Benzo Addiction Treatment Center
Sacramento
Benzo Addiction Treatment Center
- Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Justin Altschuler
- January 24, 2024
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- ADDICTION TREATMENT
- BENZOS
Benzodiazepines “benzos” are among the most commonly misused substances in the U.S. Their reputation for calming users down and elevating moods makes them a popular choice for those looking to self-medicate. But like other substances that can lead to addiction, benzodiazepine also come with risks. They also have powerful effects on the brain, making it especially likely that those who misuse them will develop a substance use disorder (SUD).
Sequoia MD strives to surpass the care offered at other benzodiazepine rehabs in California and provide direct access to the treatment you need when you need it. Our direct care model helps us offer accessible services to our clients, no matter their backgrounds.
How We Can Help
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Recovery
Medications
Understanding Benzodiazepine (“Benzos”) Addiction
Benzodiazepines, known colloquially as “benzos” or “downers,” are depressants often used to treat conditions like anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. As sedative substances, they slow down the central nervous system. This function makes them a great treatment for spikes of anxiety or stubborn insomnia, but it also means that benzodiazepine misuse can be dangerous. Too much slowing of bodily functions can lead to respiratory depression (when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen), coma, and, in severe cases, death.
Because they stimulate the release of dopamine, our brain’s “reward” chemical, benzodiazepines are also highly addictive. Not all people who experience benzodiazepine addiction use the substance improperly. What starts as a legitimate attempt to use benzodiazepine safely can spiral into a pattern of overuse. In other cases, benzodiazepine may be illegally obtained by forging prescriptions or through third-party sources. Whatever the case may be, seeking professional treatment for benzodiazepine addiction is always a good idea. Recovery is possible, especially when you trust experts like the team at Sequoia MD.
Signs & Symptoms of a Potential Benzodiazepine Addiction
It can be hard to spot an addiction from the outside, especially because many living with addictions take extensive measures to hide their behaviors. But spotting the signs of a benzodiazepine addiction can help you seek professional support before things escalate. The following symptoms are worth noting in yourself or a loved one, as they may point to a potentially unhealthy relationship with benzodiazepines.
Physical
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Vertigo
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Increased rate of respiratory infections
- Vision problems
- Weight loss or gain (often associated with changes in eating habits)
Psychological
- Feeling a persistent, intense urge to use benzodiazepine, even when/if use interferes with activities of daily living, relationships, careers, etc.
- Feeling unable to stop using benzodiazepine, even if you truly want to
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Slowed cognitive functions (thinking, reactions, etc.)
- Mood changes and mood swings
- Depressive symptoms like intense sadness or a lack of interest in activities once found enjoyable
Behavioral
- Seeking or using benzodiazepine (“drug-seeking behavior”)
- Taking larger and larger doses of benzodiazepine over time, taking larger doses than intended
- “Doctor shopping,” or visiting several doctors in a short period with the hope of gaining more prescriptions
- Attempting to or successfully forging prescriptions
- Self-isolating behaviors, such as lashing out at loved ones or spending more time alone
- Reckless behaviors, like misusing other substances while under the influence of benzodiazepine
- Struggling to keep up with responsibilities at work, school, or home
But signs of an active addiction aren’t the only potential indicators that something’s going on. Physical and psychological dependence on benzodiazepine can also lead to withdrawal symptoms. These occur when an individual goes without using a substance for a prolonged period. For those living with benzodiazepine addictions, a single day may be long enough to trigger withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Problems falling or staying asleep
- Shaking or tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle stiffness and pain
- In severe cases, seizures and psychotic reactions may occur
Stopping using feels great. However, moving away from drug use you have used every day for months or years is a big change.
Why Does Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction Matter?
Addictions rarely disappear on their own. Like other chronic illnesses, addictions can worsen over time, growing to consume more and more of an individual’s life until it seems to take over. But receiving support, empathy, and encouragement from others can change how many people think about their addiction journey. Treatment genuinely makes a difference, no matter what your needs look like.
No one deserves to feel alone while facing an addiction. Addiction care can help you realize that you aren’t alone at all but one of many people who live with a disease that can be overcome. Proper treatment can help you reach sobriety and develop the skills you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
As a patient moves into recovery away from an active substance use disorder, we start working to build treatment services and plans that can fit your unique situation.
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Sequoia MD is Here to Help
At Sequoia MD, we understand the nuance behind addiction. We also know that research consistently demonstrates that effective addiction treatments are tailored to fit each individual. That’s why we create customized treatment plans for each client we work with. Our team understands that the best benzodiazepine addiction treatment options are as unique as those they serve. Our Direct Care approach allows us to fully tailor our care to meet your needs, even as they change.
A Look at Our Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Options
Sequoia MD specializes in outpatient addiction treatment and medication management services. That means you can engage in our addiction care program without leaving the comfort of your home, aside from attending in-person sessions (if you’d like). We count on evidence-based treatment approaches and combine group and individual treatment sessions to help clients connect with others as they explore themselves. Fostering a sense of community is important to us, as is delivering tailored care. We work with each client to decide which therapies, treatment approaches, and skill-building activities are best suited to their needs.
Because we know that medication management and intervention can be necessary parts of recovery, our clinical staff also works diligently to support clients in these areas. Taking care of underlying physical and mental health needs is key, especially when it comes to promoting long-term sobriety. When you visit our facility, you gain access to all the resources you need to thrive.
What Separates Us from Other Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Centers
Sequoia MD is Sacramento’s first direct care practice. That means you get to connect directly to our provider(s) and receive individualized support when it makes sense to you. Unlike other benzodiazepine rehabs in California and beyond, we use a monthly payment model to provide our services. You pay us a monthly fee, and we provide quality care that matches your needs.
Without the need to worry about insurance policies and approval, we can offer specialized treatment designed to fit your lifestyle. Whether we see you in the office, via a video call, or even through texts, our team offers care you won’t find anywhere else.
Explore a Future Free from Addiction with Sequoia MD
Benzodiazepine addictions can come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing they do have in common is their impact. From trouble at work or school to damaged relationships and more, the consequences of an untreated addiction can pile up over time. Sometimes, obvious signs of an addiction only emerge once substance use has gone on for a while.
If you or a loved one lives with a benzodiazepine addiction, know that you are not alone. No matter how things may seem now, you can find options for support. Sequoia MD is here to provide life-changing addiction care that goes above and beyond what other benzodiazepine rehabs in California can offer. Our unique approach to treatment helps us connect with clients when they need us most. Get started on the road to recovery today by calling us at (916) 668-7164 or by contacting our team directly.
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On this free call one of our doctors will answer any questions you have about our practice and approach.
Personalized Healthcare
We’ll work together to identify the best care to fit your unique health concerns and craft a treatment plan that works for you.
A Happier, Healthier Life.
Our accessible approach to healthcare means you can stop worrying about your healthcare and start enjoying your life.