Benzodiazepine Detox Centers In the United States

Benzodiazepines are part of a type of medication commonly called tranquillizers, also referred to as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics. These medications are HIGHLY physically and psychologically addictive. When the individual is using benzodiazepines on a long-term basis, it creates a great dependency and also reduces the general health of the person.

Withdrawal from benzodiazepine can sometimes be done at home with the follow-up of a doctor or medical staff. Furthermore, there are some facilities, which specialize in medication detox and offer a residential setting to get the individual safely off the medication.

When someone has been using benzos on a long-term basis and with high dosage, the withdrawal symptoms are severe and will appear 24 to 48 hours or even longer after the last dosage. They can last for weeks and months if not done properly.

Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs so if the individual is taking them with other depressants such as alcohol or opiates, the person can overdose accidentally.

How addictive is benzodiazepine, and will detox help me get off it?

This particular drug can be very physically addictive, especially for people who may be abusing other drugs. The physical withdrawals are very difficult to overcome, and usually require other medications to help alleviate the symptoms. A detox program can help an addict get over the withdrawal hump, but follow up with a treatment program is important.

Main effects of benzodiazepines

These are the main effects of benzodiazepines:

• Hypnotics (which help to sleep)
• Anxiolytics (to reduce anxiety and produce relaxation);
• Anti-seizure (to reduce the possibility of seizures and convulsions commonly use for alcohol withdrawal)
• Muscle relaxant
• Amnesic (tend to disrupt both short and long-term memory).

Common name of benzodiazepines

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (ativan)
• Oxazepam (Serenid-d)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Medazepam (Nobrium)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Clonazepam -- Klonopin (Rivotril)
• Bromazepam (Lexotan)
• Clobazam (Frisium)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene)
• Temazepam (Normison)
• Nitrazepam (Mogadon)
• Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
• Flurazepam (Dalmane)
• Loprazolam(Dormonoct)

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Sleep disorders
• Depersonalization
• De realization
• Hypersensitivity
• Depression
• Suicidal behaviors
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Delirium tremors

Remember benzodiazepines are very addictive. It takes about four weeks of regular use to be habit-forming. Most of the time people will need to attend a detox center.

How long do benzodiazepines stay in your system?

After the last dose, benzodiazepines can stay into your system for as long as weeks or months. However, the average time for them to stay in your system is 2-28 days. It does depend on the amount you take and your physical health.

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