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Benzodiazepine (Benzos)

WHAT WE TREAT

If you need help or advice in putting an end to your Benzo misuse and getting your life back, we are here to support you. Call us today at Ciconia Recovery London, where one of our experienced staff will be glad to discuss all the treatment options available to you. Remember it’s never too late to be clean & sober!

Benzodiazepine (Benzos) Addiction Treatment

Benzodiazepine also referred to as “Benzos” belongs to the family of sedative/tranquiliser prescription drugs which are usually prescribed to treat conditions like anxiety and insomnia.

Benzos come in the form of pills, tablets and gel capsules and is sold under many brand names including Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, and Ativan; its street names include downers, blues and jellies.

Benzos can induce periods of calmness, relaxation and sleep. Benzos can only be prescribed after a consultation with a doctor, but there is also a huge black market for them.

Benzos are often used to help people come down and sleep after a heavy session of taking stimulants such as

  • Cocaine
  • Crack
  • Amphetamines
  • LSD
  • Ecstasy

The risk of overdose is significantly increased the more drugs you mix with Benzos known as polydrug use

Some Benzos users dependencies can start from taking doses prescribed by their doctor for medical purposes which have then escalated to misuse and addiction. Benzos can cause physical and psychological addiction, due to tolerance increases over time; users have to increase their dose either to get the same high or to keep their anxiety or insomnia in check.

Because of the high risk of dependence, Benzos should not be taken for more than 4 weeks and only for severe cases. Withdrawal can cause unpleasant symptoms like a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting, tremors, depression, anxiety and confusion and can be dangerous requiring medical help. If stopped suddenly, the body can go into fits which in severe cases has led to fatalities. Always seek medical advice before stopping!

In the long run, Benzos cause long-lasting changes in the brain’s ‘reward system’ since they alter the levels of reward producing natural chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Over time, the brain physically adapts to Benzos, becoming unable to produce these chemicals on its own and becomes reliant on the drugs in order to feel normal.

Benzos Addiction Treatment
Benzos Addiction Treatment

Anyone who has struggled to quit Benzodiazepines will be well aware of the serious impact it can have on the mind and body.

Benzos affect almost every part of the brain, which is why they are such an effective treatment for anxiety and insomnia but also the reason why they can be so difficult to quit when misused.

If you are concerned about a loved one’s Benzo use, please call us at Ciconia Recovery for a friendly and confidential chat about the best ways you can support your loved one.

Toxicity Symptoms

  • Physical weakness, aches and pains
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion
  • Poor decision-making abilities and poor judgment
  • Blurred vision
  • Lack of motor coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Inability to defend self in the case of an attack or threat
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Difficulty breathing

Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increased tension
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Excessive sweating
  • Heart palpitations
  • Headache
  • Stiff muscles
  • Changes in perception
  • Cravings
  • Shaky hands

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who will I speak to when I call?

Experienced recovery workers who are compassionate, experienced and knowledgeable about substance misuse and mental health issues, they will be happy to take your call and discuss all your queries in a discreet and confidential manner. And if needed they will offer you a free video consultation with a psychiatrist.

How much does treatment cost?

At CRL we endeavour to keep our costs as low as possible whilst at the same time continuing to  provide high quality care. The cost of treatment varies depending on the level of care needed and the length of the treatment plan required.

The best way to ascertain this cost would be to speak to one of our experienced recovery workers to determine what treatment plan will be the most effective for you in achieving your desired goals.

Does insurance cover mental health or addictive treatment?

Some private health insurance companies cover the treatment, you will have to check your policy to see if you qualify.

Does insurance cover adult ADHD assessment or treatment?

Yes, most private health insurance companies cover the treatment, you will have to check your policy to see if you qualify.

Do you only treat substance misuse?

No, in addition to our drug and alcohol treatment packages, we also treat a wide range of mental health disorders, some of which may be associated with the individual’s substance misuse and dependency, these include treatment for personality disorders, anxiety, depression, adult ADHD and PTSD amongst other disorders.

What if I need a detox?

We offer a wide range of options for smooth and painless detox thanks to our new provided medications (i.e. long-acting buprenorphine monthly injections). If this is something you are interested in, please call us to discuss which is more suitable for you.

The main emphasis in our detox programs is to provide as much comfort and support while doing our best to minimise any withdrawal symptoms the individual may experience throughout their recovery. Many users recognise they need help and support to get clean but fear the consequences of withdrawals, we have created detox plans to greatly reduce the unpleasant effects of withdrawals.

Do your programs offer aftercare?

Yes, we will continue to support clients after they have completed treatment either by us or elsewhere by offering a wide range of aftercare programs, studies have shown that people have a much better chance of avoiding relapse if they are engaged in aftercare programs. Please get in touch to discuss the best aftercare options for yourself.

Is smoking permitted?

No, this is a medical facility and smoking is not permitted at all.

Do you treat trauma?

Yes, our staff are specially trained in trauma, grief/loss and attachment, we know very well the negative impact these can have on someone’s mental health which can then trigger alcohol/drug misuse and other negative behavioural health challenges.

Among our treatment approaches to trauma is EMDR therapy which is very effective in easing and treating PTSD.

What is outpatient care?

Outpatient care is less intensive than inpatient care. The patient will usually attend regular meetings with a consultant psychiatrist, counsellor, therapist or key-worker where they will be given similar treatments to those in an inpatient clinic. However, as the patient does not stay overnight, the cost of this care is less expensive.

Outpatient programmes consist of daily, weekly or monthly sessions. Because outpatient treatment requires less time in-attendance, the entire recovery programme generally lasts longer than inpatient care. While inpatient treatment typically lasts for a period of six to eight weeks, an outpatient programme can last many months.

Who is outpatient treatment suitable for?

Outpatient treatment is suitable for individuals who have been struggling with addiction but may benefit from a less intensive approach to recovery than inpatient care.

CRL staff are available to offer helpful advice and information on all types of addiction and the most suitable treatment options. If you would like a referral to a counsellor, therapist or consultant psychiatrist for outpatient treatment, call us today. We can also provide support and advice to the loved ones of those struggling with addiction, as well as information on the treatments we provide and how these can be accessed.

Our staff are compassionate and caring and will treat anything you discuss in the strictest of confidence. If you need advice on addiction, or simply need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to call us.

Are your staff qualified?

All CRL staff are qualified for their specific roles with many years of experience in working in the addiction and mental health fields. In addition all our staff are always up to date with all their relevant training and registrations.

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