Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, including popular brands like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. They work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. While effective for short-term use, benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Prolonged use or misuse, such as taking higher doses than prescribed, can lead to dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction to benzodiazepines like Xanax presents as increased tolerance, emotional reliance, and withdrawal symptoms such as severe anxiety, insomnia, or tremors. Individuals may exhibit behavioral changes, such as neglecting responsibilities, isolating socially, and engaging in deceptive practices to obtain the drug. Dependency is often marked by a need to take larger doses to achieve the desired calming effects.

Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction at Tranquility Woods involves a multidisciplinary approach. Medically supervised detox ensures safe management of withdrawal symptoms like tremors and irritability. Weekly addiction therapy sessions focus on identifying triggers and building coping mechanisms, while mental health therapy addresses anxiety and mood disorders that often co-occur with benzodiazepine misuse. Clients benefit from holistic therapies, including acupuncture and massages, which promote physical and emotional relaxation. DBT helps clients regulate emotions and maintain stability during recovery.

– Anxiety Disorders: Chronic use can worsen anxiety, especially during withdrawal. – Depression: Benzodiazepines can cause or exacerbate depressive symptoms, particularly with long-term use. – Sleep Disorders: Dependency disrupts natural sleep cycles, leading to chronic insomnia or fatigue.

Benzodiazepine misuse increases the risk of respiratory depression, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol or opioids. Long-term use can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional instability. Withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, hallucinations, and extreme anxiety, can be life-threatening without medical support. Overdose is a constant danger with misuse, often resulting in coma or death. Social and professional consequences, such as strained relationships and financial troubles, are also common.