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Category: Drug Detox

Drug detoxification (informally, detox) is variously the intervention in a case of physical dependence to a drug; the process and experience of a withdrawal

What Are Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms?

Lyrica is an anti-seizure and anti-anxiety medication, but it treats various other symptoms and medical conditions – including chronic pain. Lyrica is the brand name of the medication pregabalin, which is an anticonvulsant medication and not a narcotic. However, even though this particular prescription medication is non-narcotic, it can still be physically and psychologically addictive.

Addicted to Lyrica: What Now?

The symptoms of Lyrica addiction will vary significantly on a person-to-person basis and will depend on a variety of contributing factors. These factors include the amount of Lyrica consumed daily, whether or not the individual in question has any underlying mental health concerns or medical issues, environmental and social factors, and whether or not more than one chemical substance was being used (polydrug abuse). Some symptoms of Lyrica abuse and addiction include:

  • Taking more than the recommended amount or taking the medication when not initially prescribed by a medical professional.
  • Attempting to cut back on Lyrica consumed daily but unable to do so for an extended time.
  • Experiencing negative consequences due to ongoing Lyrics abuse, like problems at work or school, interpersonal problems, financial issues, or legal issues.
  • The building up of tolerance over time, meaning more Lyrics, is required for the same results to be produced.
  • Withdrawal symptoms upon ceased use.

Lyrica withdrawal can be severe when left untreated. At Allure Detox, we specialize in treating prescription drug withdrawal of all severities – regardless of how long you have been abusing Lyrica, seeking professional medical detox services will be a necessary first step on the lifelong road to recovery.

What Are Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms?

Lyrica Withdrawal Symptoms

Because Lyrica is a relatively new medication, the symptoms of withdrawal associated with this specific drug have not yet been completed. However, some signs of withdrawal have been documented. These symptoms will almost inevitably occur when an individual taking Lyrica other than as prescribed for any length of time abruptly ceases use.

The withdrawal symptoms associated with Lyrica include:

  • Sleep-related issues, such as trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
  • Anxiety and panic attacks.
  • An abnormally fast heartbeat (also known as tachycardia).
  • Profuse sweating/night sweats.
  • Gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Aggression and irritability/mood swings.
  • Persistent headaches.

While Lyrica withdrawal is generally highly unpleasant, it is rarely life-threatening. Still, the symptoms of Lyrica withdrawal must be treated in a designated detox facility like Allure Detox. Our team of medical professionals will utilize a proven combination of medical detoxification methods and therapeutic techniques. While pain-free detox is our top priority, we also believe it is crucial to pave the road for long-term sobriety by beginning to instill healthy coping mechanisms and relapse prevention techniques while helping clients transition into inpatient treatment directly after the detox process has come to a close.

Treatment for Lyrica Withdrawal at Allure Detox

At Allure Detox, we prioritize the comfort of each client above everything else. We understand how physically and psychologically devastating the symptoms of Lyrica withdrawal can be. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals offers a level of clinical care that is truly unmatched. In many instances, individuals who have been abusing medications like Lyrica will suffer from polydrug abuse, meaning that they will be abused more than one chemical substance at a time.

Polydrug withdrawal can be complicated to treat – however, our staff members are equipped to treat withdrawal symptoms of all types and severities. If you have been abusing Lyrica and you are ready to quit and begin a new way of life, give Allure Detox a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping in every way we can.

Published on: 2020-09-09
Updated on: 2024-09-23

What is the Strongest Benzodiazepine?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people.

Still, repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge addicted people’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a “relapsing” disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.

What is the Strongest Benzodiazepine?

One of the most prescribed drugs on the market is Benzodiazepines, a group of antidepressant drugs. Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” uniquely impact the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors of the brain or GABA-A, causing unique mental and physical effects on those using the drug. Benzos are very helpful in treating many mental illnesses, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and sleep disorders, which is why they are so commonly prescribed and a common medication for substance abuse.

However, how these drugs impact brain chemistry can quickly cause dependence and addiction. This is especially true when they are used improperly or illegally. This is why the drug is prescribed for short-term use only. To know more about benzos, read further.

How is Benzodiazepine Strength Measured?

Like all different kinds of prescription medications, benzodiazepine drugs are made for varying levels of efficacy and potency. The potency, or effectiveness, of the drug, is considered the strongest. For example, Ativan is one of the most potent drugs out there on the market, offering a maximum half-life of 24 hours, with only takes 30 minutes to be able to feel its effects.

The more potent a benzodiazepine, the faster you will feel its effects, and the more it will produce the sedative-like and calming results that these drugs are known for. How long these drugs will last before you need another dose is referred to as the drug’s half-life.

Most people who abuse benzos choose the higher potency ones and take a shorter time to feel the effects.  A short-acting drug like Xanax is popular because of its rapid, intense buzz results. The popular, more potent benzodiazepines are also more addictive than low-potency drugs, but any of them could lead to addiction when abused.

For those who have a history of addiction or those who know they have addictive tendencies, understanding the available strengths and what the drug can do is essential, even before taking them as prescribed.

List Of Benzodiazepines From Strongest To Weakest

Benzodiazepines are all created with different levels of potency and efficacy, and their half-life, or how long they last. This will vary based on how they are made and their intended uses. Keep in mind, of course, that even the lowest-strength benzodiazepine medications can still be highly addictive.

Although most individuals who use benzos to get high prefer the more potent, shorter-acting drugs, all of them are rated as Schedule IV controlled substances and should be considered dangerous outside of a carefully monitored prescription use.

Here is a list of benzodiazepines in order from strongest to weakest.

Strongest Benzodiazepines:

  • Long-Acting and High-potency Benzodiazepines:
  • High-potency, Short-acting Benzodiazepines:
  • Medium-strength, Medium-acting Benzodiazepines:
    • One (clobazam)

Weakest Benzodiazepines:

  • Low-Potency, Short-acting Benzodiazepines:
    • Serax (oxazepam)
    • Restoril (temazepam)
  • Low-Potency, Long-acting Benzodiazepines:

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Benzodiazepines Can Cause Addiction

No matter the strength, the potency, how long the benzodiazepine lasts, or how fast it takes effect, they are all capable of causing dependency and addiction, and this is where Allure Detox can help.

The health threat posed by withdrawal is one of the main reasons a benzo detox is necessary. Our team performs benzo detox on a medical basis, prescribing replacement drugs on a decreasing schedule until the withdrawal symptoms dissipate. It is challenging for long-term benzo users to stop on their own.

Benzos slows down the central nervous system (CNS) causing a sedative or euphoric effect which may be an addictive feeling for some. Benzos are prescription drugs used as an anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant. However, when the substance is abused, this can lead to addiction.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction

The use of benzodiazepines slows down the central nervous system (CNS) causing a sedative or euphoric effect which may be an addictive feeling for some. Benzos are prescription drugs used as an anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant. However, when the substance is abused, this can lead to addiction.

So if you’re concerned of a loved one, or perhaps yourself getting hooked with benzos, seek addiction treatment right away. Treatment options are available here at Allure Detox. Allure’s Medical detox allows the benzo user to continue their life during the process. The patient leaves our program stabilized, in good health, and ready to start their lives again. Furthermore, benzodiazepine withdrawal won’t be a difficult experience. Contact us today!

