Benzodiazepine Addiction & Rehabilitation

Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs (tranquilizers and muscle relaxers) that along with painkillers (opiates) rank the highest in prescription drug abuse in the United States. Benzodiazepine addiction is a growing problem in society. Benzodiazepines (benzos) that are commonly abused and that are very addictive include Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin. Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed as sleep aids or to relief anxiety or seizures. These medications are highly addictive given their sedating effects.

Benzodiazepine Types

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Requirement

Withdrawal from tranquilizers/benzodiazepines requires slowly decreasing the dosage of medication taken over a period of days under medical supervision. A withdrawal schedule is utilized to slowly wean the patient of the substance.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms of anti-anxiety medications are:

• sleeplessness,
• irritability,
• anxiety,
• feeling shaky,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• loss of appetite, and
• in extreme cases, seizures.

Benzodiazepine Addiction & Toxicity

Some benzodiazepines are more addictive than others; as such, Clonazepam is often used in conventional detox centers for a safe detox from the more addictive and powerful drugs such as Xanax, Ativan and Valium. Limited amount of Clonazepam are given to limit the withdrawal symptoms. However, the body gets even more toxic and substituting one drug by another is not addressing the cause of the problem it is just postponing the solution.

Benzodiazepine Detoxification

Benzodiazepines drugs affect the central nervous system which cause depressed respiration and act as a depressant on the brain and body, slowing function and relaxing muscles. Benzodiazepines have been used in alcohol detox for it s similar effects to alcohol to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, the prolonged use of these drugs can lead to dependence, which makes the detox process very dangerous.

Generally, people addicted to many benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium can experience –

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• insomnia,
• irritability,
• headaches,
• fatigue,
• sweating,
• anxiety, and
• seizures when they undergo the detox process.

The withdrawal process generally creates the symptoms benzodiazepines are indicated to treat.

Nutritional Detoxification

We find that our nutritional detox is a very safe way to remove the substance products from the addict’s body and control the withdrawal symptoms efficiently.

Until the toxins from benzodiazepine abuse have been completely removed from the body, it is important for the addict to remain under medical care. The cessation of benzodiazepine use can cause dangerous seizures until the drug is out of the body.

For some of the stronger drugs in this class, the toxins can remain in the body for 4-6 weeks, depending on the severity and length of the abuse.

Detoxification Program:

The detoxification program developed by Hubbard is aimed at mobilizing and eliminating foreign compounds, especially those stored in the fat.

Components include:
Exercise, preferably running, to stimulate circulation and enhance the turnover of fats.
Prescribed periods in a low temperature sauna to promote sweating. We use infrared sauna.
An exact regimen of vitamin, mineral, and oil intake. Niacin in gradually increasing doses is used to transiently increase fat mobilization. Oil supplementation both reduces enterohepatic recirculation and promotes the exchange of fat. Vitamin and mineral supplements are included to replace vitamins, minerals and electrolytes lost during increased sweating and to correct any nutritional deficiencies.
Sufficient liquids to offset the loss of body fluids through sweating.
A regular diet including plenty of fresh vegetables.
A properly ordered personal schedule which provides the person with the normally required amount of sleep. Clients are on this program up to 5 hours per day, every day, until program completion. Daily aerobic exercise is followed by frequent periods in a low-heat (60-80°C) sauna. Niacin is administered immediately prior to the exercise and sauna to assist with the mobilization and elimination process.

The program is pursued individually until a stable clinical improvement is achieved, generally from 4 to 28 days. For long term benzodiazepine abuse, a six week program is highly recommended. Please visit our Lifestyle Change for Addiction Program to get more details on the program.

HAWAII NATURAL DRUG REHABILITATION                                       & RAW DETOXIFICATION CENTER