Summary: The following article provides brief information
about the benzo addiction and helps you to live improved life.
Benzodiazepines, also known as "benzos," are a
class of psychoactive drugs that are among the most prescribed, as well as the
most abused, prescription drugs in the United States. Rich in their sedative,
hypnotic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties, benzos,
such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium, are prescribed to treat conditions such as
anxiety, insomnia, manic symptoms, etc.
However, a long-term use of such drugs
is generally discouraged due to their tendency to cause severe side effects
such as dependency, increased risk of fall, or dementia, especially in the
elderly.
However, the real challenge arises when a person who
overuses such medicines develops tolerance toward them, which gradually turns
into an addiction. Moreover, when the person stops using the drug, he or she
starts experiencing a number of withdrawal symptoms such as sleep disturbances,
increased irritability, cognitive and memory problems, etc.
A persistent use of benzos can turn into a devastating
addiction. A person dependent on such drugs continues to use them not for any
symptomatic relief but for preventing painful withdrawal. Generally, the first
signs of withdrawal appear within 6-8 hours for shorter-acting benzos and 24-48
hours for longer-acting benzos. However, whatever be the cause or duration, withdrawal
symptoms are always difficult to deal with.
The first step toward getting rid of benzo
addiction is to eliminate the
residues of the drug from the user's body through detoxification. Benzo detox
varies from person to person and can last for a few days to several months,
depending on the intensity or duration of drug abuse, among other factors.
During the benzo detox process, toxins are flushed from the user's body by removing the components of benzodiazepine
that may have accumulated. As the detoxification proceeds, it is normal for the
person to experience several withdrawal symptoms, which could be more severe
for people who have been abusing the drug over a long period.
It's far advisable to go through detox under the supervision
of medical experts who can offer the proper type of steerage and aid to
withdraw accurately from the drug, as well as lessen the probabilities of
relapse. At the same time, one ought to chorus from going cold turkey as
quitting the drug suddenly may result in existence-threatening withdrawal signs
which include psychosis and seizures or excessive confusion.
This is precisely why receiving medically supervised detox
is a good concept, because it enables someone to live healthful and safe at the
same time as eliminating toxic substances from the body. This entails the use
of less robust benzos, which includes diazepam or clonazepam, to lessen the
prevailing dosage of the drug and to keep the symptoms at bay.
People with mild addiction can opt for an outpatient detox
program instead of an inpatient rehab treatment, as this allows them to get the
treatment without disturbing their everyday schedule. But, opting only for a
detox program is not enough to attain sobriety. One should combine the detox
process with other treatments such as counseling, behavioral therapy or
medications, which can help avoid a relapse.
0 comments: