Yes, benzodiazepine rehab is effective. Research shows that a range between 85% and 95% of those who completed their rehab program remain sober for as long as nine months. This is concrete proof that rehab works.

Benzodiazepines are habit-forming substances. Although it acts as a sedative, its ability to induce a high is comparable to that of opioids, substances that are known as highly addictive stimulants.

Benzodiazepines work by acting on the neurotransmitters that are responsible for calming nerve impulses. With too much concentration in the body, benzos can increase the level of dopamine. This influences a pleasurable experience that anyone would constantly crave. This is also when the loop of addiction begins.

Rehab is the main solution to treat a person’s attachment to substance abuse. It is important to understand that addiction is no different from a physical illness that requires treatment. By disregarding treatment, overall health will suffer.

What Happens If I Ignore Benzodiazepines Rehab?

Ignoring rehab will lead to numerous consequences. If you neglect the idea of cutting off your prescribed dose, you are only strengthening your dependence on the drug. The substance would negatively consume your health, your career, and even your relationship with other people.

The sad thing about ignoring rehab is as the dependence becomes stronger, your body will build tolerance on a certain dose. Building tolerance means your usual dose will no longer satisfy you. As a result, you keep increasing your doses until you end up getting too intoxicated.

Benzos also tend to impair cognition. Using the drug long-term can cause a person to be so forgetful that even learned skills may be lost from the memory. Research shows that 86% of benzo long-term users are likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Can I Stop Taking Benzodiazepines Without Rehab?

No, you should not. The risks are dangerous and can be life-threatening. It is also ineffective to manage withdrawal all by yourself, without medical help.

Chronic users of benzos are known to experience hallucinations and seizures once they quit using the drug. Consistent episodes of seizures can be dangerous, as they can cause a shock in the brain that can lead to coma and death. Hallucinations can also trigger violence toward oneself and other people. To prevent these, treatment must be guided with professional care.

For non-heavy users of benzos, it is still not advisable to withdraw on your own. When the substance leaves the body, it will cause painful withdrawal symptoms that will push you to just use the substance again for relief. Once this happens, the risk of a fatal overdose is likely.

Fatal overdose is the leading cause of death among those with substance use disorder. This is not only caused by prolonged use of the drug, but also when a person attempts to take their usual dose after they have stopped using. This is because withdrawal decreases the body’s tolerance for the drug.

If you are determined to quit your drug use, you should seek medical help. A treatment led by an expert is the safest option. It is also guaranteed to be effective. You will enjoy the benefits of reduced withdrawal pain, plus, it helps you improve your coping skills in overcoming addiction.

How Does Benzodiazepines Rehab Work?

Before you begin your treatment, your doctor will initially assess the level of your dependence on the drug. Your substance use disorder can be classified into mild, moderate, or severe. The doctor will also check whether you have underlying physical or mental health illnesses that can affect the outcome of your treatment.

Do not be surprised if your doctor will check on the history of substance abuse in your family. Addiction could be caused by a genetic factor. The findings will be relevant to the type of treatment that will be recommended for you.

Once the diagnosis has been stated, you may undergo treatment either in an inpatient rehab facility or outpatient care. Inpatient rehab is intended for those who have a severe addiction and complex health conditions such as co-occurring mental health disorders. Outpatient is mostly for those with mild or moderate addiction.

Inpatient treatment requires you to stay in the facility for some time, and that means you need to leave all your responsibilities behind. Outpatient treatment allows you to continue with your usual routine while taking your sessions on a certain schedule.

Detoxification

Rehab works by starting with detoxification, the process of flushing out the benzos in your system. To limit the pain that comes from withdrawal, your doctor will taper your doses and will prescribe certain medications for specific symptoms. Long-acting benzo can also be used to prevent intense withdrawal pain.

Typically, after two weeks, the withdrawal symptoms are expected to subside. By then, you can proceed to the next phase of treatment which is to engage in therapy sessions – both individual and group therapies. Therapy is essential in boosting your sense of self so that you may find yourself capable of overcoming addiction.

Therapy sessions

Apart from meeting a therapist, group therapy allows you to immerse yourself in people who go through the same process as you do. This can help you find a deeper understanding of your condition and learn from the experiences of others. Group therapies can progress even after you complete your rehab through local support groups you can search online.

Alternative therapy sessions are also relevant in forming new habits and skills that can lead you away from thoughts of substance use. These sessions encompass subjects such as music, sports, arts, exercise, meditation, and many more. Sustaining a healthy and active lifestyle would be a great help in a person’s journey to recovery.

Aftercare programs

Aftercare programs are designed to gradually send off patients from rehab to the real world. Life is filled with so many stressors that can trigger a relapse. By keeping in mind that you remain vulnerable in the first six months after your treatment, you have to seek support from others to sustain your recovery. Staying active in support groups is a huge help.