Benzos are psychoactive drugs commonly prescribed and abused in the United States. These drugs have high sedative, anti-anxiety hypnotic, muscle relaxant, and anti-convulsing properties. Benzos such as Ativan, Valium, and Xanax are usually prescribed for conditions including manic symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia. However, long-term use of benzo has severe side effects including dependency, dementia, and risk of fall. To avoid becoming an addict might come with withdrawal symptoms like sleep disturbance. Here’re
5 Tips to go through benzodiazepine withdrawal :
#1. Accept your condition
When facing benzo withdrawal symptoms, some people might brand you a drug seeker. However, a visit to a reputable rehab center is a smart move. You just have to accept your situation and understand that you’re suffering from benzo addiction and need professional assistance. It’s important to realize that taking medication is the right move. This is to help you manage physiologic dependence and benzo withdrawal symptoms better. Believing that the conditions are real will help to alleviate your problem.
#2. Switch to long half-life benzo
These include Ativan and Xanax and might be difficult to taper since withdrawal symptoms between your scheduled doses. Long-acting benzo like Valium is appropriate in alleviating the condition. This is because Valium has low potency for making small dosage reductions. It’s the simplest option when you can taper directly from the current benzo.
#3. Learn coping skills
The withdrawal symptoms of benzo can get overwhelming. Therefore, ensure to visit a benzo detoxification center where you’ll get the necessary assistance. Additionally, learn some coping skills to help in managing the condition. these include:
- Distractions
- Taking a hot bath
- Taking short walks
- Relaxing or meditation techniques
These are very important to help get quick recover from the effects of benzo withdrawal symptoms. Learning to survive on your own will help you get better much quicker.
#4. Consider adjunctive medication
In some instances, you should consider adjunctive drugs such as Carbamazepine, Propranolol, and Gabapentin to help in the withdrawal process. For insomnia, consider medication such as Quetiapine, Mirtazapine, and Trazodone. Additionally, some people get relief from alternative medicine such as medical marijuana. However, it’s important to understand that what works for one person might not work for another.
#5. Get adequate psychosocial support
For a successful benzo withdrawal process, having psychological support is extremely important. Having a shoulder to lean on is comforting and promotes a focus on getting better. Ensure to get assistance with daily tasks and emotional support from friends and family. Additionally, professional caregivers at a reputable rehab center will offer a better understanding of the various symptoms in the withdrawal process. Living with people who understand how to cope with withdrawal symptoms is essential in getting help through this difficult situation in life.
Bottom line
When suffering from benzo withdrawal symptoms, ensure to find a reliable rehab center. Here, you can get inpatient or outpatient treatment according to the level of addiction. Additionally, you’ll get a customized treatment program to meet your everyday schedule. Combining your benzo treatment with ideas on how to go through the withdrawal process is key to getting better without fear of relapse.
