Macon Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

Compassionate and Comprehensive Benzodiazepine Dependency Treatment in Georgia

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce calming effects. Common benzodiazepines, sometimes referred to as “benzos,” include Xanax, Ambien, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan. They are often prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders like insomnia. When taken for an extended period or in higher doses than prescribed, benzodiazepine can become habit-forming and lead to a debilitating addiction. Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious problem with potentially life-threatening consequences if not treated properly.

At the Georgia Recovery Campus, we have the staff, treatments, and resources to effectively help people battle their benzodiazepine addiction. Our Macon benzodiazepine treatment professionals understand how to safely facilitate the detoxification of this brain-chemistry-altering drug and can serve as an unwavering pillar of support during this difficult time. With our state-of-the-art facilities and innovative, dual diagnosis treatment strategies, we are confident we can help patients overcome their dependencies and heal their minds, bodies, and spirits.

Why Are Benzodiazepines So Addictive, and Why Are They Dangerous?

Benzodiazepines affect brain chemistry by triggering pleasure signals associated with joy, relaxation, and a sense of safety. This effect can make it an effective prescriptive tool when a patient is dealing with severe insomnia, anxiety, or related conditions. However, once benzodiazepines start being regularly taken, the drugs interfere with the brain’s natural production of chemicals like dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. In other words, the brain begins to rely on them to produce calming, pleasurable sensations. Worse still, because the feelings benzodiazepines activate can be so pleasurable, many users increase their dosages or use the drug more frequently, exacerbating the dependency. 

A fatal overdose can result from taking too much benzodiazepine at once, over time, or when combining the drug with alcohol or other opioids. Furthermore, when someone stops taking benzodiazepines after developing a dependency, their brain will struggle to restart the production of dopamine and other chemicals, resulting in severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. 

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Benzodiazepine Addiction?

The long-term consequences of benzodiazepine addiction can be severe and damaging to a user’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Physically, individuals can experience extreme fatigue, an increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired cognitive functioning, an increased risk of health complications like heart disease or strokes, organ damage from drug toxicity, and even permanent brain damage. Benzo dependency can also cause depression, anxiety, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments that, without proper treatment, may persist even after the individual stops taking the drug. Those addicted to benzos may also struggle socially by feeling isolated or disconnected from their family members and friends due to their addictive behaviors.

No matter the extent of the addiction, the Georgia Recovery Campus is here to help people start the road to recovery. Our Macon benzodiazepine addiction treatment professionals offer the no-judgment, compassionate support our patients need to retake control of their lives.

You do not have to battle a benzodiazepine addiction alone. Call (478) 216-1110 or contact us online to learn more about what our treatment center can do for you.