Summary

TL;DR: Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are among the most potent benzodiazepines, but “strength” can vary based on dosage, individual reactions, and the specific effect in question.

Published on: 2020-09-04
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Neurontin for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of us have experienced an injury or a surgery that may have left us in excruciating pain, which then led us to our doctor to prescribe an opiate, such as Vicodin, oxycodone, or hydrocodone to relieve the pain. These prescriptions are prescribed for the short-term because it’s not uncommon for people to become addicted to opiates even after the source of the pain is gone. Neurontin – or its generic form, gabapentin – is currently being tested as a treatment for opiate withdrawal conditions.

Researchers are unsure how the drugs work even though Neurontin or gabapentin have not been FDA approved as an effective treatment for opiate withdrawal. The medication is sometimes prescribed off-label for this reason.

Neurontin for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Can Neurontin help with opioid withdrawal symptoms?

Neurontin, also known by its generic name gabapentin, is sometimes used off-label to help manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal. While it is not a first-line treatment specifically approved for this use, some clinicians prescribe it due to its effectiveness in alleviating certain withdrawal symptoms. The benefits of Neurontin in opioid withdrawal may include:

Reduction of Withdrawal Symptoms:

  1. Anxiety: Helps reduce anxiety and agitation commonly experienced during withdrawal.
  2. Insomnia: Can aid in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia.
  3. Restlessness: May alleviate restlessness and the feeling of being on edge.
  4. Muscle Pain: Can reduce muscle aches and pains associated with withdrawal.
  5. Cravings: Might help in reducing cravings for opioids.

Mechanism of Action:

Gabapentin works by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly by binding to calcium channels and reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. This helps in calming the nervous system, which can be hyperactive during opioid withdrawal.

Usage and Dosage:

The dosage of Neurontin for opioid withdrawal should be determined by a healthcare provider, as it varies based on the individual’s condition, severity of withdrawal symptoms, and other medical factors. It is crucial to follow medical advice and not self-medicate.

Potential Side Effects:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Coordination problems
  • Blurred vision

Important Considerations:

  • Neurontin should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include other medications and supportive therapies.
  • It is important to taper off Neurontin gradually under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms from the medication itself.

While Neurontin can be helpful for managing certain symptoms of opioid withdrawal, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The Effects of Neurontin on Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Anyone who has tried to stop taking an opiate drug after chronic use, whether prescribed or recreational, knows just how uncomfortable the withdrawal effects can be. The fear of withdrawal symptoms can even keep someone in the addiction cycle. Add to this the euphoric or “high” feelings that opiates cause, and it’s no wonder why these drugs are so addictive. So, it is understandable why a user would continue to use it.

Neurontin helps to relieve pain by slowing down the pain signals that travel through the nerves. Neurontin’s effects on the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals are the reason for its pain-relieving abilities. These chemical secretions in the brain send pain messages to the body’s nerve pathways. Neurontin is believed to reduce the number of chemicals released in the brain.

What happens when you take Neurontin?

Everyone reacts differently to Neurontin since everyone’s body, and brain chemistry is different. In general, a person may respond to Neurontin treatment in one of four ways:

  1. Some will experience immediate pain relief and an increase in energy levels.
  2. Some will not experience pain relief unless higher doses of Neurontin are administered.
  3. Others will see no improvement whatsoever.
  4. After a certain length of time, Neurontin’s treatment effects may fade for those who benefit from the higher dosages.

Neurontin’s Opiate Tapering Effects

There is a high chance of dependency on opiates after long-term use, so any time you try to cut back, withdrawal symptoms may come on fast and robust. For this reason, many doctors advise patients to taper their opiate usage, which involves a gradual process of decreasing dosage amounts until a person is off the drug. For some people, even small decreases can result in harsh withdrawal effects.

This is where Neurontin can be beneficial because of its ability to mimic opiate effects in the body. This means a person can stop taking opiates without suffering harsh withdrawal effects. Part of Neurontin’s mimicking ability is due to how it affects chemical releases in the brain. Neurontin’s GABA-like effects on the brain also help to reduce the intensity of withdrawals experienced.

Medical Detox for Opioid Dependence

The priority of a detox is to help patients stop using drugs and alcohol safely. But Allure’s Medical detox offers more: a renewed love of life.

The first requirement of a detox center is that it protects the health and safety of its patients.  This is the least that substance abusers and their families should expect from a decent facility.  Without these protections in place, the detox doesn’t serve a purpose in the recovery process.  Patient safety should be an ironclad guarantee.

Patients choose medical detox because it allows them to continue participating in their former lives. This aids in the healing process of recovery and teaches the value of living without drugs and alcohol. And it has been statistically proven that a more extended detox period is more likely to lead to long-term recovery than a shorter period.

For these reasons and many more, patients choose the expert, compassionate care of Allure Detox. We look forward to working with you and your family to get your lives back on track. Contact us around the clock for a confidential assessment, and let’s see if Allure Detox is the right treatment center for yourself or a loved one.

Published on: 2020-08-29
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Is Xanax Withdrawal More Painful Than Heroin?

When a person who has an addiction to substances and they suddenly quit using after chronic use, they most likely will go through painful withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is the combination of physical and mental effects that a person experiences after they stop using or reduce their intake of a substance such as alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs.

Is Xanax Withdrawal More Painful Than Heroin?

Withdrawal Symptoms and Drug Addiction

One of the biggest obstacles to recovery is the fear of the withdrawal process. Many drug and alcohol addicts will continue their addictive behavior long after they want to quit, simply to avoid the detox process and painful symptoms that accompany the withdrawal. Some even try to detox from their addictions at home, suffering through days of discomfort and violent withdrawal only to go back to abusing drugs and alcohol to relieve the pain.

Every substance has different withdrawal symptoms that feel different to different people.

When going through withdrawals, there is no real answer as to how long you will be withdrawing or how painful of bad it will be. There are many factors to determine your length of withdrawal and severity:

  • Which drug was being used
  • If a mix of different drugs where being used
  • How often you use the drugs
  • How much of the substance the user took
  • The presence of underlying co-occurring mental health conditions
  • The user’s medical history
  • The user’s age
  • The user’s gender

A couple of drugs that are commonly abused are heroin and Xanax. These are sometimes seen as abused together. Sometimes Xanax is used to lessen withdrawal symptoms in between heroin fixes or to heighten the effects of the heroin. If a user is abusing both and decides to quit, withdrawal effects will be felt from both drugs. Heroin and Xanax have two different sets of withdrawal symptoms.

Many think that because heroin is considered a “harder” drug that it would be more painful to withdrawal from compared to Xanax, but is that really the case? The truth is that Xanax is considered to be more painful to withdrawal from than heroin and that is because of something called the half-life or the time it takes to eliminate the drug from your system.

