Benzodiazepine, commonly also referred to as ‘benzo’ is a class of psychoactive drug which helps in muscle relaxation and works as an anticonvulsant and have sedative properties. The are usually prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia and muscle spasms.
They increase the effect of Gama Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in the body, resulting in a relaxed state of the nervous system. Benzodiazepine though has a number of benefits; however, they can lead to increase in dependency and addiction, especially with chronic long- term usage. Overuse of benzodiazepine can cause severe psychological and physical distress leading to medical intervention which requires lifelong treatment.
Benzo addiction hampers an individual’s physical and mental health, disrupts relationships and affects the overall quality of life. It also results in a state of euphoric feeling and finally leads to addiction. This article shall explore the possible hazards and the indicators of addiction, its causes, treatment plans and programs, along with the best rehab centre in India for benzo addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction results in a variety of forms, affecting the overall quality of life of an individual. However, they can often be treated in the best rehab centre in India. The signs of symptoms of benzo addiction are:
Physical Symptoms of Benzo
- Consistent feeling of drowsiness, nausea of fatigue.
- Increase in tolerance towards the substance resulting in vicious cycle of increased consumption.
- Lethargy, insomnia, slurred speech and blurred vision.
- Motor difficulties such as slower reflexes, affecting the normal functioning of life.
- Gastrointestinal issues causing recurrent infections.
Behavioural Symptoms of Benzodiazepine:
- Neglecting responsibilities at school, work or home.
- Social withdrawal or isolation.
- Engaging in secretive behaviours such as lying about the drug.
- Hampered relationships with friends, colleagues and family.
- Financial burden leading to instability, losses and stress.
Psychological Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction:
- Increase and recurrent cravings for the substance.
- Cognitive impairments such as memory issues, and attentional deficits.
- Cognitive impairments such as memory issues, and attentional deficits.
- Other symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations and delusion.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzo Addiction:
- Insomnia or hypersomnia, recurring nightmares and vivid dreams.
- Tremors, fatigue, headache, vomiting or restlessness.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Difficulty in concentration, impaired judgement and reasoning and confusion
Challenges in Benzodiazepine Addiction Recovery
While recovering from benzo addiction, an individual may face a number of challenges which can often be managed in the best psychiatric hospital for addiction. Challenges include:
Withdrawal Symptoms of Addiction:
Withdrawal from benzo addiction can be life threatening, causing symptoms such as seizures and heightened anxiety. This requires regular medical supervision during detox in a benzo treatment centre.
Risk of Relapse :
Relapse is common in benzodiazepine addiction. Regular counselling sessions and therapies are required to prevent the chances of relapses.
Stigma and Shame :
Stigma is often attached to seeking treatment and asking for help especially in psychiatric cases. Many individuals hesitate to seek for timely treatment due to the fear of being judged and societal stigma. This can discourage people to ask for help.
Causes of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Understanding the root causes of the condition is highly important for seeking timely intervention and treatment strategies at the right benzo addiction treatment centre. Common causes are:
Prolonged Use of the Substance:
Prolonged and long-term use of the substance can lead to increase in dependency resulting in difficulty to quit the substance later in life.
Misuse and Recreational Use of Benzo:
Consuming the substance on higher doses than prescribed, or using them recreationally can result in addition to the substance.
Underlying Mental Health Condition Causing Addiction:
Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression or post traumatic disorder may lead to the usage of the substance as a coping method to deal with the condition.
Biological and Environmental Factors Leading to Addiction:
Genetic factors such as strong family background of addiction, or environmental factors like peer pressure or exposure to the substance can increase the dependency on the substance.
Effective Benzodiazepine Treatment Options for Recovery
Overcoming benzodiazepine addiction requires a consistent support from the medical professionals, as well as the family. Treatment options include:
Detoxification off the Substance:
Detoxification is the first step in treating benzo addiction. It involves removing the substance completely from the body by tapering down the dose to reduce withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Psychiatrists at a mental hospital ensures the safely of the patient and minimizes the discomfort throughout the treatment process.
Psychotherapy for Benzo Addiction Treatment:
Psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) helps an individual to identify and modify the negative thought patterns and change them to positive thoughts by understanding the trigger points and root causes leading to addiction. DBT also helps to regulate emotions, and build interpersonal communication skills, especially for those dealing with co-occurring mental health conditions.
Complementary Methods of Treatment:
A psychiatric hospital for benzo addiction treatment also incorporates holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness practices, art and music therapy and other relaxation methods, which helps the individual to reconnect with themselves and achieve the overall quality of life.
Medication Management at the Best Rehab for Addiction:
Medications such as antidepressants or anti- anxiety drugs are often prescribed to deal with the withdrawal symptoms of the addiction. Medications should always be taken under the close supervision of a psychiatrist in a mental hospital.
Support Groups for Benzo Treatment:
Support group discussions such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can often provide a sense of community, responsibility and accountability. At group sessions, individuals get an opportunity to share their experiences with similar challenges which can provide to be motivating and work as a learning experience.
Athena Luxus: The Best Treatment Centre in India for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Athena Behavioural Health in Delhi, NCR, India serves as the leading treatment centre in India for benzo addiction and other mental health conditions, providing a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan, catering to each individual’s unique needs. Athena Luxus has a team of experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who provide round the clock treatment and care at the centre.
The best rehab for benzo treatment is located in a serene and a protected environment where recovery is the priority. The best treatment centre also specializes in co-occurring conditions such as mental health disorders and addiction.
Athena Luxus in Delhi also includes complementary therapy methods such as art therapy, yoga, and mindfulness practices into their treatment plan to improve the overall quality of life of the individual. This mental hospital in India also creates aftercare plans such as relapse preventive strategies, and ongoing counselling sessions to help individuals achieve long term sobriety and overall well- being. To contact Athena Luxus, dial at +91 9718921212 or email at customercare@athenabhs.com.
Conclusion
Benzodiazepine addiction is a complicated mental health condition with causes long term harmful effects on the life of the person. However, recovery is stainable through the right support and treatment at the best mental health centre.
