Benzodiazepines Treatment in Connecticut

At Waterstone Addiction & Recovery, a leading outpatient addiction medicine practice in Connecticut, we diagnose and treat a wide range of substance use disorders, including benzodiazepines. Learn more about our outpatient substance use disorder treatments below, or schedule an appointment to sleep begin your recovery journey and live better today.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that induce sedation and hypnosis, help alleviate anxiety and muscle spasms, and can control seizures.

Common benzodiazepines include prescription medications such as Valium®, Xanax®, Halcion®, Ativan®, and Klonopin®. Short-acting benzodiazepines used to treat insomnia include estazolam (ProSom®), flurazepam (Dalmane®), temazepam (Restoril®), and triazolam (Halcion®). Midazolam (Versed®), a short-acting benzodiazepine, is often used in critical care settings and before anesthesia for sedation, anxiety relief, and to induce amnesia.

Benzodiazepines can quickly impact the brain’s GABA and dopamine systems. Over time, users may develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning the brain becomes accustomed to its effects, resulting in diminished effectiveness.

Studies have shown that benzodiazepines, opioids, cannabinoids, and the club drug GHB all influence the same neural mechanisms that contribute to addiction. Research indicates that 4 out of 10 people who use benzodiazepines for more than six weeks will develop an addiction to them.

How Do Benzodiazepines Become Dangerous?

Benzos are the most commonly prescribed depressants in the U.S., but they carry a high risk of addiction. Without proper medical supervision, withdrawal from these drugs can be dangerous.

Benzodiazepines were developed as a safer alternative to barbiturates, a class of drugs previously used to treat anxiety and seizures. As barbiturate abuse became a widespread issue, doctors believed that benzos could provide similar benefits with a lower risk of misuse. However, it soon became clear that dependence and addiction to benzodiazepines could still develop, even when used as prescribed by a doctor.

What Are The Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction?

You or someone you know may be struggling with a benzodiazepine addiction if the following patterns are frequently observed:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed
• Neglecting responsibilities due to drug use
• Constantly thinking about obtaining and using benzos
• Deliberately combining benzodiazepines with other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs
• Using benzos in unsafe situations, such as at work or while driving
• Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop using the drug
• Giving up activities once enjoyed in favor of using drugs
• Denying the problem, despite clear signs of addiction
• “Doctor shopping” to obtain more benzodiazepines

Benzo addiction can have serious consequences for both the individual and their loved ones. Family issues, such as child neglect or divorce, may arise, and financial problems can worsen due to poor money management and absenteeism or job loss. In many cases, individuals may turn to criminal behavior to fund their addiction.

What are the Effects of Benzodiazepines on the Mind and Body?

Chronic use of benzodiazepines can worsen long-term effects. Individuals who misuse these drugs may experience difficulties with concentration, memory, focus, and may develop slurred speech. In more severe cases, delirium, depression, and brain damage are possible.

Weaning off even a single benzodiazepine can be challenging, and discontinuing multiple benzodiazepines is even more difficult. Withdrawal symptoms can include disrupted sleep, panic attacks, seizures, and psychosis. However, recovery is achievable with professional help. Intensive addiction therapy is crucial following benzodiazepine withdrawal to lower the risk of relapse.

If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, treatment is not only possible but essential. While benzodiazepine abuse alone is rarely fatal, many individuals mix them with other addictive substances like alcohol or opioids, which creates dangerous and potentially deadly combinations. Treatment for benzo addiction is often necessary when a strong dependence has developed.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms typically progress in three phases: early withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of discontinuing the drug and can last anywhere from several days to months. Some individuals may continue to experience withdrawal effects for years after stopping. The severity and duration of withdrawal depend on various factors, including:

• Age
• Dosage
• Body size
• Method of ingestion
• Duration of use or abuse
• Overall physical health
• Hydration levels
• Types of drugs used or misused
• Concurrent abuse of alcohol or other substances
• Mental health conditions or co-occurring disorders
• Short-acting vs. long-acting drug half-life

Each benzodiazepine has a distinct half-life, which determines how long it stays in the body. Withdrawal symptoms generally begin after the drug is eliminated. Benzos with longer half-lives remain in the body longer, delaying the onset of withdrawal, while short-acting benzos lead to quicker, more intense withdrawal symptoms. For short-acting benzodiazepines, withdrawal can begin within 10-12 hours of cessation, whereas for longer-acting ones, symptoms may take a few days to appear. Stopping hypnotic benzos may lead to heightened sleep disturbances, while discontinuing anti-anxiety medications may increase anxiety levels.

The method of ingestion also impacts the withdrawal process. Injecting or snorting benzodiazepines delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream for an immediate effect, whereas swallowing a pill produces a slower onset and less intense euphoria, resulting in a more gradual withdrawal.

Poly-drug abuse, or the use of multiple substances, can worsen withdrawal symptoms. When benzodiazepines are combined with illicit drugs, the variety and intensity of withdrawal symptoms can increase. People attempting to detox from multiple substances may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), which are intense and prolonged.

Avoid Quitting Cold Turkey

The duration of benzodiazepine withdrawal can vary, lasting weeks or even months, depending on the drug and dosage. Attempting to quit abruptly (“cold turkey”) can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Coma
• Confusion
• Depression
• Muscle pain
• Blurred vision
• Irregular heart rate
• Breathing difficulties
• Increased body temperature
• Severe, life-threatening seizures
• Delirium tremens, which involves shaking and hallucinations similar to alcohol withdrawal

Due to the significant risks associated with benzo withdrawal, seeking professional help is crucial. Addiction treatment specialists are trained to gradually taper dosages, allowing the body to adjust with fewer withdrawal complications.

How Are Benzodiazepines Treated?

At Waterstone Addiction & Recovery, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals struggling with benzodiazepine dependence. Our outpatient program is carefully crafted to provide comprehensive support and treatment in a non-residential setting, allowing clients to fulfill their daily responsibilities. This flexible approach ensures that treatment integrates seamlessly into personal and professional life, offering both accessibility and ongoing medical supervision. The program includes medically supervised detox, with dosages adjusted and monitored to minimize withdrawal symptoms effectively.

Therapeutic support is a core component, incorporating methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients address the psychological aspects of addiction and withdrawal. Additionally, we provide extensive aftercare, including continued therapy sessions and support group meetings, to foster long-term recovery. Our outpatient services are customized to meet the diverse needs of each client, offering professional care alongside the flexibility to continue with everyday life.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that outpatient programs can be just as effective as inpatient care for many individuals with substance use disorders, validating the effectiveness of our approach. Our team of experienced addiction specialists, therapists, and medical professionals is dedicated to delivering personalized care, making us an excellent choice for those seeking treatment for benzodiazepine addiction.

If you believe you may be suffering from Benzodiazepine use disorder, it is important to see a caregiver who specializes in addiction medicine in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition. Call 203-826-1163 today, or schedule an appointment using this form.