Benzodiazepines belong to a class of prescription sedative drugs commonly used for severe anxiety, panic attacks, seizure prevention, and sleep disorders (insomnia). They are classified as Schedule IV controlled drugs.  If taken for long periods of time at high doses, tolerance and drug seeking psychological dependency may occur.  This can result in difficulty controlling use and tolerance to the drugs.  Commonly used Benzodiazepines abused in the United States include XANAX (Alprazolam), ATIVAN (Lorazepam), RESTORIL (Temazepam), LIBRIUM (Chlordiazepoxide), KLONOPIN (Clonazepam) and VALIUM (Diazepam).  Large doses of these benzodiazepines are commonly taken together with narcotic medications. Typical symptoms associated with benzodiazepine usage include depressed breathing, hallucinations, slurred speech, loss of muscle coordination, light-headedness, confusion, loss sense of reality, and delusions. Elderly patients are particularly sensitive to adverse effects of hypnotic medications.  This may present with confusion and lethargic behavior after taking small doses of benzodiazepines.

Sudden withdrawal of large doses of Benzodiazepines can result in withdrawal symptoms.  The worse is life threatening seizures and convulsions.  Patient may also experience anger, depression, hopelessness, fear, and irritability.  Other withdrawal effects include paranoia, confusion, disorientation, chest pains, palpitations and increase in muscle spasms and tremors. 

Our treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction includes a gradual reduction in the amount of drug on a daily basis until drug usage is discontinued.  Valium is the most common used Benzodiazepine for this purpose.   Dr. Jagodowicz is an addiction specialist with the knowledge to gradually taper the patient off the benzodiazepine and minimize withdrawal symptoms to maintain the comfort and safety of the patient.  Removal of the Benzodiazepine is only the first stage of treatment and rehabilitation.  We provide access to psychological counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy to improve the emotional regulation and development of coping strategies.  Routine drug screens and monitoring of CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) is provided.