Benzos

WHAT DOES BENZO ADDICTION DO TO THE BRAIN?

Benzos affect the brain in ways similar to opioids, cannabinoids, and the club drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Addiction and dependency are caused by strong surges of dopamine when users take the drug. Research from the NIDA indicates that benzodiazepines weaken the influence of a group of cells, called inhibitory interneurons, in the brain’s ventral tegmental area (VTA).

These cells prevent the excessive flow of dopamine. When they’re weakened or inhibited, it leads to increased surges that, in turn, cause cravings and subsequent dependency. This dependency can very quickly lead to crippling physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Hand tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Headache
• Sweating
• Racing pulse
• Hyperventilation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Aches and pains
• Panic attacks
• Hypersensitivity to Touch
• Abnormal Physical Sensations
• Depression

These withdrawal symptoms are precisely why it’s important that benzos are taken under the close supervision of a physician. The medical community recommends that benzos be taken for no longer than two weeks at a time. Estimates suggest that 10 to 25 percent of chronic benzo users experience what’s known as protracted withdrawal.

BENZO ADDICTION WITHDRAWAL PERIOD

The timeline for benzo withdrawal is typically divided into three stages: immediate, acute and protracted. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that withdrawal symptoms from short-acting benzos dissipate within three to five days; however, some can experience protracted withdrawal two to three weeks. The exact scope and duration of withdrawal treatment will vary based on how long and much the person was using. Symptoms are generally the worst during the acute period of benzo withdrawal. For individuals in need of benzo addiction treatment, the withdrawal process is best handled through medically supervised benzo detox. Those who have not yet developed full-blown dependency should still consult their addiction so they can start tapering off at appropriate intervals.

Recovery Unplugged offers compassionate, sensitive and expert medically supervised detox as part of our benzo addiction treatment program. We understand how difficult the benzo withdrawal process can be, and we’re here to help you safely and comfortably purge the toxins from your body that have built up from benzo abuse.

BENZO ADDICTION STATISTICS YOU NEED TO KNOW

DO I NEED BENZO ADDICTION TREATMENT?

The above prescription clearly illustrate that benzo addiction has the power to affect anyone. While it can be hard to detect benzo addiction in a loved one, here are some physical and behavioral symptoms of which to be mindful:

• Getting Upset or Irritated when Confronted about their Use
• Taking Pills beyond the Two Weeks Recommended by Doctors
• Physical and Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
• Lying about their Drug Use
• Doctor-Shopping for Drugs
• Neglecting Important Areas of their Lives
• Decline in Lifestyle (Family, Work, School, Etc.)
• High-Risk Behavior (Incarceration, Legal Issues)

If you or your loved one are experiencing these or any other indicators, it’s important to seek benzo treatment immediately.

ANOTHER WAY: USING MUSIC TO MANAGE ANXIETY

Many who suffer from anxiety turn to benzos without considering other lifestyle-based alternatives. While more severe cases of anxiety may very well require prescription intervention, the reality is there are multiple holistic resources that can even alleviate mild to moderate levels of the condition…especially music.

Active and passive engagement with music has been proven to alleviate social anxiety disorder and other types of anxiety. Multiple sources, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, report the power of music in treating anxiety. This is done through activities such as passive listening and appreciation, songwriting and performance, active listening and lyrical analysis and various other techniques.

• Data from Brandeis University and collaborators indicates that listening to music has stress-reducing effects.
• A comprehensive study international study in 2017 reinforced music’s ability to help manage severe depression.
• The American Psychological Association has reported extensively on music’s power to reduce stress, treat anxiety and even treat pain.
• Recent data indicates that music can reduce anxiety by as much as 65 percent.

There are countless other statistics that support music’s ability to treat anxiety; however, you already know how music makes you feel when you’re lost in it.

TREATING CO-OCCURRING ADDICTION AND ANXIETY WITH MUSIC

While other benzo addition treatment centers may peripherally include music therapy into their rehab model, Recovery Unplugged is the only addiction treatment organization to fully integrate music into our treatment programs. Many of our clients come to us with co-occurring benzo addiction and anxiety, and we are committed to helping them treat both issues simultaneously. In addition to offering music-assisted benzo addiction treatment, we are committed to helping clients safely, effectively and naturally overcome the anxiety that led to benzo abuse in the first place. Our goal is to treat the individual, not just a collection of symptoms and issues.

BENZO ADDICTION TREATMENT AT RECOVERY UNPLUGGED

You don’t have to keep going on a course of benzo abuse, withdrawal and relapse. Clients at Recovery Unplugged are provided with a safe, private and supportive treatment experience to help them overcome benzo addiction for good. Our treatment programs are designed to address every aspect of benzo addiction, including: