Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment and Benzos Withdrawal Rehab Clinic

What is Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation

Benzodiazepine (also known as benzos, temazzies, jellies, downers and tranks) are a class of tranquillisers that produce a sedative effect. They are legally and commonly prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety, induce sleep or prevent muscle spasms.

However, all benzodiazepines are addictive and can cause physical dependency. This can occur if they are taken daily for 2-4 weeks. As a result most are only prescribed for a short period. The body and brain can become used to benzodiazepine resulting in an initial dose becoming less effective and an increased tolerance to the drug.

Coming off benzodiazepine can produce strong and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine addiction is therefore best treated under the supervision of medical professionals. At the Causeway Retreat we use a range of evidence-based treatments and psychiatric techniques as recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). You can start your recovery from benzodiazepine addiction in a tranquil, therapeutic and above all private environment.

Symptoms and Effects of Benzodiazepine

Benzodiazepines are sometimes known as central nervous system depressants, anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics. Because of their sedative effect they are used by doctors to treat anxiety conditions, especially panic disorder (PD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). They are also used to treat insomnia and sleep disorders.

Commonly used types of benzodiazepine include diazepam (valium), lorazepam (activan) and alprazolam (xanax).

Benzodiazepines are a depressant and if taken with other depressive drugs like alcohol or opiates can lead to an accidental overdose. Some benzodiazepine addicts crush tablets or melt down gel caplets for injection. This can lead to collapsed veins, infections and abscesses. When gel solidifies inside blood vessels the result can also be fatal.

The main effects of benzodiazepines are:

Hypnotic (to induce sleepiness);
Anxiolytic (to reduce anxiety/produce relaxation);
Anti-seizure (to reduce the probability of having seizures and convulsions);
Muscle relaxant (to reduce muscle tension and associated pain);
Amnesic (amnestic) (tending to disrupt both long and short term memory).

Benzodiazepines can also produce withdrawal symptoms in someone with a dependency on the drug, including:

Anxiety and panic attacks,
Feelings of being "outside" the body,
Feelings of disconnection and unreality,
Sweating and tremors,
Palpitations and spasms,
Insomnia,
Headaches and ringing in the ears,
Nausea,
In extreme cases, convulsions can occur.

Sudden withdrawal after big doses can cause fits, therefore detoxification should be done under medical supervision.

Treating Benzodiazepine Addiction at The Causeway Retreat

At The Causeway Retreat near London we believe that treatment for benzodiazepine users works best in a relaxed and therapeutic environment.

Supervised by our expert psychiatric team, you will work through the withdrawal period, combating symptoms with proven medications and treatments. After detoxification, we will work with you to treat the root causes of your addiction. We can help you develop coping strategies for when strong cravings occur in future.

We also offer twelve months of post-detox benzodiazepine addiction support and advice.

The Causeway Retreat is private, luxurious and, above all, discreet. Take the next step towards arranging your addiction treatment by getting in touch with us.