Heroin Half-Life vs. Xanax Half-Life

Half-life is what determines how painful the drug detox will be is usually how long it lasts. Half-life is basically how long it stays in your bloodstream. Drugs can be categorized either as Short Half-Life vs. Long Half-Life Drugs. Short half-life drugs tend to take action quickly, and their effects may wear off rapidly as well. Drugs with longer half-lives remain active for 12-24 hours.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms (Shorter Half-Life)

If you are lucky enough to have the means to get into detox that helps you through your withdrawal symptoms with medicine your symptoms are lessened and can be easier to endure. Never the less you will still experience withdrawal symptoms and this is when and what you can expect:

  • First 24 hours – 2 days – Withdrawal depends on how fast-acting the opioid is. Heroin withdrawal may begin after a few hours and include muscle pain, anxiety, teary eyes, runny nose, sweating, insomnia, and frequent yawning.
  • 3 – 5 days – Peak of symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, goosebumps, blurry vision, and rapid heart rate.
  • The first week – Symptoms taper off but may still experience digestive issues, loss of appetite, dehydration, or seizures.
  • After the first week – For severe addictions, insomnia, irritability, cravings, sweating, anxiety, and depression may persist for 6 or more months.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms (Longer Half-Life)

Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam.  Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine or benzo that is only recommended for use for up to six weeks. This drug usually is for those who suffer from anxiety and get relief when used as prescribed. It has also been reported from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that close to 10% of all emergency department visits related to the abuse of pharmaceuticals involved the benzodiazepine, or benzo, alprazolam.

  • The first 24 hours – 2 days – Irritability, nausea, headache, and muscle pain are early symptoms.
  • 3 – 5 days – Depending on the strength of the dose, peak symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, shaking, restlessness, and palpitations.
  • The first week – Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
  • After the first week – Severe withdrawal may last 10 to 14 days and include some weight loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in perceptual abilities.

Get the Help You Need

At Allure Detox, we can help. Xanax addiction is a serious chemical dependency that requires clinical supervision to ensure that a person can safely detox. At Allure Detox, we have medically-assisted detox programs that provide replacement and comfort medication that will ease withdrawal symptoms.

Our Xanax detox in West Palm Beach, Florida is overseen by an experienced clinical staff that specializes in Xanax addiction recovery. Every person who is admitted into our comfortable Xanax detox unit will be under the care of state-licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists. Each staff member of our cross-disciplinary team works together to ensure that our clients are monitored around the clock. Call us and begin healing safely from addiction today.

Published on: 2020-08-19
Updated on: 2024-09-23

What Are Temazepam Withdrawal Symptoms?

Temazepam, brand name Restoril, is a benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug. It is prescribed as a medication for treating insomnia to help patients fall asleep through the night. However, because it acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, there is a high tendency for users to build a tolerance to the drug and become dependent.

Temazepam works by increasing the action of a substance in your body called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA sends signals through your nervous system that can improve sleep. When you take temazepam, the effects of GABA are increased in your body.

What Are Temazepam Withdrawal Symptoms?

Is Temazepam Addictive?

Temazepam is an addictive medication where the user will quickly build a tolerance if they abuse the drug and develop painful withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Because of the chance of dependence, many doctors recommend it for no longer than ten days at a time. Those prescribed the drug should also be monitored closely while on the drug if they start developing tolerance.

Temazepam Common Side Effects

Temazepam comes as an oral capsule that causes drowsiness and can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • nervousness
  • dizziness
  • nausea

These effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks if they are mild. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Temazepam Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Doing things while not completely conscious or with no memory of it occurring, such as:
  • eating
  • talking
  • having sex
  • driving a car
  • sleepwalking

Temazepam Withdrawal Symptoms

When people become addicted to Temazepam, they are physically dependent on the drug. Therefore, if they stop using it suddenly, they may go through withdrawal. In some cases, Temazepam withdrawal can be severe. The more severe side effects of Temazepam withdrawal typically exist in people who have taken high doses for an extended period.

Mild Temazepam withdrawal symptoms include insomnia and nausea. Other Temazepam withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Flushing of the skin
  • Stomach pain
  • Shakiness
  • Nervousness
  • Mood swings
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Cravings for Temazepam

Withdrawal from Temazepam isn’t typically fatal but can be very uncomfortable and lead to dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting.

Safely Detox from Temazepam

To correctly come off Temazepam, a doctor may have the patient gradually lower their dosage rather than stopping suddenly. This process can help reduce or prevent symptoms of Temazepam withdrawal from occurring.

Before someone can receive addiction treatment for Temazepam, they have to detox from it. This requirement means either going through withdrawal cold turkey on their own, tapering down their dosage gradually until it leaves their system, or going through a supervised detox where they receive medical care as they go through withdrawal. It is recommended not to detox cold turkey due to problems that may occur through dehydration.

The detox timeline for Temazepam varies for every person. Generally, it involves the following:

  • Immediate: Within a few days after the last dose of Restoril is taken, withdrawal symptoms may begin. During the earliest stage of Restoril withdrawal, the primary symptoms are a return or worsening of insomnia. As the body adjusts to the lack of Restoril, there are reduced levels of GABA in the brain.
  • 4 Days: a person may have peak Restoril detox symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.
  • Within a week: a person will see their withdrawal symptoms decline in most cases, although there can be long-term persistent side effects, such as ongoing insomnia and anxiety.

Treatment for Temazepam Addiction

At Allure Detox, we detox patients on a medical basis allows us to give patients more than safety. Clients continue to live in a home-like setting with family support during medical detox at Allure. This continued participation will enable clients to learn and resume their lives, even as the substance leaves their system.

Our focus is on minimizing your withdrawal symptoms to a comfortable level while beginning the comprehensive treatment process that will keep you sober. Begin your recovery with medical detox.

FAQ

  • How to stop takingTemazepam without having withdrawal symptoms?

Published on: 2020-08-12
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Can You Mix Different Benzodiazepines?

Over the past several years, opioid narcotics like prescription painkillers and heroin have grabbed the media spotlight, seeing as so many innocent men and women have lost their lives to opioid-related overdose. Something that is rarely addressed – but something essential to address – is the abuse of benzodiazepines. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that between 2015 and 2016, roughly 12.5 percent of American adults abused benzodiazepines. While a little over 12 percent might not seem like a significant number, it is important to note that this percentage equated to over 30.5 million individuals.

Interestingly enough, most individuals who abuse benzodiazepines do not abuse one drug at a time – the vast majority are victims of polydrug abuse (meaning that they abuse more than one drug at a time). Even more interesting is the fact that most cases of polydrug abuse involving prescription medications involve medications of the same classification. This means that the majority of men and women who actively abuse benzodiazepines are mixing different types of benzodiazepines together.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines – more commonly referred to as benzos – are a prescription tranquilizer generally used to treat moderate or severe anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety and persistent panic attacks. Some examples of benzo brand names include Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax. Xanax is one of the most frequently prescribed medications throughout the United States, and it is responsible for a very high number of benzo-related overdose deaths on an annual basis.

benzo flu

Benzos were first introduced to the pharmaceutical market sometime in the 1960s and quickly became an alternative to (what were believed at the time to be) more potent and dangerous drugs. However, it was soon discovered that benzos were equally as dangerous and equally as habit-forming.

It is important to understand that when benzodiazepines are used exactly as prescribed by a medical professional, they can be taken safely. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed in a medical detox setting for the treatment of alcohol addiction withdrawal. At Allure Detox, we utilize this medication as part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) when deemed necessary.

