Stemming The Tide Of Benzodiazepine Addiction In NJ, PA, and MA

As the abuse of prescription drugs is on the rise in the U.S., benzodiazepines contribute substantially to this trend. Fortunately, the prescription drug rehab experts at Serenity at Summit are trained and prepared to treat the effects of benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawals, serving clients in the northeastern U.S.

If you or a loved one’s use of benzodiazepines has taken a turn for the worse, Serenity at Summit is here to help. We have inpatient and outpatient facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania as well as acute treatment and clinical stabilization services at our facility in Massachusetts. At our centers, we build customized treatment plans for each and every client.

Serenity at Summit is one of the country’s preeminent emerging drug rehabilitation networks, and we have a strong track record of helping clients achieve sobriety through holistic and evidence-based treatment methods.

Background and Types of Benzos

Effective When Used Correctly

Benzodiazepines (aka benzos) first went on the prescription drug market in the late 1950s. Today, a benzodiazepine might be prescribed to treat panic attacks, anxiety or stress – or even symptoms in bipolar disorder, such as restlessness, agitation, and insomnia. Not available recreationally, benzodiazepines come in the form of capsules or tablets (even sublingual tablets, in some cases), which are taken by mouth.

Benzodiazepine substances are categorized as sedatives, as they work by depressing the user’s central nervous system and slowing the activity of the brain.

The most recognizable types of benzodiazepines are:

  • Valium (diazepam)
  • Xanax (alprazolam)
  • Klonopin (clonazepam)
  • Ativan (lorazepam)

Prescription benzodiazepines are very effective in the short term, especially when taken to treat anxiety or insomnia. Benzos are usually prescribed for an amount of time between 2 and 4 weeks.

Because of their sedative nature, however, benzos can be habit-forming and addictive.

Using benzodiazepines blocks certain brain functions, which often allows the body to release a larger-than-normal amount of dopamine. An increased dopamine level generally elicits feelings of calmness and pleasure.

Ongoing use of benzodiazepines makes the user accustomed to having the substance in their system until their body craves more and more of the substance.

Common Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Use (And Abuse) Include:

  • Drowsiness or dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness
  • Memory loss
  • Loss of concentration
  • Muscle weakness
  • Slurred speech
  • Blurred vision
  • Decrease in balance
  • Loss of appetite

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawing From Sedatives Can Be Fatal

A person who abuses benzodiazepines for a period of 3 to 6 months will likely start experiencing strong withdrawals within several hours after last using the substance. These withdrawals peak between 24 and 72 hours after last ingesting the drug. Withdrawing from any sedative can be fatal, but other symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

  • Vomiting
  • Hallucinations
  • Nightmares
  • Sweating
  • Convulsions and tremors
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Severe anxiety
  • Restless leg syndrome

An individual who reaches the stage of intense benzo withdrawals will need closely monitored detox prior to beginning additional rehabilitation. If you have a loved one who is in this situation, call Serenity at Summit to get them entered into detox or acute treatment services quickly. It’s one of the premium services we offer as part of our customized treatment programs to help individuals break a benzodiazepine addiction.


Holistic and Medical Detox

Benzo Detox Centers In New Jersey and Massachusetts

The intensity of benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawals often necessitate detoxification when beginning formal rehabilitation. Serenity at Summit currently boasts two locations to detox from benzodiazepines at the beginning of a customized treatment program.

Our benzo detox center in Union, New Jersey is a detox-only facility where clients can bring clothes and personal items and stay overnight. Our closely supervised benzo detox treatment generally takes 5 to 7 days, depending on the needs of the client. After detoxifying from benzos, the clients can move to the next phase in their treatment programs at one of our outpatient facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including one also in Union, NJ.

We also have a facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts that offers both acute treatment services and clinical stabilization services. Clients at this location can receive closely-monitored benzo treatment, counseling, and more all under one roof for the duration of their recommended recovery plan.

Serenity at Summit’s medical professionals specialize in making detox effective and comfortable for each client. If you’re unsure if detox is needed for you or a loved one as part of benzodiazepines addiction treatment, talk to the caring and helpful rehab experts at Serenity at Summit today.

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