Macon Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Compassionate and Comprehensive Benzodiazepine Dependency Treatment in Georgia
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce calming effects. Common benzodiazepines, sometimes referred to as “benzos,” include Xanax, Ambien, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan. They are often prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders like insomnia. When taken for an extended period or in higher doses than prescribed, benzodiazepine can become habit-forming and lead to a debilitating addiction. Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious problem with potentially life-threatening consequences if not treated properly.
At the Georgia Recovery Campus, we have the staff, treatments, and resources to effectively help people battle their benzodiazepine addiction. Our Macon benzodiazepine treatment professionals understand how to safely facilitate the detoxification of this brain-chemistry-altering drug and can serve as an unwavering pillar of support during this difficult time. With our state-of-the-art facilities and innovative, dual diagnosis treatment strategies, we are confident we can help patients overcome their dependencies and heal their minds, bodies, and spirits.
Why Are Benzodiazepines So Addictive, and Why Are They Dangerous?
Benzodiazepines affect brain chemistry by triggering pleasure signals associated with joy, relaxation, and a sense of safety. This effect can make it an effective prescriptive tool when a patient is dealing with severe insomnia, anxiety, or related conditions. However, once benzodiazepines start being regularly taken, the drugs interfere with the brain’s natural production of chemicals like dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. In other words, the brain begins to rely on them to produce calming, pleasurable sensations. Worse still, because the feelings benzodiazepines activate can be so pleasurable, many users increase their dosages or use the drug more frequently, exacerbating the dependency.
A fatal overdose can result from taking too much benzodiazepine at once, over time, or when combining the drug with alcohol or other opioids. Furthermore, when someone stops taking benzodiazepines after developing a dependency, their brain will struggle to restart the production of dopamine and other chemicals, resulting in severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
The long-term consequences of benzodiazepine addiction can be severe and damaging to a user’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Physically, individuals can experience extreme fatigue, an increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired cognitive functioning, an increased risk of health complications like heart disease or strokes, organ damage from drug toxicity, and even permanent brain damage. Benzo dependency can also cause depression, anxiety, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments that, without proper treatment, may persist even after the individual stops taking the drug. Those addicted to benzos may also struggle socially by feeling isolated or disconnected from their family members and friends due to their addictive behaviors.
No matter the extent of the addiction, the Georgia Recovery Campus is here to help people start the road to recovery. Our Macon benzodiazepine addiction treatment professionals offer the no-judgment, compassionate support our patients need to retake control of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Georgia Recovery Campus address co-occurring mental health disorders?
Many individuals with benzodiazepine addiction also experience co-occurring mental health conditions. Georgia Recovery Campus offers integrated treatment plans that address both addiction and mental health concerns.
What is the typical length of stay at Georgia Recovery Campus?
The length of stay at Georgia Recovery Campus varies depending on individual needs. Our benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs are tailored to provide the necessary support for each patient's recovery journey.
What role does stress play in benzodiazepine addiction?
Stress can contribute to benzodiazepine addiction and relapse. Georgia Recovery Campus incorporates stress management techniques into treatment plans to help patients develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Can I visit my loved one during treatment at Georgia Recovery Campus?
Visitation policies may vary, but Georgia Recovery Campus encourages family involvement in the recovery process. Our staff can provide specific information about visitation arrangements.
You do not have to battle a benzodiazepine addiction alone. Call (478) 216-1110 or contact us online to learn more about what our treatment center can do for you.
What Are the Two Types of Benzodiazepine Addicts?
It is important to remember that benzodiazepine can be a drug with genuine medical benefits, and addiction can sneak up on someone who is only taking something prescribed by their doctor. Unfortunately, benzodiazepine’s powerful addictive properties can make it difficult to escape, even when it is being used in a manner authorized by a medical professional.
There are two main types of benzodiazepine addicts: users with prescriptions and recreational users. Someone with a prescription can safely use the drug under the supervision of a healthcare provider if they follow their prescription to the letter. That means they only take the approved dosage at the approved intervals and stop taking the drug when instructed. In practice, many people end up taking too high a dosage, taking the drug at too great a frequency, hoarding pills, or continuing to take them after being told to stop. An addiction becomes far more likely if someone is prescribed benzodiazepines for four weeks or more.
Recreational benzodiazepine users do not have a medical need for the drug but enjoy the high it provides. They procure the drug from illicit dealers or people with prescriptions and often combine it with alcohol, cocaine, and other opioids to heighten its effect.
Regardless of how someone becomes addicted to benzodiazepines, they will ultimately be beholden to their compromised brain signals. This means they cannot win the battle alone and will need professional treatment to overcome their dependency.
The Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Some people who become addicted to benzodiazepines will realize they have a problem and make an effort to stop. Unfortunately, because of the way the drug alters brain chemistry, they will likely experience harrowing, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms as the brain attempts to reconfigure itself. Therefore, someone addicted to benzodiazepine should only attempt to get off the drug under the supervision of a medical professional. Attempting to navigate withdrawal alone can lead to relapse or even more tragic consequences, including death. Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal may include:
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Headaches and muscle aches
- Tremors and shakes
- Tinnitus
- Agitation and irritability
- Hallucinations and psychosis
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Shallow breathing
- Seizures
- Rapid heart rate and heart failure
We are here for you if you think you may have a benzodiazepine problem. Call (478) 216-1110 or contact us online to learn more about the Georgia Recovery Campus and our approach to addiction treatment.
Why Choose Georgia Recovery Campus?
What Makes Us Different
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We understand how difficult recovery is. We work one on one with you every step of the way to ensure we are helping you make the necessary changes to obtain the life you deserve.
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When you come to our facility, you are not only getting a beautiful campus and quality services, but you are also getting a team who truly cares about your recovery.
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Our dedicated, experienced, and compassionate team of experts is here for you every step of the way. We have the tools, resources, and knowledge to help you on your journey.
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At Georgia Recovery Campus we treat the entire mind, body, and spirit. When you come to us, we work one on one with you to select the track that would be most beneficial to you and your goals.