Can You Safely Mix Benzodiazepines?

Can benzos be safely mixed? The answer is always the same, regardless of the person in question – no, benzos can never be safely mixed. Mixing benzodiazepines has resulted in hundreds and thousands of untimely deaths, including the deaths of major celebrities like Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and John Belushi.

Their toxicology reports did suggest that other substances were present in their systems at the time, but excessive amounts of different benzodiazepines were undeniably one of the predominant causes of death. Medical professionals will never prescribe more than one benzo at a time for several different reasons, including the fact that these drugs are extremely potent and addictive, and combining them will only exacerbate these side effects.

Allure Detox and Benzo Abuse 

At Allure Detox, we have extensive experience treating men and women of all ages and personal backgrounds who have struggled with benzo abuse and dependency. If you or someone you love has been taking benzos other than as prescribed, seeking professional help will be of the utmost importance – if professional help is not immediately sought, the consequences can be dire.

The first step of every recovery process is medical detox, where patients will undergo the symptoms of benzo withdrawal in a safe and supportive environment. Our benzo detox is comprehensive, reputable, and accredited – we are one of several licensed medical detox facilities in Florida. To learn more about or program or to learn more about benzo addiction and recovery, please reach out to us at any point in time.

Published on: 2020-07-30
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Are Hand Tremors a Symptom of Benzo Withdrawal?

Everything is in moderation. How many times have we heard this? Too many times. This is usually true because too much of something almost always have some side effects. Too much food and no exercise, you gain weight—too much sun, sun damage to the skin, and possibly cancer.

Too much alcohol or drugs leads to an addiction, which then can lead to health problems. Besides health problems, even when you try to quit drugs and alcohol, you still have withdrawal effects from chronic use. One of the worst sets of withdrawal symptoms comes from using or abusing long-term benzodiazepines.

HAND TREMORS

What Are Benzodiazepines Exactly?

One of the most prescribed drugs on the market is Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, or “benzos” for short, are a class of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for many mental disorders and illnesses. They are used to treat moderate to severe anxiety, panic attacks, epileptic seizures, and even withdrawal symptoms from other central nervous system drug depressants like alcohol. Because this drug can be highly addictive, benzodiazepines are generally prescribed for short-term use.

According to the National Health Statistics Reports from 2014–2016, benzodiazepines were prescribed at approximately 65.9 million office-based physician visits. The rates for women prescribed the drug were also higher than the men (at 34 visits per 100 women).

Most benzodiazepines come in pill or tablet form for oral consumption. Some brands, like Valium, can also be administered intravenously as a clear, odorless liquid. Benzodiazepines are legal when they are prescribed, and however, you can purchase them on the street. On the street, benzodiazepine drugs might go by other names like tranks, downers, bars, sticks, French fries, ladders, or simply benzos.

Some common benzodiazepines include:

  • Valium
  • Ativan
  • Klonopin
  • Librium
  • Xanax

Benzodiazepines should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor. Benzo withdrawal symptoms can take hold within hours of the last dose, and they can peak in severity within 1-4 days. People can also experience anything from a simple headache to diarrhea and even seizures or tremors during withdrawal.

Tremors as a Result of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

One uncomfortable symptom of benzo withdrawal is hand tremors, and sometimes you won’t even know you are detoxing until suddenly your hands shake uncontrollably. The tremor may affect the hands (one or both), arms, head, or eyelids. In rare cases, the lower body is affected. But more often, the hands seem to be more prone to tremors. The tremor may not affect both sides of the body equally. The shaking is usually fast, about 4 to 12 movements per second.

The benzidazepine detox tremors may be:

  • Episodic (occurring in bursts, sometimes about an hour after taking medicine)
  • Intermittent (comes and goes with activity, but not always)
  • Sporadic (happens on occasion)

The tremor can:

  • Occur either with movement or at rest
  • Disappear during sleep
  • Get worse with voluntary movement and emotional stress

Sometimes the tremors can get so severe they can interfere with daily activities, excellent motor skills such as writing, and other activities such as eating or drinking. The easiest and safest way to stop using benzos is through medical detox, and at Allure Detox, we can help.

The health threat posed by withdrawal is one of the main reasons a benzo detox is necessary. Our team performs benzo detox on a medical basis, prescribing replacement drugs on a decreasing schedule until the withdrawal symptoms dissipate. It is complicated for a long-term benzo user to stop on their own.

Medical Benzodiazepine Detox

Allure’s Medical detox allows the benzo user to continue their life during the process. The patient leaves our program stabilized, in good health, and ready to start their lives again. Don’t allow benzodiazepines to control your life any longer; reach out for help today, and start healing comfortably.

FAQ

  • Why does benzo withdrawal cause hand tremors?
  • How long do Hand Tremors last during Benzo Withdrawal?

Published on: 2020-07-24
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Does Valium Help with Heroin Withdrawal?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that in 2018 alone, more than 128 US citizens died every day as a direct result of the nationwide opioid epidemic. Over the past decade, thousands of innocent men and women have lost their lives to opioid narcotics like prescription painkillers and heroin. Heroin, specifically, has become a primary health-related concern throughout the country. The sad truth of the matter is that even though there are many treatment resources available, most men and women who struggle with heroin addiction fail to seek the help they need before it is too late.

At Allure Detox, we believe that quality clinical care and medically monitored heroin detox should be available to anyone in need. We ensure that our services are both accessible and practical – our main priority is ensuring that no more lives are senselessly lost to heroin addiction. If you or someone you love has been struggling with heroin abuse or the abuse of any other potent opioid narcotic, please give us a call today, and we will help get you or your loved one started on the road to heroin addiction recovery.

Does Valium Help with Heroin Withdrawal?

Is Valium effective for heroin withdrawal?

Valium (diazepam) can help manage certain symptoms of heroin withdrawal, but it is not a comprehensive treatment. Here’s how it can assist and its limitations:

How Valium Helps:

  1. Anxiety and Agitation: Valium is a benzodiazepine that can help reduce anxiety and agitation, which are common during heroin withdrawal.
  2. Insomnia: It can aid in improving sleep quality and managing insomnia.
  3. Muscle Spasms: Valium can alleviate muscle spasms and tension.

Limitations:

  1. Addiction Risk: Valium itself has a high potential for dependence and abuse, so its use must be carefully monitored.
  2. Limited Symptom Relief: While it helps with specific symptoms, Valium does not address all aspects of heroin withdrawal, such as gastrointestinal issues or cravings.
  3. Short-Term Use: Valium is typically used for short-term relief due to its addiction potential.

Considerations:

  • Medical Supervision: Valium should be used under strict medical supervision, often as part of a broader treatment plan that includes other medications and supportive therapies.
  • Comprehensive Treatment: Effective heroin withdrawal management usually involves a combination of medications, counseling, and support.

Valium can help with some symptoms of heroin withdrawal, but it should be used cautiously and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical guidance.

Medication for Heroin Withdrawal

When it comes to heroin withdrawal, many medications have been proven safe and effective in minimizing withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings. One of these medications is Valium – a prescription medication most used in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders. When treating the symptoms of heroin withdrawal with a medication like Valium, which has a high propensity for abuse, the process must be overseen by a team of experienced medical professionals.

