Benzodiazepines (Benzos)

Benzodiazepines (Benzos) are a class of prescription drugs commonly called tranquilizers. They depress the central nervous system (CNS) and reduce brain function. Physicians may prescribe these medications and tell the patient to take them as needed—without more strict instructions, taking drugs "when needed" can easily lead to dependence and abuse of the medication. Benzodiazepines are classed as tranquilizers, which include drugs like Valium, Xanax and Librium, used to treat anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia.

Benzos can cause confusion and short term memory loss and using them while driving can be particularly dangerous. Seizures and delirium tremens can occur when abruptly stopping the drug which can occur when a user can no longer obtain the drug. The added danger is that these medications are prescribed by a doctor which leads a user to think they are safe. Benzodiazepines are also sold illegally on the street. These drugs are considered dangerous especially when combined with alcohol and antihistamines. They may cause your heart rate and respiration to slow down to dangerous levels.

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms associated with benzos will change minute to minute and hour to hour. As the patient recovers these symptoms may disappear for a few weeks or months, only to return again.

Q: If benzos are prescribed by a physician, how can they be dangerous?

A: Patients may not take the drugs properly, or take too many. These drugs can quickly become addictive.

Q: How is Benzodiazepines addiction treated?

A: The treatment for benzodiazepine abuse is to medically supervise the patients during the detoxification stage. This is necessary to avoid possibly fatal withdrawal symptoms. The ordeal of withdrawing from benzodiazepines can rival that of kicking a heroin habit which can include rapid heartbeat, depression, and loss of appetite, psychosis, hallucinations and delusions. Treatment is a long term process.

At Caron we understand the serious nature of these addictive drugs and are here to help the abuser and their family on the road to recovery. We use a variety of treatment modalities to provide for a safe and healing recovery from the effects of drug abuse. We provide individual, group and family therapy along with medically supervised detox and medication management.