Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Knoxville, TN

At Tennessee Valley Recovery, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance dependency. Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and various other conditions. This sedative medication is highly addictive and challenging to quit. With our benzo rehab in Knoxville, TN, our dedicated team offers personalized care, innovative treatments, and unwavering support tailored to guide each client toward a healthier future. In the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, our facility provides a serene and healing environment, empowering you to reclaim control and embark on a journey of lasting recovery.

What Are Benzos?

Benzos are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate or severe anxiety disorders or persistent, sleep-related issues. Common brand names for benzos include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Centrax, and Tranxene. Benzodiazepine medications act on the central nervous system, producing feelings of calmness and sedation. 

When a person begins taking more than the recommended dosage of benzos or takes benzos not prescribed for them, benzo addiction can quickly take hold. 

There are three main types of benzo medications:

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

Benzos are typically prescribed in a pill or tablet form for short-term oral use. However, those who misuse benzos often crush or snort them. The pills or tablets are usually small and found in various colors like white, blue, and pink. 

Why Are Benzos Addictive? 

Benzos stimulates the neurotransmitters in the brain that produce euphoria, relaxation, and other pleasurable effects. Even when taken as prescribed by a medical professional, this type of prescription medication can be addictive when used for prolonged periods. 

GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that helps block activity in the nervous system, such as anxiety. Low GABA activity and anxiety disorders are closely linked, so benzodiazepines such as Xanax work well. They help increase the brain’s GABA activity so the individual will experience pleasure and calm instead of stress. 

Benzodiazepines also have depressant properties that lower brain activity. As a result, they also treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. Many treatment centers use benzodiazepines to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms under close medical supervision. 

Over time, the brain can adapt to benzos in the system, leading to drug tolerance. Those misusing benzos will need a higher dose to achieve the same pleasurable feelings.

Abruptly quitting benzos leads to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. Anyone struggling with benzo misuse or dependence is encouraged to seek benzo rehab in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Symptoms of Benzo Addiction

Those who misuse benzos take more than the recommended dosage to create a feeling of euphoria. Benzos usually work very quickly, primarily when crushed and snorted. The effect typically lasts between 6 to 24 hours.

Common side effects of benzo misuse include: 

• Slurred speech
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Mood changes
• Angry, erratic behavior
• Impaired motor coordination
• Detachment from surroundings

In addition to the typical physical and mental symptoms listed above, the effect of benzo misuse goes much further and creates even more problems, such as:

• Strained interpersonal relationships 
• Financial problems as a result of buying more benzos
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work 
• Anger, increased anxiety, and unpredictable mood swings
• Disorientation, no sense of direction, unsure of one’s whereabouts
• Amnesia, blackouts, no memory of large chunks of time
• Changes in hygiene (not bathing/showering, wearing sloppy clothing)
• Changes in sleep patterns (too much/too little sleep or sleeping at odd times)
• Changes in diet (overeating, too little, or bad food choices)
• Attempting to cut down or stop using benzos but being unable to do so
• Continuing to use benzos even if it has caused negative consequences 
• Taking risks and making bad decisions that would usually be out of character 
• Legal challenges as a result of driving under the influence, improper acquisition of prescription medication, or other charges related to one’s benzo abuse 

While most of the signs of benzo abuse are evident on the outside, the damage happening on the inside may not be as noticeable. That’s why when the issues noted above become apparent, it signals a problem, and benzo rehab in Knoxville, TN is likely necessary. 

A New Day Begins with Tennessee Valley Recovery

Visit the admissions page at Tennessee Valley Recovery today to learn more about our treatment plans.

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Benzo Withdrawal

Getting off of benzos brings uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can be long-lasting when not professionally treated. For this reason, seeking benzodiazepine addiction treatment is necessary.

In fact, some of the withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous if left unsupervised. Benzo rehab in Knoxville, TN is crucial for those experiencing physical and psychological symptoms of benzo withdrawal.

Benzo withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Perceptual changes
• Increased tension
• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Paranoia

These withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how long an individual has misused the drugs and elements unique to their benzo addiction.

How Long Does Benzo Withdrawal Last?

The timeline for benzo withdrawals varies depending on the type of benzo, the amount used, and the length of use. For example, based on these factors, one could experience major withdrawals between a few days and several months.  

The average person typically starts experiencing benzo withdrawal symptoms around the first 24 hours of last use. The symptoms will peak from there during the first 1-4 days. However, the unpredictability of the benzo withdrawal process can lead to dangerous and sometimes lethal situations, which is why professional benzodiazepine rehab is needed. 

Our Benzo Rehab in Knoxville, TN

With the correct medical treatment administered for benzo addiction, the risks of severe withdrawals decrease. However, detoxing solo without a sound support system and proper management can be extremely dangerous.

The best benzodiazepine addiction treatment depends on the unique clinical needs of the individual. However, a multi-staged treatment program is often recommended, starting with a benzo detox.

At Tennessee Valley Recovery, our benzo addiction treatment in Knoxville as well as some of our other services include: 

• Partial Hospitalization (PHP) 
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
• Family counseling services
• Holistic therapies
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) 
• Equine therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR)

We aim to offer accessible and effective treatment options to those seeking long-term recovery from benzo addiction, other substance abuse disorders, and mental health conditions.

Begin Recovery at Our Benzo Rehab in Knoxville, TN

Have you had enough of your (or a loved one’s) benzo addiction? When you reach out to Tennessee Valley Recovery, you take that crucial first step to lifelong recovery. Visit us to learn more about our benzo rehab in Knoxville, TN!

We pride ourselves on our compassionate, professional, and secure environment, where we’ll help you address the symptoms and behaviors that led you to our benzodiazepine rehab facility. 

A caring member of our team is waiting to hear from you. Contact us today.