That is where Allure Detox comes into play. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals will work together to ensure that the detox process is as pain-free as possible. In many instances, medications like Valium will reduce the physical pain and psychological cravings associated with heroin withdrawal, making the overall process far easier to undergo. However, individuals who have been abusing heroin must never attempt to withdraw on their own. If they try to withdraw at home without the assistance of medical professionals, complications related to specific withdrawal symptoms can be devastating. Attempting to withdraw on your own with the aid of a medication like Valium can result in a unique set of problems. Valium is also addictive, and not dosing properly can lead to an overdose or complications.

Some of the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

While Valium effectively treats the symptoms of heroin withdrawal in a safe and controlled medical environment, this specific medication is habit-forming, and using the medication should never be used in a home setting. Clinical supervision is always necessary. The medically assisted detox offered by Allure Detox will help minimize the symptoms of heroin withdrawal comfortably and safely. Some of the heroin withdrawal symptoms we help treat with the use of Valium include:

  • Runny nose and watery eyes
  • Muscle aches and severe muscle cramping
  • Stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
  • Low-grade fever
  • Chills and night sweats
  • Psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression

Allure Detox and Heroin Withdrawal

At Allure Detox, we specialize in treating symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal. Our main priority is ensuring that each one of our clients is as comfortable as possible. Our professionals also work together to ensure that all psychological symptoms of heroin withdrawal are adequately treated, from severe anxiety to intense and persistent cravings. If you or someone close to you has been suffering from heroin abuse or addiction and is looking to quit long-term, we are here to help. Give us a call today, and we will help get you or your loved one started on the lifelong road to fulfilled recovery.

Published on: 2020-07-22
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Mixing Beer and Xanax

New prescriptions are coming out every year for multiple cures and illnesses. Some may help a person get out of bed in the morning and function generally in life. Whether it be for pain or to think clearly, new and improved drugs are coming out all the time. Sometimes prescription drugs can become addictive, and doctors try to come up with less addictive versions. However, benzodiazepines and opioids are always addictive if you take too much or are on them for too long.

Mixing Beer and Xanax

What is Xanax?

Avery’s popular prescribed drug, often mixed with alcohol, is called Xanax, which is a brand name for alprazolam.  It was supposed to be a replacement for the drug Valium, and just like Valium, Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine or benzo that is only recommended for use for up to six weeks. This drug usually is for those who suffer from anxiety and get relief when used as prescribed.

According to the National Health Statistics Reports from 2014–2016, benzodiazepines were prescribed at approximately 65.9 million office-based physician visits. The rates for women prescribed the drug were also higher than the men (at 34 visits per 100 women).

Side Effects of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol

Xanax is taken by individuals who need it for panic attacks or anxiety and those who want to get “high” and take It recreationally. Both users can be at risk when mixing it with other drugs. This can happen by accident or intentionally to get a “higher high. ” This frequently happens with alcohol.

Like alcohol, Xanax is a depressant, and that means it slows down nervous system activity.

Serious side effects of Xanax abuse can often include:

  • Memory problems
  • Seizures
  • Loss of coordination
  • Withdrawal symptoms

Serious side effects of drinking too much alcohol can include the following:

  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Impaired coordination
  • Alcohol poisoning

What Happens When You Mix Xanax and Beer

Mixing both Xanax and alcohol can increase dangerous side effects and may cause an overdose. It happens all over the world to all different kinds of people. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) reports that drug overdose deaths have spiked 102 percent from 1999 to 2000. In 2010, over 38,000 deaths from drug overdoses, and 60 percent of those deaths involved prescription drugs (as opposed to heroin or cocaine). Of the 22,000 deaths involving prescription drugs, 30 percent involved benzodiazepines such as Xanax.

When combined, Xanax and alcohol can cause various side effects, some of which can be fatal, including:

  • Fainting
  • Slow breathing
  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Slow pulse
  • Impaired coordination
  • Nausea
  • Memory loss
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Delirium
  • Seizures

With these side effects in mind, mixing alcohol and Xanax is never a good idea. No matter if you are a modest drinker and don’t take more than you’re prescribed, and whether it’s Xanax and beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage, these two substances should never be combined in any way.

We Can Help You Overcome Addiction

At Allure Detox, we can help. Xanax addiction is a severe chemical dependency and alcohol that requires clinical supervision to ensure that a person can safely detox. At Allure Detox, we have medically-assisted detox programs that provide replacement and comfort medication to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Our Xanax and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida, is overseen by an experienced clinical staff specializing in Xanax and alcohol addiction. Every person admitted into our comfortable Xanax and alcohol detox unit will be under the care of state-licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists. Each staff member of our cross-disciplinary team works to ensure that our clients are monitored around the clock. Call us and begin healing safely from addiction today.

Published on: 2020-06-24
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Are Panic Attacks a Symptom of Xanax Withdrawal?

Many people these days take a prescription for something. There seems to be a drug for everything from insomnia to panic attacks. Some of these medications are needed so the person can function in life. However, some don’t need the prescription and use the drugs recreationally. Whether you take drugs recreationally or as prescribed, if taken for too long, there is a good chance you eventually become dependent on them and end up addicted. One of those drugs is Xanax, which can worsen your panic attacks once you come off it, so a safe medical drug detox process is critical.

panic attack

Can panic attacks occur during Xanax withdrawal?

Yes, panic attacks can be a symptom of Xanax (alprazolam) withdrawal. Xanax is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. When someone stops taking Xanax abruptly or reduces the dose too quickly, their body can react with a range of withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Panic attacks: Sudden, intense episodes of fear and anxiety.
  • Increased anxiety: General feelings of heightened anxiety.
  • Restlessness and agitation: Feeling restless or easily agitated.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
  • Sweating and tremors: Increased sweating and shaking.
  • Headaches: Persistent headaches.
  • Muscle pain and stiffness: Physical discomfort in muscles.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress.
  • Seizures: In severe cases, withdrawal can lead to seizures.

Because of these potential withdrawal symptoms, it is important to taper off Xanax gradually under medical supervision rather than stopping abruptly.

What is Xanax?

Unfortunately, one prevalent drug that is pretty easy to get prescribed is Xanax, a brand name for alprazolam.  Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine or benzo that is only recommended for use for up to six weeks. This drug usually is for those who suffer from anxiety and get relief when used as prescribed. It has also been reported from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) said that close to 10% of all emergency department visits related to the abuse of pharmaceuticals involved the benzodiazepine, or benzo, alprazolam.

According to the National Health Statistics Reports from 2014–2016, benzodiazepines were prescribed at approximately 65.9 million office-based physician visits. The rates for women prescribed the drug were also higher than the men (at 34 visits per 100 women).

