Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat an array of challenging conditions, both psychological and physical. While they can be helpful, they also carry a high risk for addiction. This increased risk of addiction is because benzos act on the reward system in the brain, and those who use them 
may thus depend on the drug to feel relaxed or happy. Worse, benzos are habit-forming, meaning those who use them need more and more to achieve the same effects over time.
If you or someone you care about is seeking a benzo detox center in the San Antonio area, contact The Right Step Hill Country at 1.844.675.1628 or use our online form. Our knowledgeable staff is standing by to answer your questions and get you started with intake.
What Are Benzos?
If you or a loved one is living with acute anxiety, insomnia, seizures, or alcohol withdrawal, you may have been prescribed benzodiazepines. Common benzos prescribed for these concerns include:
- Xanax, or another brand name of the generic alprazolam
- Ativan, the generic name of which is lorazepam
- Librium, aka chlordiazepoxide
- Klonopin, aka clonazepam
- Valium, aka diazepam
All benzos are central nervous system depressants that produce feelings of calm and sedation. They do this by increasing the amount of the chemical GABA in the brain. Benzos’ calming effects can be very therapeutic if the drugs are used only according to doctors’ orders. Nonetheless, because they are habit-forming, many people wind up abusing them.
Sadly, detoxing from these drugs alone can sometimes cause even more problems since your initial symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia, will likely return. Moreover, since benzos suppress the central nervous system, suddenly discontinuing them can sometimes trigger extreme counter-reactions. For example, overactive reflexes, concerningly elevated heart rate, hyperactivity, and seizures are all possible results.
How Do I Know If I Need a Benzo Detox Program?
Here are a few clues that you or your loved one might benefit from a benzo detox program:
- You’re not able to decrease or stop using benzos without experiencing withdrawal.
- You are having trouble remembering things, or your memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
- Feelings of fatigue interrupt your usual functioning.
- It’s difficult to speak without slurring.
- You’re experiencing discoordination in your movement.
- Vomiting or nausea occurs regularly.
- It’s difficult to breathe.
- You have low blood pressure.
It’s important to know when to ask for professional help.
What to Expect from Benzodiazepine Detox and Recovery
In a qualified benzo detox program like The Right Step Hill Country, you’ll receive medically assisted treatment (MAT). Using a treatment program means you’ll have regular check-ups with an attending physician who can monitor your vitals and help you understand the withdrawal experience. You might also undergo a tapering-off period from the drug you depend on. During detox, your doctor may also prescribe medication that can help reduce disruptive withdrawal symptoms like nausea or muscle aches.
Following detox, you’ll use other key treatment strategies, such as individual therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective in treatment programs for drugs like benzos because it teaches you to modify your thought patterns when they harm your health and well-being. This style of therapy is often paired with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which adds mindfulness to the equation. Mindfulness entails learning to tolerate difficult emotions or thoughts when they arise and to let go of them more quickly.
Group or family therapy can also help those recovering from benzo addiction tremendously. Working with a peer group provides a sense of community and accountability. It allows you to practice new communication and behavior patterns to serve you in your life. Building a network of support can be a game-changer for many in recovery.
Begin the Path to Recovery at Hill Country’s Effective Benzo Detox Center in San Antonio, TX Today
At The Right Step Hill Country, we understand that recovery from benzodiazepine addiction is a process that needs great support. We aim to provide this to you or your loved one at every step. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 or message us via our secure online form to begin the conversation.