At True Life Center, we provide a supportive environment staffed by caring addiction specialists and therapists to help people struggling with benzo abuse. Our benzo taper program gradually eases your use of benzo drugs while you are closely monitored to ensure your safety throughout the entire process. One of the best tools you have to overcome this type of addiction is knowledge about benzodiazepine abuse and addiction.

3 Things to Know About Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction

1. Dependency Is Often Inadvertent

Well-meaning but time-strapped physicians may inappropriately prescribe benzodiazepines to patients without first considering individual risk factors or warning of long-term consequences. Then these patients, who trust their doctor’s advice and are desperate to feel better, often take the medication faithfully and responsibly for years without questioning their use. Meanwhile, for an estimated 15 to 44 percent of benzodiazepine users, the body adapts to the drug so that physical dependence is developed. It may take missing a dose and experiencing the benzo withdrawal symptoms or verbalized concern from an attentive medical professional before the problem is even discovered.

2. Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Aches and pains
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Psychosis

The severity of symptoms depends largely on a patient’s medical history, physical condition, duration of use, and benzodiazepines dosage. In no instance, however, is quitting “cold turkey” a recommendation. The safest way to deal with a benzodiazepine addiction is to seek help from an addiction psychiatrist or medical professional. The most effective form of benzodiazepine addiction treatment is often a slow taper. A professional supervises the gradual reduction of benzodiazepine dosage to minimize symptoms.

3. There Are Alternative Treatment Options

While it is true that benzodiazepine abuse and addiction are a possibility, this drug can also provide a great deal of relief for the estimated 40 million American adults suffering from clinical anxiety. The drugs’ accessibility, relatively low price, and rapid results prevent many patients from considering alternative treatments. But while benzo use may effectively mask anxiety symptoms, research suggests it does nothing to cure anxiety and may actually worsen the condition. Anxiety is a complex mental health condition that affects every aspect of life, including the mind, body, and spirit. The most effective treatments for anxiety address those same aspects with a holistic approach that addresses the root cause of the illness.

If you are taking benzos because of clinical anxiety, our True Life Center team also offers anxiety disorder treatment as an alternative to medication. We provide options for this type of treatment, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder treatment
• OCD treatment
• Panic disorder treatment
• Social anxiety disorder treatment

The goal of these treatment programs is to help you build skills to deal with anxiety instead of using benzos. This type of holistic approach to treatment is why our programs are so effective.

Benzodiazepine Abuse Treatment at True Life Center

At True Life Center, we want to understand each patient’s unique story. This allows us to provide customized and comprehensive outpatient benzo addiction treatment. Our team of collaborative experts includes two full-time psychiatrists, as well as a full-time psychiatric nurse practitioner. This allows us to safely oversee benzodiazepine detox.

Some of our mental health treatment options at True Life Center include:

• Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Neurobiological integration approach
• Anxiety disorder treatment
• Trauma therapy
• Mood disorder treatment

If you’re unsure which of our mental health treatment options is right for you, don’t worry. Our True Life Center team will work with you to determine which of our programs is best for your health and well-being.

Overcome Benzo Abuse and Addiction at True Life Center

True Life Center is a proud provider of addiction treatment programs in California, and we are ready to support you with our San Diego benzo treatment program. Although it may not seem like it right now, recovery from this type of addiction is possible. You may need the comprehensive and compassionate care we provide in all of our San Diego treatment programs.

For more information about addiction or mental health treatment, please contact us. We are available to provide information, resources, and support. You can also call 858.202.1822 to speak with someone directly to retake control of your life from benzo abuse by contacting True Life Center.

The post 3 Things to Know About Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction appeared first on True Life Center.

If you are looking for a benzo taper program in CA, True Life Center has the solution for you. Reach out to our team of mental health and addiction specialists online at admissions@truelifewellbeing.com or call us at 858.202.1822 today.

What Are Benzos? Why Are They Risky?

Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription medication that immediately calms the nervous system. In fact, they target the same receptors in the brain as alcohol and have a similar depressant effect, which can be calming and quieting at the moment. They are also sometimes categorized as sedatives because of the way they work. Common brand names include:

• Xanax
• Librium
• Valium
• Klonopin

Most people are prescribed these substances to treat panic disorder or an anxiety disorder, and they can work very well in the short term in these situations.

Benzos provide the ultimate betrayal because just as quickly as they reduce the anxiety, they switch course and ultimately exacerbate the very problems they initially extinguished. Our bodies become physically tolerant to benzos, which means you need higher doses in order to achieve the same result, which ultimately can lead to physical and psychological dependence, otherwise known as addiction.

Do I Need a Benzo Taper or Detox? Do I Have an Addiction to Benzodiazepines?

Most people do not see their benzo medications as habit-forming or as part of chemical addiction because they have taken them as prescribed and under the guidance of their doctor. There are signs that indicate your body’s tolerance to these medications. These signs might include:

• You think about or feel the need to use benzos often.
• Your prescriptions run out before they should.
• Panic or anxiety occurs when you don’t take these medications.
• You’ve gone to more than one doctor to get medication, also known as “doctor shopping.”
• You can no longer take the meds as needed but need to take them on a consistent basis.

When you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek out a benzo taper or an addiction treatment center. If you are seeking help from a benzo taper program in CA, True Life Center can help.

What Can I Expect in Benzo Addiction Treatment?

At True Life Center, we offer comprehensive treatment in benzo recovery that uncovers the root cause of suffering and helps our patients find a path to achievable and sustainable health. Our benzo addiction treatment approach is built on helping to manage your mental health needs while also teaching you skills and helping you to become more embodied and grounded. This type of treatment can help to restore your confidence and your well-being. Our team can help with programs like:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Neurobiological integration program
• Anxiety disorder treatment

Take the First Step in Recovery by Contacting True Life Center Today

Are you ready to find the benzo addiction treatment that can change your life? When you are ready to start over and get the help you need, put your trust in True Life Center.

At True Life Center, we are committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. We aim to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. To learn more, reach out to True Life Center online today or give us a ring at 858.202.1822 to start your journey to healing today.

The post How People Get Addicted to Benzos appeared first on True Life Center.