Benzodiazepine Detox in Arizona
As the fastest-growing state in the country, Arizona’s population is diverse and so are the people seeking addiction treatment.
In 2023 nearly 1.5 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were ordered here in Arizona. In the past 4 years, there has also been a noticeable increase in benzo-related emergency room visits.
The need for proper treatment options for benzodiazepine use disorders and detox is more important now than ever. Here at Pinnacle Peak Recovery, our team is committed to providing compassionate care through evidence-based treatment and support. We’re here to help our community find healing and recovery.
In the past month, over 16% of Arizona residents reported symptoms of an anxiety disorder
What We Treat: Benzodiazepine Use Disorders
Benzodiazepines, sometimes referred to as simply “benzos,” are prescription medications. The most well-known brand names of this medication include Xanax and Valium.
There are many people who have this medication prescribed to them. It is not innately dangerous, nor does taking it mean you’re going to develop a substance use disorder. Being aware of the risks associated with it, however, is important.
The symptoms and behavioral changes surrounding a benzodiazepine use disorder go beyond someone who takes the medication regularly. People with a benzodiazepine use disorder often seek this drug illegally, even if it's not prescribed to them. It’s not uncommon for this to be combined with a mental health condition or additional substance use disorder. This is known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.
If benzodiazepines are harming your relationships or finances, we can help. At Pinnacle Peak, you’re not just another face. We recognize that your story is uniquely yours; we just want to help write you write your next chapter.
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How We Treat: Our Medically Guided Detox Program
Benzodiazepines are one of many types of substances that can lead to someone experiencing withdrawal. Withdrawal is the process of eliminating a harmful toxin from your body that you’ve been regularly consuming. It often comes with side effects of varying intensity, including cravings, and can last for days or even years.
This process of withdrawal is frequently a trigger for someone’s continued substance use. This is where a medically guided detox program comes into play.
Not only does medical support help lessen the severity of withdrawal and ensure a person’s safety, but it also sets you up for success in your recovery journey. Our medical detox program puts you in an environment designed with your healing in mind, surrounded by people who understand the path ahead of you.
Through our whole-person, evidence-based approach at Pinnacle Peak, detox is the first step of the rest of your life in recovery, and we’re proud to be here for it.
Spotting the Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Some of the signs of withdrawal are more subtle than others. If you don’t know what’s happening, it can be easy to brush them off as a bad day. Unfortunately, in many cases, this ignorance can lead to the full brunt of withdrawal hitting you hard later on.
So, let’s talk about the signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal so you can spot them if it’s happening to you or a loved one. These side effects include:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Increased fatigue
- Increased anxiety and irritability
- Sensory sensitivity
- Disconnect from reality
Does Going Through Withdrawal Mean You Have a Substance Use Disorder?
The process of withdrawal is not what determines if someone has a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders involve additional factors such as how you engage with the substance and how you react to withdrawal.
Why is that? Why isn’t withdrawal enough of a sign to pinpoint someone with a substance use disorder?
Withdrawal is simply a biological reaction. If you regularly engage with a medication or substance that alters your body in any way, your body will adapt accordingly.
When you stop taking a medication or substance, your body begins to adjust to its absence. This comes along with a myriad of symptoms that vary depending on each person and medication and is known as withdrawal.
This is a known process that doctors are aware of, which is why people are often weaned off of these medications, as opposed to stopping cold turkey.
If you are taking benzodiazepines as medically prescribed, and you experience withdrawal, talk with your doctor about it.
What Is the Timeline of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
The process of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be broken down into three stages. The exact time frame for these stages will vary from person to person, but this gives you a good, general idea of what to expect.
Withdrawal begins after you take your last dosage of benzodiazepines. This doesn’t mean that you will immediately experience symptoms, but rather that this timeline is measured from when you took your last dose.
The first stage of benzo withdrawal normally starts 24 hours after your last dose and lasts up to 4 days. This is a mild stage primarily consisting of feelings of anxiety, insomnia, and increased irritability. The exact time frame of this stage will vary depending on the dosage you normally take and the half-life of that dosage. The half-life of a substance is the unit of measurement for how long it takes for any given substance to be processed out of the body. In this case, if you were taking benzodiazepines, Xanax ER (extended-release) would have a longer half-life than standard Xanax.
The second stage of benzo withdrawal will begin shortly after the first phase concludes, and will last up to two weeks on average. This stage is far more intense and is considered to be “full-blown” withdrawal. During this stage, symptoms will be most persistent and consist of the ones we mentioned earlier.
The third, and final, stage of withdrawal is not one that everyone will experience. These lingering psychological side effects can last for months or years after stopping, or until a person seeks treatment.
None of the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal are ever permanent. They can always be addressed and mitigated through proper care and healing.
What to Expect After Going Through Detox
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can take over two weeks. Do you just sit in a medical facility that whole time doing nothing? What happens after that period is over?
While the specifics of treatment and care will depend on your needs at the time, detox is not confining. Through proper medical monitoring and management, most people will start going through our treatment program while in detox. Detox is meant to build a strong foundation for your success, and that begins on day one.
After your detox period is over, your next steps will be discussed with you by your dedicated care team. It is very common for people to transition from detox into our inpatient, on-site care, but that’s not the only option available. Some people may seek to continue treatment through our intensive outpatient, where they come on-site during the day, but go home at night.
There’s no wrong path at Pinnacle Peak Recovery, and together, we’ll create the map to your unique healing journey.
What Our Valued Patients Say
Getting Started With Benzodiazepine Recovery Through Pinnacle Peak Today
Our program is adapted to you, including the treatment options available. We practice a whole-person approach to care, meaning we address not just your benzodiazepine use, but anything else impacting your happiness, too.
Through a quality benzodiazepine rehab program, you will find support and understanding. You’ll also acquire a wide range of tools to help you pave the way forward.
With our compassionate care and family feel, our team at Pinnacle Peak is truly committed to your healing. No matter your history with substance use, mental health, or any combination of the two, we stick with you every step of the way. Give us a call today at 888-786-5590 to get started.
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