Benzodiazepine Detox in Memphis, Tennessee

Benzodiazepine dependence and addiction can consume a person’s life. If you or a loved one is addicted to benzos, it is vital to seek treatment as soon as possible. Detox is the first step in treatment and sets individuals up for a successful recovery. Our benzodiazepine detox near the Memphis and Collierville, Tennessee areas, fortunately, uses only the latest, evidence-based approaches to ensure you remain safe and stable throughout the difficult but rewarding withdrawal process. 

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines or “benzos” are a type of prescription medication prescribed for anxiety disorders, muscle tension, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. In addition, benzodiazepines are not a cure for these conditions; however, they can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and are safe when taken under clinical guidelines. Unfortunately, benzos are also among the most commonly misused drugs in the United States. According to the Mental Health Clinician, benzodiazepine-related emergency room visits and death tolls have risen significantly in the last decade. 

Common types of benzodiazepines include: 

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?

People misuse benzodiazepines when they take them outside of a doctor’s recommended prescription. Furthermore, some people take benzos to help them sleep, while others, in contrast, take them to help them socialize due to the medication’s anxiolytic properties. Sadly, continued benzo use leads to dependence. In fact, once someone becomes dependent on benzodiazepines, they feel they cannot function ‘normally’ without them.

Dependence causes continued use and increases tolerance, which quickly leads to addiction. Consequently, it is extremely difficult to stop benzo use once you have become addicted as withdrawal symptoms begin to surface in the drug’s absence.

Benzodiazepine Statistics

Benzodiazepine use is on the rise, increasing from 8.1 million to 13.5 million over a 17 year period. This 67% increase does not take into account the illegal usage and distribution of benzos, meaning the actual amount of those using benzos is much higher. Furthermore, in 2019, an alarming 19% of Tennessee’s overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines. 

Misuse of benzodiazepines can have serious consequences, especially when combined with other substances. A 2013 report reveals that approximately 17% of those with opioid prescriptions also had benzo prescriptions. Though efforts have been made to reduce the number of people taking these medications simultaneously, however, many still combine prescribed and illicit opioids with benzos. Consequently, this puts them at an increased risk for drug-related emergencies. Alcohol is also commonly mixed with benzos. Given that they are both CNS depressants, combining them slows down the central nervous system, potentially causing overdose, coma, or death. 

What is Benzodiazepine Detox in Memphis, Tennessee Like?

Detox, or detoxification, is the process by which the accumulation of toxic chemicals leaves the body. This is an important and necessary requirement for admission into the majority of rehabilitation programs. Unfortunately, withdrawal symptoms are an unfortunate side effect of detox. They may seem daunting, but Detox West’s compassionate team of addiction experts remains dedicated to making this process as easy as possible.

We detox our clients under 24/7 medical supervision, offering them support and comfort when they need it most. Moreover, our detox program begins with us gradually reducing a client’s dose of benzos so that their system can slowly adjust to the change. If one were to take high doses before suddenly stopping, for example, the body would go through an adverse reaction that may require hospitalization. Additionally, our care team administers specific medications to ease our clients’ cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Many of those struggling are reluctant to go through withdrawal because they know how much pain and discomfort there will be. Still, reluctance and avoidance of what is necessary will only cause further damage to one’s health, career, and relationships. Withdrawal is uncomfortable, but health and normality are on the other side. Therefore, those detoxing from benzodiazepines can expect the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Shakes and tremors
• Trouble concentrating 
• Headache
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Anxiety 
• Panic attacks
• Cravings
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Nightmares

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is characterized by three phases-–anticipatory, acute, and post-acute. The symptoms vary between these 3 stages, however, medically-supervised detoxification can help clients reduce the severity of all phases, and possibly prevent the development of post-acute symptoms. 

Anticipatory

The anticipatory stage of detox is characterized by initial drug cravings and mild withdrawal symptoms. People are typically on edge during this brief phase as they are fearful of the acute symptoms that soon arise. 

Acute Withdrawal

The side effects of acute withdrawal mirror the symptoms that benzodiazepines treat, namely anxiety, panic, and insomnia. Acute withdrawal begins 6 to 24 hours following an individual’s last dose. These symptoms persist for anywhere between 5 to 14 days, depending on the severity of one’s addiction. In addition to the already listed symptoms, a person going through acute benzo withdrawal may experience:

• Depression
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Heart palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• Disorientation and confusion
• Sleep disturbances

Post-acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Proper detox is essential in preventing or lessening PAWS. The symptoms of this stage are similar to those of acute withdrawal but are far milder as the initial shock to the system has subsided. PAWS can last for 12 to 18 months.

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms include:

• Mild to moderate anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Reduced appetite
• Mood swings
• Reduced concentration and focus
• Restlessness
• Irritability

Benefits of Benzodiazepine Detox

There are many benefits of detoxing at Detox West Tennessee in Tennessee. The most notable of these is that our medically-supervised program ensures stability and safety. If a person quits benzodiazepines without medical support, they are subject to full-blown, intense withdrawal symptoms, which can become very dangerous. 

Additional benefits of choosing our benzodiazepine detox in Tennessee include:

• Sobriety. Detox is the first step in addiction treatment. Once you have pushed through benzo withdrawals, you can begin an effective rehab program such as residential treatment.
• Relapse Prevention. When you detox at home, you put yourself at a high risk of relapse. Our facility can help reduce your cravings so you do not fall back into your addiction.
• Constant Support. Our team monitors you 24/7 and can quickly intervene if complications occur.
• Comfortable Environment. Our Memphis, Tennessee facility offers premium amenities and spacious rooms. 

Benzodiazepine Detox in Memphis, Tennessee

If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, we are here to help. Moreover, our aim here at Detox West Tennessee is to help clients overcome their addiction, thus regaining control of their lives. Ultimately, we help clients restore their health and maintain sobriety after treatment. Recovery is possible with professional help, so please give us a call or visit our admissions page today.