Benzo Rehab Center in New Jersey

Benzodiazepines are a family of medications used to treat people suffering from anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment program, benzos are highly effective and help people cope with their conditions. While effective, benzos are highly addictive. When people misuse these potent medications, they are putting themselves at great, risk for serious health complications—including overdose.

When patients take benzodiazepines, they act on a specific set of receptors called benzodiazepine receptors, most commonly found in the central nervous system. These medications activate the production of a specific transmitter called GABA, which is responsible for calming the brain. For those suffering from anxiety or related disorders, benzos help them become more relaxed and level-headed.

Benzodiazepines vary widely regarding how quickly they start to work. For example, Valium is a short-acting benzo, and people will feel the effects of the medication within 30-60 minutes. On the other hand, Xanax and Ativan are known as long-acting benzos with effects lasting 11 to 20 hours on average. Additionally, there are long-acting benzos such as Klonopin that have lasting effects in the body between 1-3 days.

The dramatic influx of GABA neurotransmitters in the central nervous system creates intense feelings of calm and peace and acts upon the brain’s reward centers. These feelings become reinforced, and people will take more benzo medications to get the desired effect. Over time, people will build a tolerance to these medications and will need to take higher dosages to get the same effect. Eventually, benzos will take over the body’s production of GABA, and people will become dependent on these medications to function on a daily basis. 

Benzo addiction is a serious health matter requiring professional intervention. If you need New Jersey benzo addiction treatment, call Next Wind Recovery today.