Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are neurotransmitter inhibitors that produce a calming or sedative effect. They are generally used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures, but they are also helpful in treating several other ailments, including used as general anesthesia for surgery. Benzo addiction treatment can help patients who struggle with benzo abuse and help them lead a productive and sober life. Benzodiazepines have a high risk of abuse with greater chances of overdose and death when combined with other depressants. A substance abuse treatment program can help break their addiction for men and women who struggle with benzo abuse.
At Northpoint Colorado, we help men and women at our benzo addiction treatment program through residential and outpatient treatment programs. We offer comfortable rooms and flexible treatment plans where patients will receive behavioral and holistic therapy to help with their recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzo abuse, call 888.231.1281 today to speak with our knowledgeable staff about our benzo addiction treatment in Colorado.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a type of psychoactive drug that lowers brain activity. It increases the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which blocks certain cell receptors and decreases activity in the central nervous system. Some brand name medications that use benzodiazepines include:
- Valium
- Xanax
- Klonopin
- Ativan
- Paxipam
Benzos are a depressant that can calm you down and lower your breathing and heart rate. When taken with other sedatives, such as alcohol or opioids, it causes breathing difficulties and increases the risk of overdose and death tenfold.
Short-term use of benzodiazepines is safe when following the prescription. Because of the risk of death when combining benzo with other depressants, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has restricted doctors from prescribing benzo with opioid pain medication.
At Northpoint Colorado, we offer benzo rehab to those struggling with benzo abuse and are ready to commit to a healthy and sober life.
Symptoms of Benzo Abuse
Drug addiction affects each person in unique ways. A person’s genetic makeup, family history, upbringing, and mental health can factor into how quickly you form an addiction. Benzodiazepines are safe for short-term use, lasting no more than a few weeks or months.
Common symptoms from benzo abuse include:
- Headache
- A decrease in cognitive function
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
Dangers of Injecting Benzos
You normally will take benzos in pill form, but some people prefer to inject benzos directly into the bloodstream.
Those who abuse benzodiazepines via injection are at risk of:
- Collapsed veins
- Scaring at injection points
- Risk of infection from hepatitis B and C, HIV, and AIDS
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
Long-term benzo abuse can cause serious physical and mental damage that can take several years to recover. Those with a serious benzo addiction are at risk of developing epilepsy, brain tumors, stroke, or other permanent brain damage.
Find Recovery at Northpoint Colorado
Benzodiazepines can be very effective in treating a number of health issues. It can cause a powerful addiction with a high risk of overdose and death when abused. At Northpoint Colorado, we offer benzo addiction treatment to help men and women break their addiction and maintain their sobriety. We employ a variety of therapy programs to help with your addiction recovery, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group and individual therapy
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Relapse prevention
- Family therapy
Patients with a severe addiction will receive FDA-approved medication to help reduce their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This treatment will allow them to focus on their recovery. Call 888.231.1281 today to learn more about our benzo addiction treatment in Colorado if you or a loved one is struggling with benzo addiction.