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Benzodiazepine Detoxification

If you or someone you love has been struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, CuraWest is available to help. Our Denver, Colorado treatment program combines medically monitored detox with an immediate transition into inpatient treatment, offering a multi-staged program conducive to integrated healing. The symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous when left untreated. It is important for every individual journey of benzodiazepine addiction recovery to begin with a short stay in medical detox, where symptoms will be effectively treated by a team of licensed medical professionals as soon as they develop. To learn more about our detoxification and inpatient treatment services, contact us today.

Benzodiazepines, more commonly referred to as “benzos,” are a classification of powerful and highly habit-forming prescription medication. Some examples of common benzodiazepines include Klonopin, Valium and Xanax. Over the course of the past decade, benzodiazepine abuse and addiction have become major health-related concerns throughout the United States – the National Institute on Drug Abuse recently reported that 12.5 percent of American adults currently use benzodiazepines, and 2.1 percent of these adults are actively combatting a benzodiazepine-related addictive disorder. At CuraWest we understand the severity and seriousness of benzodiazepine use and addiction, and we have carefully developed a comprehensive and highly individualized detox program as a response to the nationwide prescription drug crisis. Our private, homestyle retreat was designed with relaxation and tranquility in mind, and offers all of the comforts of home with numerous additional amenities. At CuraWest we do everything in our power to ensure that each and every client is receiving the quality clinical care they need and the compassion and respect they deserve.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate or severe anxiety-related disorders. They are also sometimes used for the treatment of insomnia or other sleep-related disorders, for the treatment of seizures and convulsions and finally, for the treatment of symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. Research suggests that this prescription sedative is most frequently used to relieve tension and help individuals relax. It’s second most common function is helping with sleep-related issues. Unfortunately, these sedative properties often lead to misuse. Individuals who are suffering from untreated, underlying mental health issues or who have a propensity for substance abuse are more likely to abuse this specific chemical substance – and abuse very frequently leads to addiction.

The good news is that even the most severe case of benzodiazepine addiction can be effectively treated. The first step on every road to recovery is medically monitored detox. At CuraWest, we have designed an integrated detox program that is geared towards much more than physical stabilization. We are dedicated to setting a solid and unwavering foundation that will lend itself to lifelong recovery.

Types of benzodiazepines include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Temazepam (Restoril)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Midazolam (Versed)
• Quazepam (Doral)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene)
• Triazolam (Halcion)
• Estazolam (Prosom)
• Flurazepam (Dalmane)
• Oxazepam (Serax)

Benzodiazepine Addiction Signs & Symptoms

Some of the more common signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction include (but are not limited to):

• Increased drowsiness and fatigue. Because this prescription medication is a sedative, those that have been abusing it will generally appear sleep-deprived. 
• Poor judgment and an inability to concentrate or engage in critical thinking. 
• A variety of mild to moderate physical symptoms, including blurred vision, numbness of the extremities and weakness of the muscles.
• Significant mood swings, generally marked by irritability and agitation that cannot be readily explained. 
• An increase in dangerous, risk-taking behaviors, such as driving while under the influence of benzodiazepines. 
• Raiding the medicine cabinets of friends or family members, hoping to obtain more benzodiazepines of any kind
• Doctor shopping – trying to obtain more than one written prescription at a time. 
• Attempting to cut back on benzodiazepine use but being unable to do so for any significant length of time. 
• Building up a tolerance, meaning that a higher dosage is required in order for the same effects to be achieved. 
• Combining benzos with other chemical substances to increase the effects – this is known as polydrug abuse. 
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal upon abruptly ceased use. 

If you have been suffering from mild, moderate or severe benzodiazepine abuse, CuraWest is available to help. Our individualized program always puts the needs of the clients first, and is dedicated to providing a safe and effective benzodiazepine detox to people of all ages.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The American Public Health Association published a study titled, “Increasing Benzodiazepine Prescriptions and Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1996–2013.” This study suggested that the amount of American adults filling prescriptions for this specific prescription sedative increased a staggering 67 percent from 1996 to 2013. There is no question about the fact that benzodiazepines are extremely habit-forming. Part of the reason why they are so addictive is that individuals who begin taking them will begin to feel the effects of withdrawal upon ceased use – even if they are taking the medication as prescribed. Benzodiazepine is not just highly uncomfortable, it can be extremely dangerous – even life-threatening – when not carefully overseen and treated by a team of experienced medical professionals. At CuraWest, our staff of long-term addiction field experts is composed of medical professionals, therapists, psychiatrists and support staff members who are all working towards the same common goal – to provide the highest level of quality medical detox. Not only can we safely manage all benzo-related withdrawal symptoms, but we guarantee that each of our clients will stay safe, supported and comfortable.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal – Signs and Symptoms

A study originally published by the British Pharmacological Society titled, “Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil,” examines the numerous symptoms of benzo withdrawal in depth. The study found that around 40 percent of individuals who have been abusing benzodiazepines for over six months experience severe withdrawal symptoms, while the other 60 percent experience mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

• Severe anxiety and restlessness
• Irritability and agitation
• Insomnia and other sleep-related disorders
• Hand tremors 
• Muscle spasms
• General aches and pains
• Stomach issues like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Intense headaches
• Profuse sweating/night sweats

• An increased heart rate
• Racing heart and heart palpitations
• Increased blood pressure
• Hyperventilation and panic attacks
• Issues with memory and concentration
• Disillusionment and feelings of unreality 
• Hallucinations 
• Delirium
• Depression and suicidal ideation
• Grand mal seizures

Clearly, the list of potential withdrawal symptoms is quite long, and the vast majority of the above-listed symptoms cannot be treated in a home setting. Medically monitored detox will always be necessary.

Why is Medical Detox Necessary?

If an individual attempts to withdraw from benzodiazepines on their own — without professional, around-the-clock assistance — consequences of the inevitable can be life-threatening. At  CuraWest we are extensively familiar with all the above-listed withdrawal symptoms and more. Not only are we equipped to treat such symptoms as they arise, but we have the experience necessary to make even the most severe benzodiazepine withdrawal essentially pain-free. At CuraWest, we offer an integrated, multi-staged treatment experience unlike any other in the Denver, Colorado area. We utilize medication assisted treatment when necessary, ensuring that clients who have been suffering at the hands of a benzodiazepine addiction are never at risk of danger or discomfort. When our medical team finds tapering necessary, we slowly reduce the amount of benzodiazepines in a client’s system until they are physically stabilized. No matter how severe the active addiction, we have the tools and professionalism necessary to ensure a comfortable and comprehensively positive treatment experience.

Our Quick and Simple Admissions Process

We guarantee one of the most efficient and stress-free admissions processes available. Our Treatment Advisors are available 24-hours a day to provide insurance benefits checks. Not only do we help you figure out a viable, stress-free payment plan over the course of your first phone call, but we set up local ground transportation and help you develop travel plans in order to ensure you are receiving the clinical care you need as quickly as possible. For more information, call one of our Treatment Advisors today at (888) 693-1794. When it comes to benzodiazepine addiction, there is truly no time to begin your journey of healing like the present moment.