Benzodiazepene Addiction | Benzo Addiction
Your loved one has an exceptionally difficult road ahead of them in overcoming their addiction to Benzodiazapenes (Zanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, Librium, etc.), however we have a great deal of experience in helping individuals permanently quit these horribly addictive medications.
Benzodiazapene (or “Benzo) addiction is of notable concern because the prescription of such medications is normally the primary course of action in treating most other chemical addictions. They seem have have great use as short-term, detox medications for a number of other addictions. However, they are also very addictive themselves. So that begs the question of, “What does your loved one do when they become addicted to the detox meds?” Quite simply, they need a very high degree of supervision and care as they undergo a very uncomfortable period of time in pursuit of freedom from these medications.
It is quite important that you know that your loved one should never attempt to reduce, taper or abruptly stop their intake of Benzodiazapenes without the proper medical supervision (this is true for all medications, but especially Benzos). While this is not as widely known as it should be, the immediate cessation of Benzodiazapenes after continued use can be very dangerous and in fact it can lead to seizure, stroke and even death.
Your loved one is not in any way alone in their addiction to Benzodiazapenes, as these drugs have gained a great deal of prominence due to the overuse in various medical settings. Generally speaking, despite the fact that they are heavily addictive and withdrawal from them can even kill you, they actually pose a relatively low threat of overdose (relative to, say, heroin), and they are scheduled rather low on the Federal Classification of Controlled Substances so that medical practitioners feel they can prescribe them rather safely.
You should know that your loved one’s addiction to Benzos is progressive in nature and that your loved one will build up an ever increasing tolerance to these medications. This will generally progress to the point where they choose to intake any number of other substances – from alcohol to pain killers to heroin – since such substances will cross-potentiate one another and allow them to feel the Benzodiazapene intoxication in a more pronounced manner. Now, while Benzos alone pose a relatively low overdose risk, once combined with anything else, they in fact became as deadly as heroin or any other drug in this regard. Moreover, as miserable as Benzo withdrawal can be, the only thing worse is have to withdrawal from any other substances as the same time.
It is quite likely that your loved one originally sought Benzodiazapenes to remedy a very legitimate medical ailment like anxiety. However, in time, it probably became apparent that this medical need was outweighed by their desire to feel the effects of these medications to where it became completely unapparent to what extent the medical need was exaggerated for the purposes of obtaining more medication. We want you to know that we will will work with your loved one, under the supervision of our trained medical professionals, to determine the extent to which your loved one requires such medications and we have no interested in denying them that which they legitimately need.
Please be aware that simply because your loved one’s drug of choice comes in a harmless looking pill bottle from the pharmacy, it doesn’t mean they are in any less danger than the IV drug user shooting up in a dumpster. In fact, often the pill addicts are in the most danger because, in a sense, they are the ones most oblivious to the very dire nature of their situation.
We have done really exceptionally work to help establish clinical protocols for assisting your loved one in overcoming benzodiazapene addiction. They face a very long and hard road, but rest assured while under our care they will be receiving the very best in informed and compassionate care for those suffering with addiction to Benzodiazapenes.
Would you like to speak with someone regarding your loved one’s addiction to Benzodiazapenes? If so, you may feel free to call us anytime at 1-888-U-GET-WELL.
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