effects – this is called tolerance. As tolerance develops, stopping the drug can cause dangerous or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms to manifest.
Benzo addiction can affect physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. Addiction is a progressive condition, so getting help early can streamline the treatment process.
Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
For anyone wondering are benzos addictive, they can lead to physical and psychological dependence, even when prescribed by a physician, due to the way they affect the brain’s reward system. People often start taking benzos for legitimate medical reasons, but over time, they may begin to feel they can’t cope without the medication. This can lead to misuse, such as taking higher doses to counter tolerance or using benzos for longer than directed.
Why are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepines are addictive because of how they interact with the brain. These drugs increase the effects of GABA, a chemical that calms the CNS and creates a sense of relaxation. This can make someone feel better quickly, especially if they’re dealing with episodes of anxiety or insomnia. That said, the more a person uses benzodiazepines, the more their brain gets used to the calming effects, and the body needs the drug to feel normal.
Over time, the brain produces less GABA on its own, leading to a stronger dependence on the drug. This makes it difficult for a person to stop taking benzos without experiencing uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, or seizures. The severity of withdrawal can trap some people in a cycle of addiction unless they seek medical assistance to taper off benzos gradually.
So, it’s a combination of physical and mental dependence that makes benzos so addictive, even for people who started using them with a prescription.
Steps of Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Recovering from benzo addiction is a journey with several steps, each designed to help people manage withdrawal safely and build a sustainable life free from addiction to prescription drugs.
Treatment for benzo addiction usually begins with supervised medical detox, where the body clears the drug from its system. Detox is followed by ongoing therapy and support to teach healthy coping skills and prevent relapse. Whether the treatment takes place in an inpatient or outpatient setting, the goal is to help individuals take control of their lives while learning better ways to cope without relying on benzos.
Everyone has a unique recovery journey, and the type of care they need will depend on the severity of their addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. The right benzo addiction treatment combines medical help with emotional and psychological support to give people the optimum chance of long-term recovery.
Benzo Detox
Detox is the first and most fundamental step in treating benzo addiction. This process helps the body get rid of the drugs and adjust to functioning without them. Benzo detox can be dangerous if done without medical supervision because withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
During detox, healthcare professionals often use a method called tapering, where the dose of benzos is reduced gradually over time. This helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and keeps the process safer for the person in recovery. Sometimes, medications are prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms and improve comfort.
Benzo detox can take a few days to a couple of weeks, according to the dosage and duration of benzo use.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment often follows detox from benzos. This involves staying at a treatment facility with 24/7 clinical and emotional care. Inpatient rehab (residential rehab) may be recommended for those with severe benzo addictions, co-occurring mental health conditions, or unstable home environments.
Inpatient benzo rehab offers a safe and structured setting where temptations and distractions are removed. people participate in individual and group therapy and are guided through activities that help them develop coping skills for managing stress and triggers in everyday life without resorting to benzos.
Alongside therapy, medical monitoring can help people recover from the physical effects of long-term benzo abuse.
The length of inpatient treatment may vary, but most programs last 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on individual needs.
Outpatient
Outpatient treatment is a more flexible option that enables people to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions and treatments at a rehab facility. This is a smart choice for those with milder benzo addictions or those with a strong support system at home.
These programs offer many of the same therapies as inpatient programs, like talk therapy and group counseling, but people return to their daily lives outside of treatment hours.
Outpatient benzo addiction treatment can be useful for those who need to keep up with school, work, or family commitments while getting care on weekdays.
Aftercare
Aftercare is the ongoing support that people receive once they’ve completed their initial treatment program. Recovery from benzo addiction is a long-term process, and aftercare is an integral component. This phase may include follow-up therapy, support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous), regular check-ins with a counselor or therapist, and sober living homes.
The right aftercare helps individuals stay accountable and provides a space to discuss challenges they may face after leaving a rehab setting. Since the risk of relapse can remain high for some time, ongoing support helps reinforce the skills and coping strategies learned during treatment. BY staying connected to a supportive network, people are better equipped to handle life’s stressors and avoid returning to old patterns of benzo use.
How to Find a Benzo Addiction Treatment Program
Finding the right benzo addiction treatment programs could make the difference between recovery and relapse.
Start by looking for programs that offer specialized care for benzodiazepine addiction, including medically-supervised detox and ongoing support. Choose a facility with experienced staff who understand the specifics of benzo withdrawal and addiction.
Consider the type of treatment that fits your needs and schedule, whether that’s inpatient care for more intensive support or outpatient treatment for flexibility and affordability.
Many programs accept health insurance for benzo addiction treatment, so check your coverage. Look for centers offering a full range of services, from detox to aftercare, supporting you throughout the process.
Reaching out for help can be the hardest part of recovery, but it can also be life-changing – long-term recovery is possible, and the right program can guide you there.
Our Benzo Rehab in Huntington Beach
Benzo addiction can be aggravating and disruptive, but it’s also treatable, and recovery is within reach. At Huntington Beach Recovery Center, we offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs.
The peaceful surroundings of our luxury rehab combined with expert clinical care and holistic therapies provide the ideal environment for healing.
Don’t let addiction control your life any longer – reach out to us today and verify your insurance or learn more about how we can help you kickstart your recovery. Call (714) 581-9640. Your journey to a new life begins here.