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms Explained

Benzodiazepines should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor. If you take Xanax more than prescribed or quit suddenly, doing so may cause unwanted withdrawal symptoms or worsen your condition or your loved one and may result in life-threatening conditions. For example, if you are taking Xanax for anxiety or panic attacks and have been taking the drug for a long time at high doses, it can cause and worsen your panic attacks and anxiety when you stop taking it.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can take hold within hours of the last dose, and they can peak in severity within 1-4 days. During withdrawal, people can also experience:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Muscle pain
  • Tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Insomnia
  • Heart palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Panic attacks
  • Seizures
  • Drowsiness or sleepiness

Of course, several factors influence how long Xanax withdrawal can last, which include the following:

  • The amount of the drug taken
  • How often doses were taken
  • How long the person misused or abused the drug
  • How old you are
  • Weight or body mass
  • Metabolism speed
  • Your liver function

There are those users who abuse Xanax and other benzodiazepines that may stop taking Xanax suddenly and don’t experience all of the dangerous side effects of Xanax, but you wouldn’t want to take a chance. Therefore, medical detox is always required for Xanax withdrawal.

xanax

Get the Help You Need for Xanax Addiction

At Allure Detox, we can help. Xanax addiction, which affects your mental health, is a severe chemical dependency that requires clinical supervision to ensure that a person can safely detox. At Allure Detox, we have medically assisted detox programs that provide replacement and comfort medication to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Our Xanax detox in West Palm Beach, Florida, is overseen by an experienced clinical staff that specializes in Xanax addiction recovery. Every person suffering from the use of Xanax and other forms of substance use leading to addiction is admitted into our comfortable Xanax deand tox unit and will be under the care of state-licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists. Each staff member of our cross-disciplinary team works to ensure that our clients are monitored around the clock. Call us and begin healing safely from addiction today.

FAQ

  • Can Xanax, a prescription medication, lead to panic attacks?

Published on: 2020-06-22
Updated on: 2024-09-23

How Long Does Klonopin Withdrawal Last?

There are many things today that can cause anxiety. Someone in the family may have fallen ill or passed, stress at work, a big move to another place, almost anything that disrupts your everyday life can cause stress and anxiety. There are many ways to go about getting help for anxiety issues: there is a holistic approach with healthy eating, meditation, and yoga, or other stress-reducing activities, or the quick fix that seems to be more popular is to get a prescription from a doctor.

A few medications can be prescribed, but among the most commonly prescribed Benzodiazepines or benzos are Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. These are medications prescribed short-term for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. These drugs are prescribed for short-term use because most people will develop a physical dependence after a few weeks. It doesn’t matter if you were taking the prescription as directed; there is a high chance that once you stop taking the drug, you will start to have some form of withdrawal after a few hours or days.

Withdrawal Symptoms

How long does withdrawal from Klonopin last?

The duration of Klonopin (clonazepam) withdrawal can vary widely depending on several factors, including the dosage, duration of use, individual physiology, and whether the tapering process was medically supervised. However, a general timeline is as follows:

Acute Withdrawal Phase:

  • Duration: 1 to 4 weeks
  • Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, sweating, tremors, and muscle pain.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS):

  • Duration: Several months to a year
  • Symptoms: Persistent anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties.

Factors Affecting Withdrawal Duration:

  • Dosage and Duration: Higher doses and longer use typically result in longer withdrawal periods.
  • Tapering Schedule: Gradual tapering under medical supervision can help reduce the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms.
  • Individual Differences: Age, overall health, and co-occurring mental health conditions can influence the withdrawal process.

It’s important to seek medical guidance when discontinuing Klonopin to ensure a safe and effective withdrawal process.

What Happens When You Abuse Klonopin?

Some patients take Klonopin as prescribed, some don’t, and others get the drug illegally. No matter how you handle them or what kind of user you are, taking benzos longer than three to four weeks, you can experience withdrawal symptoms.

For people using benzos for more than six months, about 40% will experience moderate-to-severe withdrawal symptoms. The other 60% will still have symptoms, but they will be far milder

For the use of Klonopin, Just like any other substance, the severity of your withdrawal will depend on many factors:

  • Your current Klonopin dose
  • How long you’ve been taking it
  • Whether you regularly mix it with other drugs or alcohol
  • Your age and physical health
  • And much more

Klonopin withdrawals and alcohol withdrawals are very similar. Both medications are probably the worst withdrawal you could experience and the only one you could die from if you don’t have supervised medical detox. You can feel anxious and have flu-like symptoms, and they can be severe or mild, and they can come and go.

Since Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine, it has a long half-life from 30 to 40 hours, so it can take a while for the withdrawal symptoms to start. It can start from two to seven days after the last time you took the drug. The withdrawal symptoms can last on and off from two to eight weeks. The withdrawal symptoms of Klonopin will affect you physically and mentally.

Physical manifestations of benzo withdrawal can include:

  • Troubled sleeping (nightmares, waking in the night)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Tremors
  • Dizziness or unsteadiness
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears or hearing a sound that isn’t there)
  • Grand mal seizures

The psychological symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Panic attacks
  • Restlessness
  • Nightmares
  • Strange bodily sensations
  • Depression
  • Abnormal perceptual changes (things touch, taste, or feel different)
  • Problems concentrating
  • Trouble remembering things
  • Distorted body image

Second Stage of Klonopin Withdrawal

There is also a second stage to the withdrawal after the initial, post-acute withdrawal. This could last anywhere from months to a year. Again this can differ from person to person, but you go about getting off Klonopin, whether tapering or cold turkey; it’s best to do a medical detox where you can be supervised, and at Allure Detox, we can help.

Patients choose medical detox because it allows them to continue participating in their former lives. This aids in the healing process of recovery and teaches the value of living without drugs and alcohol. And it has been statistically proven that a more extended detox period is more likely to lead to long-term recovery than a shorter period.

For these reasons and many more, patients choose the expert, compassionate care of Allure Detox. We look forward to working with you and your family to get your lives back on track. Contact us around the clock for a confidential assessment, and let’s see if Allure Detox is the right treatment center for yourself or a loved one.

FAQ

  • How long does Klonopin last for anxiety?

Published on: 2020-06-20
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Benzos for Cocaine Comedown

Unfortunately, it is pretty standard for people to experiment with all types of drugs in different classes. Whether it is uppers, downers, and hallucinogens, to name a few. This is known as polydrug abuse, when a person uses more than one type of drug, either at the same time or at different times.

More specifically, polydrug use occurs when a person:

  • Uses two or more drugs in combination
  • Uses one drug to counteract the effects (or the after-effects) of another
  • Uses different drugs at different times over a short period of days or weeks.

Polydrug use can include any form of drugs – alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, petrol, paint, and other inhalants. Tobacco and coffee are not considered to be poly-drug use, but alcohol and energy drinks are.

oxycodone for coke comedown

Multiple Drug Usage for Addiction

The use of multiple drugs at one time is frequently seen; the 2011 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report lists several relevant findings, including the following:

One of the most common combinations of drugs is uppers and downers, especially cocaine and benzodiazepines or benzos.

Cocaine is a dangerously addictive stimulant drug. It increases your heart rate and blood pressure and raises your body temperature. It usually is used to help keep a person awake by heightening alertness, focus, and attention.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines, called benzos for short, are a class of central nervous system depressants that are regularly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, muscle spasm, seizures, and insomnia. They have been known to aid in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Certain physiological functions under central nervous system control may be slowed and lowered when taking benzos, like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and body temperature.

