Benzodiazepines, AKA benzos, are a class of sedatives that have several medicinal uses. Those who are prescribed benzodiazepines may wonder, are benzos addictive? The answer depends on several factors, such as the brand name and amount of benzos in each dose. Benzos are relatively safe to take for anxiety and insomnia. However, there is a chance of developing an addiction if you take more than prescribed or with other medications, drugs, or alcohol.
Arkview Recovery supports Pennsylvanians who have become addicted to their prescription medications. Our center is conveniently located in Mechanicsburg and includes residential and outpatient treatment programs. Each program utilizes effective therapeutic methods along with medical support to treat all aspects of the addiction.
To see if our benzo addiction treatment program is right for you or a loved one, pick up the phone and call 717.744.0756 today to speak with our team.
How Addictive Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines are a type of tranquilizer that works on the central nervous system. They create a pleasurable calming effect that can help people who struggle with anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and other conditions. The most common brand names with benzodiazepines as the active ingredient are Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, and Libruim. It also has other names, such as roofies, xannies, heavenly blues, and the date-rape drug.1
When abused over a long period of time, benzos are addictive and can produce withdrawal symptoms that are similar to or worse than heroin withdrawals because it increases anxiety and insomnia symptoms.
Are All Bezos Addictive?
Not all benzos are addictive. Short-acting benzos, like Xanax, are less likely to be addictive when you take it as prescribed and don’t use recreational or illegal drugs or alcohol along with it. Longer-lasting benzos, like Valium, Librium, and Klonopin, have a higher risk of addiction as they stay in your body much longer, and there is more of a chance of building a dependence on the drug.
The risk of forming an addiction to benzos, no matter the type, increases dramatically when you take more than prescribed or with other substances, like prescription opioids, cannabis, or alcohol. Those who do this frequently are at risk of developing a polysubstance use disorder.
At Arkview Recovery, we understand the dangers of benzos addiction. Therefore, we work closely with each patient to help them through every step of the recovery process. On day one, we will run a full health assessment to determine the severity of the addiction and which treatment options are the best for your recovery. That way, you get a more personalized form of recovery that increases your chances of recovery.
The Benefits of Enrolling in Benzo Rehab
Benzos are addictive. Fortunately, there are several therapy programs available to help you stop the abuse before it causes serious physical or psychological harm. If you or a loved one is taking benzodiazepines for anxiety or insomnia and has developed an addiction, the best course of action is to enroll in a benzo rehab program.
Here are just some of the benefits of participating in a prescription drug rehab program:
- Addiction education – Patients will learn all about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and what is required to beat the addiction and maintain long-lasting sobriety.
- Better coping skills – Therapists will teach patients a number of coping skills to prevent their cravings and triggers from consuming them and leading to a relapse.
- Peer support – One of the biggest benefits of a rehab program is the relationships that can develop between you and your peers in therapy. The bonds you form can be very powerful and support you during those difficult times in the future.
- Family therapy – Loved ones and family members can participate in therapy sessions to learn about the addiction, resolve any conflicts or issues that contributed to the addiction, and how they can be a part of the recovery process.
Addiction is a life-long illness where cravings and triggers can reappear even years later. Therefore, having the skills and life lessons you’ll learn in therapy can help keep you on the sober path.
Join Arkview Recovery’s Benzo Addiction Treatment Program Today to Start Recovery
Arkview Recovery is a fully accredited addiction treatment center. We support individuals who struggle with addiction to prescription medications, alcohol, or other illegal drugs. Our programs include group and private therapy sessions where you will work with an experienced therapist to learn new coping skills and life lessons that promote long-lasting recovery and better mental health.
Would you like to learn more about our benzo rehab programs? If so, call 717.744.0756 today or use our online contact form to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.
Source:
1. WebMD
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.