When would it be beneficial for someone to be admitted into a benzo detox center? Benzos or benzodiazepines are prescription drugs typically used to treat stress-related conditions such as insomnia, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and even alcohol withdrawal. But if benzos aren’t used properly and as directed by the prescribing physician, they can be highly addictive.
A person struggling with a benzo addiction can rarely overcome it on their own. They need to go through a benzo detox program to avoid the dangers of benzo withdrawal. They’ll need to be detoxified before they get admitted into further addiction treatment programs.
Are you looking for a benzo detox center? Reach out to Midwest Detox Center by contacting us online or calling 833.647.0392.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are prescriptions drugs made up of tranquilizers. They can also be called anxiolytics. These drugs are prescribed for many conditions, including both anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
Some popular branded names of benzodiazepines are Klonopin, Restoril, Ativan, Valium, and Xanax. The sedative effect of addictive drugs like these makes them very dangerous. However, since these are prescription drugs, it is worth noting that some clients may initially have had a legitimate medical reason to take them before they developed their substance use disorders.
What Are the Dangers of Benzo Detox?
Perhaps the clearest way to describe the dangers of benzo detox is to say that benzo detox, done without medical support or supervision, is already dangerous with no other details added. In up to 30% of people that go through benzo withdrawal without medical support, a grand mal seizure may occur. A seizure like this — also called a generalized tonic-clonic seizure — causes violent muscle contractions and possible loss of consciousness. It’s the type of seizure that most picture when they think about seizures.
Quitting cold turkey without medical supervision can be lethal in some circumstances, in part due to the risk of having a seizure and also the risk of suicidal behavior arising. A medically supervised detox program helps clients stay healthy and safe while getting clean and ready for further addiction treatment. Medical detox reduces the discomfort of withdrawal, too — which, in turn, reduces the chances of relapsing.
Medical detox from benzos can sometimes involve tapering down from the drug. Tapering down can mean reducing the dose slowly or prescribing a less potent benzo. The latter can be somewhat dangerous because some clients may form a new addiction to the less potent benzo, although this is uncommon.
What Are the Dangers of Benzo Withdrawal?
Now that we know how benzo detox can be dangerous, we should find out the corresponding dangers of benzo withdrawal. Thankfully, a benzo detox center will do a comprehensive assessment of a client’s health and addiction before setting them up for medical supervision and treatments. The details of this evaluation will help the center’s staff deal with clients’ withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Muscular discomfort or stiffness
- Changes in perception
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Difficulty concentrating and headaches
- Anxiety, increased tension, and panic attacks
- Benzo cravings
- Excessive sweating
- Hand tremors
- Heart palpitations
Benzo withdrawal can also result in long-term mental damage and symptoms — such as an increased risk of suicidal ideation, seizures, hallucinations, and psychotic reactions. More than physical withdrawal symptoms, these mental and behavioral ones should be supervised by a medical team.
Benzo withdrawal effects can be physically and emotionally painful while being life-threatening, which is why medical detox is a must for most clients.
When Should Someone Get Admitted Into a Benzo Detox Center?
Once psychological and physical signs of benzo dependence are confirmed, the next step is to confront yourself or your loved one. Benzodiazepine use doesn’t typically result in death, even in large doses — however, some benzo withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Taking benzos with alcohol may also lead to incidents that could be fatal.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with benzo misuse, it’s ideal to seek professional help before the addiction leads to severe immobility or death.
Ready To Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Programs and Services?
If you are looking for a benzo detox center in Ohio, reach out to Midwest Detox Center. Contact us online or call 833.647.0392.
