What is benzodiazepine detox? Essentially, benzodiazepine detox involves various techniques to control the symptoms of withdrawal. Because abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines can cause dangerous complications, this method involves tapering off the drug gradually, while replacing it with a less potent drug. The dose of the substitute drug is then increased until it no longer causes any adverse effects.
Outpatient benzodiazepine detox
Inpatient benzodiazepine detox and outpatient psychiatric care are two different ways to get rid of benzodiazepine addiction. While inpatient psychiatric care involves staying at a detox facility for the duration of treatment, outpatient programs allow patients to return home during treatment hours. Although both types of treatment offer the appropriate medical assistance, inpatient care is recommended for severe cases.
The 12-step model is used in nearly all residential rehab/detox facilities to treat benzodiazepine addiction. It involves working on the behavioral problems associated with addiction and maintaining abstinence through fellowship. Participants follow the 12-step program and go through "the steps" of treatment, which include admitting compulsion, examining mistakes, making amends, and learning a new code of behavior. Benzodiazepines should never be withdrawn cold-turkey or with rapid tapers.
Flumazenil
Flumazenil, also known as flumazepil, is a selective GABAA receptor antagonist. It is available in intranasal and intravenous forms, and acts as a potent antagonist and antidote to benzodiazepines. It inhibits the activity of the benzodiazepine receptor by competing with it for the binding site on the GABAA receptor.
It is effective in reversing the effects of benzodiazepines, and can be administered for suspected benzodiazepines overdose. Moreover, flumazenil can be given at intervals of 20 minutes. However, this antidote should not be given to patients suffering from life-threatening conditions. Seizures may be precipitated in patients on benzodiazepines, and flumazenil should not be given to patients on benzodiazepines for panic disorder.
Buspirone
For anyone who has become addicted to buspirone, the first step is detox. The buspirone detox process involves slowly tapering off the drug, with psychological support available around the clock. Detox does not stop treatment, however, as physical dependence can alter the brain in ways that cause cravings for years. To prevent physical dependence from occurring, buspirone users should begin the detox process gradually, tapering off the drug over a period of two to seven days.
While buspirone is not a benzodiazepine, it is not cross-tolerant. It doesn't suppress withdrawal symptoms. But the use of buspirone for benzodiazepines detox is limited. Despite its limited use for treating acute anxiety conditions, buspirone is generally not effective in relieving withdrawal symptoms. If you are taking buspirone for BENZODIAZEPINES detox, your doctor may recommend a different medication.
Group therapy
When undergoing BENZODIAZEPINES DE TOX, it's a good idea to seek the help of a professional addiction counselor. While individual therapy is beneficial in helping patients understand the addiction and coping with withdrawal symptoms, group therapy offers a sense of belonging among others who share similar struggles. This group therapy offers the added benefit of reminding patients that they're not alone. During a typical group therapy session, patients sit in a circle of chairs where they introduce themselves and share their experiences and progress.
Inpatient rehab centers offer the benzodiazepine detox and rehabilitation services to help patients overcome addiction. The medical detox process is supervised and facilitated by a licensed healthcare professional. This process stabilizes patients, minimizes harmful withdrawal symptoms, and helps them transition into a rehabilitation program. The professional detox center provides round-the-clock counseling services to address any complications during the withdrawal process.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms
Benzodiazepines cause physical aches and pains, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, and anxiety. The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines tend to be more severe than with other drugs. If you decide to stop using benzodiazepines, there are many things you should do to help yourself through this difficult period. You can seek help from a health professional or go to a support group for those who are suffering from benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Benzodiazepines can also lead to seizures and lingering withdrawal symptoms. Because these symptoms can be so uncomfortable, you should seek treatment for your addiction at a specialized benzodiazepine rehab center. The program's staff will offer support and resources for you while you go through the process of withdrawal from the drug. The program may include behavioral therapeutic techniques that target your habit-forming thought patterns. Many of these programs also offer specialized mental health care.
Seizure risk
The withdrawal of benzodiazepines can increase the risk of seizures. As a result, patients should be closely monitored and should be given oral chlordiazepoxide 25 to 50 mg every four hours or oxazepam 10 mg every four hours if symptoms are not present. Patients with an atypical pattern or score of 8 should be treated with oxazepam.