Benzo Withdrawal

An example of a typical situation where these two drugs would be taken together is going on a night on the town where late-night dancing is involved. You want to have all the energy to keep your toes tapping to the music, so you do some cocaine throughout the night to keep going. It is now the end of the night, and it’s time to wind down and get ready for bed before the sun comes up. You know the come down off cocaine is the worst – anxiety, depression, and restlessness, to name a few. So, even though you aren’t medically prescribed them, you pop a few benzos, like Xanax or Valium (both send signals to your brain that increase relaxation, relieves muscle tension, and lower your anxiety). You are soon enough off to sleep and ready to repeat this all over again when it’s time to party the next night.

This repeated pattern can be dangerous not just because you are putting yourself in danger of overdose, but this repeated pattern can, if not already, turn into an addiction. After a while, cocaine users usually find themselves using it not just to stay out all night but just to wake up and function throughout the day. So you are then using cocaine all the time and countering it with benzos. So you obtain an addiction to both.

Cocaine Addiction

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports, in 2014, over 8 percent of adults in America battled addiction. Addiction is a brain disease that has physical, emotional, and social ramifications, and it is characterized by difficulties controlling or stopping drug use.

Cocaine

Some signs of cocaine addiction are:

  • Weight loss
  • Change in eating habits
  • Missing work/school
  • Missing important engagements
  • Isolating/secretive about activities
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Legal problems
  • Relationship/marital problems
  • Financial problems
  • Loss of control over the amount and frequency of use
  • Craving and compulsive using
  • Continued use in the face of adverse consequences

Get the Help You Need

Are you or a loved one addicted to cocaine and benzos? At Allure Detox, we can help you tackle both and get you on the road to recovery and get your life back. We will work on the mental and emotional withdrawals as well as the physical. We are a state-licensed facility that employs a cross-disciplinary staff of medical doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. Each staff member is committed to ensuring that every client receives direct medical supervision around the clock. Call us and get your life back today!

Physical Therapy

Summary

TL;DR: While some individuals use benzodiazepines to alleviate the symptoms of a cocaine comedown, this combination is risky and can lead to dangerous interactions.

Published on: 2020-06-08
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Benzodiazepines for Opioid Withdrawal

Many people who abuse drugs want to stop but don’t even get past the first couple of hours because of the painful withdrawal symptoms of quitting. After experiencing these painful withdrawal symptoms, the thought of intense drug cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can be intimidating for people with opioid addiction. Many may reach for benzodiazepines in hopes of easing the withdrawals, but this combination can have the opposite effect. Learn about the dangers of using benzodiazepines for opioid withdrawal.

Benzodiazepines for Opioid Withdrawal

Can you use Benzodiazepines for Opioid Withdrawal?

Benzodiazepines can be used to manage certain symptoms of opioid withdrawal, but they are not typically considered a primary treatment for opioid withdrawal. Here are some key points about their use:

How Benzodiazepines Help:

  1. Anxiety and Agitation: Benzodiazepines are effective in reducing anxiety and agitation, which are common during opioid withdrawal.
  2. Insomnia: They can help improve sleep and manage insomnia associated with withdrawal.
  3. Muscle Spasms: Benzodiazepines can alleviate muscle spasms and tension.

Limitations and Risks:

  1. Addiction Potential: Benzodiazepines themselves have a high potential for dependence and addiction, so their use must be closely monitored.
  2. Respiratory Depression: When combined with other central nervous system depressants, benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression, which can be dangerous.
  3. Limited Symptom Relief: While they help with specific symptoms, benzodiazepines do not address all aspects of opioid withdrawal, such as gastrointestinal issues or cravings.

Comprehensive Treatment:

  1. Medically Supervised Detox: Benzodiazepines should be used as part of a medically supervised detoxification process to ensure safety and effectiveness.
  2. Other Medications: Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine are often used as primary treatments for managing opioid withdrawal and reducing cravings.
  3. Supportive Therapies: Counseling, behavioral therapies, and support groups are essential components of a comprehensive treatment plan.

While benzodiazepines can be helpful for managing specific symptoms of opioid withdrawal, they should be used cautiously and under medical supervision as part of a broader treatment plan. The primary focus should be on medications and therapies specifically designed for opioid withdrawal and addiction management.

How Bad is the Withdrawal from Opioids?

Opiate withdrawal symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on many variables. How dependent the individual is on an opioid drug, the length of time taking a particular drug, dosage amount, which drug was taken, how the drug was taken, underlying medical conditions, and much more. Here are what opioid symptoms can look like.”

EARLY WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

These usually start within 6-12 hours for short-acting opiates, and they start within 30 hours for longer-acting ones:

  • Tearing up
  • Muscle aches
  • Agitation
  • Trouble falling and staying asleep
  • Excessive yawning
  • Anxiety
  • Nose running
  • Sweats
  • Racing heart
  • Hypertension
  • Fever

Besides the physical dangers, there is also a danger of relapse. Relapse leads to many overdoses because addicts that have abstained from using opioids for an amount of time, tolerance decreases; therefore, when they use again, they have a higher chance of overdosing. With professional detox and treatment, this all can be avoided, where Allure Detox comes in.

Opioid Detox Alone Can Be Dangerous

There is also the danger of those who try to detox on their own to mix other substances to help lessen their withdrawal symptoms. This could be alcohol, marijuana, or prescription pill. Most commonly, people tend to take benzodiazepines or benzo because they think they might be able to sleep it off, but this can be extremely deadly and could lead to an accidental overdose.

Opioids are commonly known as prescribed painkillers such as Vicodin or street drugs such as heroin. Prescription opioids stop the signals that you are in pain from your brain to your body. It is usually prescribed after surgeries or some other pain-related trauma. Opioids can make some people feel relaxed, happy, or “high” and can be addictive. Additional side effects can include slowed breathing, constipation, nausea, confusion, and drowsiness.

Don’t Use Benzos Alone for Opioid Withdrawal.

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers. Familiar names include Valium and Xanax, and they are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system, produce sedation and muscle relaxation, and lower anxiety levels.

Both opioids and benzodiazepines are sedatives, which suppresses not only your breathing but also impair cognitive functions. This combination could lead to an accidental overdose when taken together, therefore using benzos to treat opioid withdrawal is not recommended, especially without medical supervision. At Allure Detox, we can make sure you are well supervised and taken care of every step of the way to make sure you get off opioids safely.

Detox from Opiates Safely at Allure Detox

When it comes to Allure Detox, we provide much more than the bare minimum.  Of course, we help clients stop using safely – that’s just a given.  Almost as important as that, though, is that we offer clients the foundation for a lifetime of relief and recovery.

That’s the Allure Detox promise: that patients leave our care with more than good health at their disposal. Our focus is on minimizing your withdrawal symptoms to a comfortable level while beginning the comprehensive treatment process that will keep you sober.

Published on: 2020-05-29
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Mixing Hydrocodone and Xanax

Prescription drugs are prescribed every day for multiple reasons. Some people are just coming out of surgery or have chronic pain and are prescribed painkillers to function and be comfortable in their daily lives. Some may have mental or emotional trauma such as anxiety, panic attacks, or something else that makes it challenging to deal with the days ahead. Some of the most prescribed medications today are Hydrocodone and Xanax.

