Benzodiazepine Abuse
Benzos such as valium or Xanax are commonly prescribed following trauma or for severe anxiety. However, repeat use of these drugs will lead to dependence and a subsequent need for a slow tapering of the medication to safely quit using the drug. Many become physical dependent without even realizing the risks they were taking when they abused the drug.
Benzo abuse signs include:
- Sedation and muscle relaxation.
- Heightened anxiety when benzos are not available.
- Taking benzos with alcohol or other drugs.
- Lack of coordination.
Taking any benzo for more than a few days can quickly lead to the build up of tolerance and to physical dependence. When you try to quit, you will likely be faced with an array of withdrawal symptoms that make it downright scary to say “no” to the drug. Below is a list of the most common benzodiazepine withdrawal effects:
- Seizures
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Psychosis
- Coma
If you or someone you love is addicted to a benzodiazepine such as Valium or Xanax, we recommend you call Costa Rica Treatment Center at 1-800-708-3656 for immediate help. Our helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support you.
Barbiturate Abuse
Barbiturates are a group of drugs that are often also referred to as sedative-hypnotics. Using barbiturates when they are not prescribed, or taking them in any manner other than prescribed, can be extremely dangerous for the user. Drugs such as phenobarbital, that are used to reduce seizure risk in patients, can produce immediate seizures in those who abuse the substance.
Barbiturate abuse signs include:
- Lethal combination when taken with alcohol.
- Feeling drowsy or lethargic.
- Lack of inhibitions.
- Staggering or inability to stand up straight.
Much like the symptoms of benzo withdrawal can be dangerous, so can the symptoms of barbiturate withdrawal. Common symptoms of withdrawal that led to dangerous outcomes include:
- Lethargy or seizure.
- Psychosis or hallucinations.
- Delusions.
- Coma.
Getting Help for Prescription Drug Addiction
Now that you know all the different types of prescription drugs that are abused, and how to spot abuse, what do you do if you need help?
Treatment for prescription drug addiction can be different for each patient depending on his or her needs and depending on the severity of the addiction. The most common methods of treatment include:
- Inpatient rehab
- Outpatient rehab
- Support groups
- Follow up care and relapse prevention
The exact type of treatment that is right for you will depend on the following factors:
- Severity of your addiction.
- How long you have been addicted.
- The type of addiction you are struggling with.
- Whether you have been to treatment before.
- Underlying health conditions.
How Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treated?
After many years of research into the way substance use disorders impact the brain, treatment now takes a number of different factors into account. Successful treatment of prescription drug addiction involves several components according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. They conclude that successful treatment must include some combination of the following:
Multiple courses of treatment are common for those who experience prescription addiction. Behavioral therapy such as contingency management, and cognitive therapy are commonly paired with medications to help users recover.
Behavioral treatment teaches strategies to help users manage cravings and avoid triggers that could lead to relapse. Some treatments even include incentives to help the patient reach recovery milestones and achieve recovery goals. Together, through individual and group counseling, family therapy and support, patients are able to achieve recovery success.
Choosing a Rehab Center
If you or someone you love is addicted to prescription drugs, choosing treatment is the first major step you will take towards recovery and healing. But how do you choose a program that’s right for your needs?
We encourage you to take the following steps to choose a rehab center that’s ideal for your or someone you love who may be addicted:
- Consider location. Choosing a treatment center that is outside your comfort zone could be exactly what you need for recovery. Don’t be afraid to seek help outside your hometown.
- Consider amenities. You may be tempted to think you need luxury care or that you need things like massage therapy and acupuncture. But first consider amenities such as those that will actually aid in your recovery. Things like equine therapy, and art therapy paired with healthy exercise programs are ideal for your healing needs.
- Don’t overlook treatment success rates. If you call a center and ask questions, they should be more than willing to answer you. Don’t overlook asking about treatment success rates. You want a facility that can provide you with details on the success of their program.
- Ask about staff to patient ratios. You want high staff to patient ratios or in other words, a low patient to staff ratio. This means that you will have many staff at your disposal as a patient. Costa Rica Treatment Center has a staff to patient ratio of almost 1:1 which means you will always have the care you need when you need it.
- Consider cost. Many rehab centers charge excessive fees where they aren’t necessary. Others accept insurance but charge beyond what your insurance will cover. Consider an all-inclusive rehab program that will allow you to get the help you need at a monthly rate you can actually afford.
Get Help Today
Are you ready to get help for your addiction to prescription drugs? Costa Rica Treatment Center is ready to assist you in the recovery and healing process. Call our helpline toll free at 1-800-708-3656 to get immediate support. We care about your needs and look forward to assisting you in the recovery process.
