Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, or seizures, and they can offer much-needed relief. But they also come with a serious risk of addiction. Why does this happen? Even when taken exactly as prescribed, it’s easy to start needing higher doses to feel the same effect, leading to dependency faster than you might expect. Keep reading to learn why these drugs can be so dangerous and how benzodiazepine addiction treatment at Hanley Center can help.
What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. This class of prescription drugs is commonly used to help slow down messages between your brain and body, resulting in a calming or drowsy effect. They are typically prescribed for short-term use to treat several conditions, such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorders
- Seizure disorders
- Muscle spasms
The most known benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin.
TYPES OF ADDICTIONS
Benzodiazepine Addiction Symptoms
Benzodiazepine addiction symptoms often impact how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Here are the most common signs:
- Significant mood and attitude changes.
- Excessive drowsiness and low energy.
- Blurred vision, slurred speech, and lowered libido.
- Dizziness, muscle weakness, and impaired coordination.
- Lying, stealing, or borrowing to further benzodiazepine addiction.
- Withdrawing from activities, hobbies, and interests.
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school.
- Continuing use despite negative consequences.
- Needing larger doses to achieve the same effect.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
If you take benzodiazepines occasionally or use them exactly as prescribed, you will not usually experience withdrawal symptoms. However, if you take them regularly over a long time, you may become physically dependent on them. This might lead to one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms should you stop or reduce your dose:
- Abdominal cramps
- Agoraphobia (fear of situations that feel difficult to escape)
- Anxiety (incl. muscle tension, chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shaking)
- Mild to moderate depression
- Blurred vision
- Difficult concentrating
- Face, neck, head, or tongue pain
- Unsteady legs
- Increased sensitivity to light, noise, touch, and smell
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Low libido
- Nightmares
- General malaise (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
- Weight loss
In more severe cases of withdrawal, some people may also experience the following:
- Burning sensations in the skin
- Confusion
- Hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions
- Depersonalization (e.g., feeling detached from surroundings)
- Memory loss
- Seizures
If you or a loved one is struggling with a benzodiazepine addiction, the skilled team at Hanley Center can help.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Program
We understand overcoming benzodiazepine addiction can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our specialized benzodiazepine addiction treatment program offers compassionate, comprehensive care designed to support your unique needs every step of the way. Whether you need 24/7 inpatient care, partial hospitalization, or outpatient rehab, we provide the exact level of care you need to treat several types of addiction.
Treatment Options
We understand that recovery is never a one-size-fits-all journey. That’s why we’re here to support you with a variety of personalized treatment options, each designed to your unique needs and circumstances:
- Inpatient Rehab
In our 24/7 residential program, you’ll receive intensive care, medical supervision, and therapeutic support in a distraction-free environment. This approach helps you fully focus on your recovery and regain balance. - Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our PHP is more flexible, offering the perfect blend of support and flexibility. You’ll attend treatment during the day and return home or to a sober living facility at night. With 30 hours of programming each week, this option helps you build a solid foundation for recovery while maintaining some independence. - Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
This program is ideal for those transitioning from residential treatment or who do not require a higher level of care. Our IOP allows you to maintain your daily responsibilities while attending regular therapy sessions and receiving ongoing support.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
You can reclaim your life from benzodiazepine addiction—we can help.
Our expert team at Hanley Center is committed to providing the support, care, and tools you need to heal—physically and emotionally.
Contact us today to learn more about our personalized benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs in West Palm Beach.
Let us help you or your loved one achieve long-lasting recovery.
Start your journey to freedom and fulfillment by calling 561.841.1033 today.
Hanley Center: Most Insurance Accepted
Address: 933 45th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
