Benzodiazepam Detox

Benzodiazepines are thought to be relatively safe for short term use. Like many other prescription drugs, the affect they have on the body can cause chemical dependency. There are many signs of addiction. Speaking to a physician or a counselor is the best way to determine if a person needs help, which sometimes comes in the form of a detoxification program.

Classification

• Benzodiazepines are classified as a psychotropic drug. Psychotropic medicines affect the central nervous system. They are often prescribed for their sedative effect. Often referred to as benzos, some common varieties are Ativan, Serax, Valium, Librium, Xanax, Tranxene and Klonopin.

Initial Use

• Benzodiazepines are prescribed by a physician for a variety of legitimate health concerns. For example, after evaluating and diagnosing a patient with general anxiety disorder, a doctor might prescribe Xanax to help relieve some of the symptoms of the anxiety, especially if it is keeping the patient from leading a normal life. In his book about prescription drug addiction, Rod Colvin writes, "It is estimated that between 10 and 12 percent of the population use benzodiazepines within the course of the year." The problem with benzos, however, is that they are highly addictive after just a short period of time. According to Colvin, "At the top of the list of prescription drugs being abused are benzodiazepines and painkillers."

Detoxification

• Detoxification is the process of discontinuing the use of a substance. Some people realize they have a problem and quit using the drug(s) on their own. This is not recommended. "After long-term use, medically unsupervised withdrawal can be severe leading to delirium, fever, seizures, coma, and even death," Colvin insists.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• A person in detoxification is said to be "detoxing" or "withdrawing." This means that the person's body is starting to react, physically, to being without the drug. Some of these withdrawal symptoms include poor muscle control, confusion, anxiety or drowsiness." Dr. Ronald Gershman, an addictionologist (one who studies addiction), weighs in. He writes, "Managing the withdrawal and keeping the patient from relapsing is the real crux of the problem." He adds that detoxification is quite successful if the patient has proper motivation.

Detox Programs

• There are several types of detoxification programs. Some are inpatient, meaning the patient is not allowed to leave the premises of the facility for a specified amount of time. Others are outpatient, allowing the patient to live at home and travel to a treatment facility or office. There is a rapid detoxification program that is becoming increasingly popular. The price ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. It is usually for patients with opiate addiction, however.