Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Nashville, TN

Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription medication most commonly used to treat moderate or severe anxiety disorders. Also known as benzos, this type of medication is characterized by its calming and tranquilizing effects. However, benzodiazepines are extremely addictive, and they have a very high potential for misuse. Our Benzo rehab in Nashville, TN can be a powerful tool in the fight against Benzo addiction.

If a person begins taking a benzodiazepine medication other than prescribed, they are liable to experience a range of significant consequences. These consequences can be physical, mental, or emotional in nature, and can severely impact overall quality of life. Because benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are among the most frequently prescribed medications in the country, rates of benzo misuse and dependence are high throughout the U.S. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options available to people of all ages struggling with benzo addiction.

At Tennessee Valley Recovery, we have developed a comprehensive program of addiction recovery that is both accessible and affordable. If you or someone you love has been struggling with a Benzo addiction and any co-occurring issues, help is only a phone call away. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized recovery program or to get started on your journey of Benzo addiction recovery. 

What Are Benzos?

Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are a type of prescription medication most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and narcolepsy. In some cases, benzodiazepines are also used for the treatment of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms and seizure disorders. Common brand-name benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. When a person begins taking more than the recommended dose or takes a medication that was not initially prescribed to them, they are engaging in benzo misuse. Benzodiazepine misuse can easily develop into addiction. Benzodiazepine medications act on the central nervous system, producing feelings of calmness, relaxation, and sedation. This type of medication is very effective for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. However, it is generally only prescribed to be taken short-term or intermittently in order to avoid physical dependence. There are three main types of benzodiazepine medications:

• Ultra short-acting (Halsion, Versed)
• Short-acting (Ativan, Xanax)
• Long-acting (Valium, Librium, Klonopin) 

Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and are controlled in Schedule IV under the Controlled Substances Act. Like other addictive drugs, benzodiazepines increase the amount of dopamine (a “feel good” neurotransmitter) present in the brain. Dopamine is released into the brain and it triggers the mesolimbic reward system, which increases the likelihood of repetitive benzodiazepine use. Over time, a person has a difficult time feeling pleasure when they are not using the drug. The Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration Benzodiazepine Fact Sheet states, “Abuse is frequently associated with adolescents and young adults who take the drug orally or crush it up and snort it to get high. Abuse is particularly high among heroin and cocaine users. Additionally, opioid users often co-abuse benzodiazepines to enhance euphoria.” The majority of benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths also include another chemical substance, specifically opioids or alcohol.

Benzodiazepine Misuse & Dependence

There are several factors that make a person more susceptible to the development of benzodiazepine addiction. The most common risk factors for the development of prescription drug addiction include:

• Genetic Predisposition — People with any addictive disorder in their immediate family are more likely to develop a substance use disorder themselves. 
• Underlying Mental Health Concerns — Individuals with an undiagnosed or untreated mental illness might turn to benzodiazepine misuse as a means of self-medication. 
• High-Stress Environments — People who live in stressful environments or have high-stress careers are more likely to misuse Benzos. 
• The Age of Initial Benzo Use — If a person first uses benzodiazepines at an early age, they are more likely to develop a substance use disorder later on in life. 
• Unresolved Trauma or PTSD — People with unresolved trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder are more likely to use prescription drugs as a way to combat symptoms. 

Symptoms of Benzo Addiction

The most common symptoms of benzo addiction are:

• A person obtains benzodiazepines without a prescription. 
• A person attempts to obtain more than one benzodiazepine prescription at a time (also known as doctor shopping). 
• A person uses a higher dose of benzodiazepines than prescribed for a longer period of time than intended or recommended. 
• A person unsuccessfully attempts to quit or cut back on the dose. 
• A person develops a physical tolerance over time. 
• A person experiences withdrawal symptoms. 

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Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Symptoms associated with benzo withdrawal can be severe and life-threatening when untreated. For this reason, it is important to undergo withdrawal in a designated facility. Common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

• Increased agitation and irritability. 
• Extreme anxiety and panic attacks. 
• Insomnia and other sleep-related issues. 
• Hand tremors and uncontrollable shaking. 
• Nausea, vomiting, and dry retching. 
• Loss of appetite and potential weight loss. 
• Muscular pain. 
• A host of perceptual changes including delusions and hallucinations.
• Seizures. 

When untreated, benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to life-threatening symptoms including coma. For many, medically monitored detox is a necessary first step on the lifelong journey toward benzodiazepine addiction recovery. 

Treatment Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction

The best treatment options for benzodiazepine addiction depend on the unique clinical needs of the individual client. However, a multi-staged treatment program often comes recommended. Because benzo withdrawal can be dangerous, medical detox comes as a recommended first step. Once a person has been physically stabilized they transition into the next appropriate level of care. This might look like Benzo rehab in Knoxville, Tennessee, or an outpatient treatment program. 

Our Benzo Rehab in Knoxville, Tennessee

At Tennessee Valley Recovery, we offer several levels of benzodiazepine addiction treatment. Our programs include:

• Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) 

The services we offer include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment and Medication Management
•  Individual and Group Therapy 
• Family Counseling Services 
• Holistic Therapies 
• Equine Therapy 
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 

Our mission is to provide accessible and effective treatment options to those seeking long-term recovery from substance use and mental health conditions. Additionally, we believe that individualized care is essential to long-term recovery. Our benzodiazepine addiction treatment program is highly personalized based on the unique needs of each client. 

Contact Us To Begin

Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Therefore, by providing a wide range of therapeutic options at our Knoxville, Tennessee benzo rehab center, we help clients custom-tailor a plan for their unique journeys toward long-term recovery. To learn more about our Tennessee benzodiazepine treatment center, contact us today.