Most often used for anxiety, epilepsy and alcohol dependence, benzodiazepines are man-made drugs that help treat symptoms such as the reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, unusual talkativeness, agitation, and more. By increasing GABA (a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system) a person is likely to experience more relaxation; however, they can be very addictive. Xanax, Librium, Valium and Ativan are all examples of benzodiazepines, and the type of detoxification you experience greatly depends on you sex, age, medical and drug history, family history, and more. Detoxification isn’t always the most pleasant, comfortable experience, but it’s always worth it because it sends you on the road to recovery.
Detoxification often involves the process of removing toxins that were acquired from the body either naturally or with the assistance of medication. There are a lot of side effects associated with detox, including: anxiety, clouded vision, difficulty concentrating, hallucinations, short-term memory impairment, twitching, drug cravings, and more. A 2017 study published by the University of Westminster in the UK sought to explore patients’ perceptions of detox from benzodiazepines by analyzing posts via online chat sites; the study’s findings indicated several themes:
Hell and isolation – many people didn’t realize the pain of detox, causing them to feel regret that they took the drugs in the first place
Anxiety and depression – individuals stated feeling completely flat emotions during detox
Alienation – dissociation occurred for several people, where individuals felt they were in a “dream” or a “nightmare”
Physical distress – feeling weak, chills, body pains, and heightened sensitivity were expressed
Anger and remorse – many individuals expressed anger towards physicians who do not warn against addiction to the drugs, as well as anger to themselves for taking them
Waves and windows – people stated the detox phase as a “rollercoaster” between hope and hopelessness
Healing and renewal – individuals reported using mindfulness techniques such as meditation and yoga to help get through detox. People also reported the importance of believing that healing does and will happen, which brought intense feelings of triumph for individuals.
Detox may not necessarily be easy, but it will be worth it. The most promising, safe option you can choose is to seek out a reputable treatment center because then you will have an entire healthcare team who can work with you through this. You’re not alone.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
