When a person stops using a drug that their body has grown reliant on, it can result in the development of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. This process is more dangerous for some substances than it is for others, with certain symptoms even getting to the point of being life-threatening. Benzos are a well-known example, which makes it crucial that those faced with this situation seek out Legacy’s benzodiazepine detox in Ohio. Read on to learn more about this program and how it can help you heal.

Facts About Benzodiazepines

Benzos are sedative drugs that have been employed in medical settings since the 1960s. They were developed as a less intense replacement for barbiturates, which had a growing reputation for abuse, withdrawal, addiction, and overdose. Benzodiazepines are useful in managing symptoms of anxiety and insomnia in patients, increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the brain. This is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for reducing activity in the brain around areas responsible for maintaining a person’s reasoning, memory, and essential functions like breathing.

These drugs come in different forms, particularly suppositories, capsules, and tablets. Examples of these drugs include:

• Ativan
• Valium
• Xanax
• Klonopin
• Librium

Before a person takes a benzo, it is crucial that they discuss any pre-existing health conditions with their prescriber. For instance, a person who struggles with lung disease or sleep apnea may be more at risk for developing depressed breathing. They should also not be given to someone whose balance and mobility are impaired, as it puts them at a greater risk for an accident.

As with many mind-altering substances, abusing benzos can lead a person to develop tolerance. This means that they need more of the drug to produce the desired effects. At this point, they are even more at risk of falling into an addiction, which in turn can result in debilitating withdrawal symptoms that shouldn’t be faced alone.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity of these symptoms will depend on a variety of factors, including how much has been taken, for how long, and if there are any co-occurring disorders to consider. The users’ physical and mental health will also play a part.

Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

• Anxiety or panic
• Nausea and vomiting
• Body tremors
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Sore muscles
• Sleep disturbances
• Inability to concentrate
• Thoughts of suicide
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

Perhaps the most dangerous symptom of benzo withdrawal is the risk of seizures. If one occurs without the necessary medical resources, there can be fatal consequences. It is what makes pursuing professional treatment so important. It is also why Legacy works to provide one of the best programs for benzodiazepine detox in Ohio.

Don’t Face Benzo Detox Alone

For someone who is ready to break away from their habits of drug abuse, Legacy offers detox centers in Ohio to provide the opportunity to do so from a variety of different substances, including benzodiazepines. Once this programming concludes, patients have the option to move into one of the other levels of care at our Cincinnati addiction rehab. From here, they will receive benzo addiction treatment that promotes healing, empowerment, and long-lasting recovery.

Contact us today to learn if Legacy Healing Center Cincinnati, Ohio is right for you and your recovery needs. 

Related Reading

Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety

Benzo Belly: Managing Gastrointestinal Distress During Withdrawal