These drugs are habit-forming and have a high chance of dependency if taken other than prescribed by your doctor. Individuals who have a substance abuse problem take high doses to feel a euphoric high and sometimes take them together to get an even more intense high which can be deadly because each slows the body’s nervous system.

Hysingla (Hydrocodone Bitartrate) Addiction

TL;DR – Mixing Hydrocodone and Xanax is generally unsafe without medical supervision, as it can significantly increase the risk of severe side effects and overdose.

What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is used to relieve severe pain. Hydrocodone is one of the active ingredients in the painkillers Vicodin, which is given out frequently after major surgery or cancer patients. Hydrocodone is a type of opioid, and it’s in many kinds of prescription medications designed to relieve pain. It is only prescribed when other pain medications are ineffective, and it comes in extended-release capsules or tablets. If abused and taken more than prescribed, hydrocodone can cause side effects such as weakness, confusion, and hallucinations.

What is Xanax?

Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine or benzo. Xanax is usually prescribed for those who have anxiety or panic disorders. It works by telling our brain and nervous system to calm down, hence producing a calming effect. This drug should only be taken as directed because it can cause dependency and become addictive. Besides being dangerous when taking high doses, quitting suddenly after taking it for long periods is also detrimental. The withdrawals from this drug can cause dangerous symptoms, sometimes seizures.

Mixing Hydrocodone and Xanax

In general, it is popular for people who abuse drugs to mix hydrocodone and Xanax to feel effects more significant than either drug can produce if taken alone. When those addicted to hydrocodone no longer get high, they combine the drug with Xanax for a “better” effect.

According to a 2012 review in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence (NCBI), benzodiazepines and opioids are among the most frequently abused psychoactive drug classes in the world. It also states in multiple studies that people who had received opioids and benzodiazepines simultaneously felt higher and more sedated than taking either drug alone.

Combining these two drugs can be deadly because both drugs can slow breathing, and when combined, the drugs can make a person stop breathing. The labels on all opioids and benzodiazepines prescriptions warn patients not to mix the drugs because of the facts found by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the two commonly used together. It states,

To decrease the use of opioids and benzodiazepines, or opioids and other CNS depressants, together, we are adding Boxed Warnings, our strongest warnings, to the drug labeling of prescription opioid pain and prescription opioid cough medicines, and benzodiazepines.

Overdosing on hydrocodone and Xanax is very easy and is a severe health condition, even deadly.

Signs of a hydrocodone and Xanax overdose include:

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Sleepiness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Loss of consciousness

Get the Help You Need

If you or a loved one are ready to quit using hydrocodone or Xanax, it is best not to do it alone. When it comes to Allure Detox, we provide much more than the bare minimum.  Of course, we help clients stop using safely – that’s just a given.  Almost as important as that, though, is that we offer clients the foundation for a lifetime of relief and recovery.

That’s the Allure Detox promise: that patients leave our care with more than good health at their disposal. Our focus is on minimizing your withdrawal symptoms to a comfortable level while beginning the comprehensive treatment process that will keep you sober.

FAQ

  • How long after taking Hydrocodone can you take Xanax?
  • Is it safe to mix Hydrocodone and Xanax?

Published on: 2020-05-15
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Can You Overdose on DXM Cough Syrup?

Yes, you can overdose on DXM cough syrup. In fact, it’s quite easy to do. But how much do you need to take in order to overdose? And what are the signs and symptoms of an overdose? Find out what you need to know about DXM overdoses in this post.

Can You Overdose on DXM Cough Syrup?


TL;DR: Yes, it’s possible to overdose on DXM cough syrup, leading to serious health risks.

DXM is an OTC Cough Syrup That is Abused

These medicines, called over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, are easiest to access by adolescents. Many OTC drugs are intended to decrease colds, coughs, or pain, but if large enough amounts are taken, they can produce a “high” or lead to intoxication. Because the “high” is something desirable, it can become a repeated thing, becoming an addiction. Many OTC drugs abused by kids are cough syrups with dextromethorphan (DXM) in them, and getting high on DXM is very dangerous because it can lead to an overdose.

Dextromethorphan, also called DXM, is the active ingredient in many coughs and cold medicines such as Robitussin, Dimetapp, and Mucinex DM. When you use it as directed on the product, the drug is safe and effective. But when you take it in large amounts, it can cause psychedelic effects similar to ecstasy, Ketamine, or PCP. Taking large amounts of DXM, enough to get you high, is known as robotripping. Robotripping can cause many physical and psychological effects that can become life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention.

DMX Cough Syrup Addiction Effects

The recommended safe dosage for DXM use varies between 15 mg and 30 mg taken within four hours. If taken more, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that there are four levels or plateaus of abuse that occur with DXM. In the most recent release of its analysis of the effects of DXM abuse, the DEA listed DXM as a “drug of concern.” The four plateaus of abuse detailed by the DEA include:

  • The first plateau: The most basic level of abuse occurs when individuals take between 100 mg and 200 mg. The DEA reports that dosages at this level result in feelings of stimulation.
  • The second plateau: The next plateau occurs when individuals take dosages between 200 mg and 400 mg. The most common effects of using the drug in this dosage range are visual hallucinations and euphoria.
  • The third plateau: The third plateau occurs at dosage levels between 300 mg and 600 mg. Individuals taking DXM at this level will experience hallucinations, euphoria, significant perceptual distortions of objects in the visual field, and significantly impaired motor functioning and coordination.
  • The fourth plateau: The effects at this plateau occur in individuals who take more than 600 mg of DXM. The products include extreme sedation, hallucinations, and dissociative effects. Dissociative effects arise in individuals who have experiences where they feel that they are leaving their body or that things around them are not real.

If taking it to get high, people can accidentally or intentionally overdose on DXM when ingesting a large amount of the drug. The risk of dangerous effects may be worse since many cold and cough medicine with DXM contain additional drugs such as acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, and various antihistamines.

The signs of a dextromethorphan overdose can vary from person to person but often include:

  • Bluish-colored fingernails
  • Breathing problems
  • Blurry vision
  • Coma
  • Drowsiness
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Hallucinations
  • Muscle twitching
  • Nausea or vomiting

Get Help for Your Drug Addiction

If you or you suspect a loved one is addicted to dextromethorphan, we at Allure Detox can help. We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida. We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery.

We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever. Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Please contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.

FAQ

  • How much DXM Cough Syrup can be taken before an overdose?

Published on: 2020-05-02
Updated on: 2024-09-23

DXM (Dextromethorphan) Withdrawal Symptoms

Dextromethorphan, or DXM, is the active ingredient in 85% – 90 % of over-the-counter cold medications and cough suppressants. DXM is combined with other cold and cough formulas of decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, and expectorants.

It was approved as an antitussive in 1958 and is still available today as an over-the-counter medication. When used as directed, DXM is recognized by the FDA as safe and effective and can eliminate or ease coughing for 5 to 6 hours. To date, DXM is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

DXM is an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonist and is a derivative of codeine. It is an opioid; however, it does not trigger the opioid receptors in the brain. Because of this, it is considered a safer alternative to codeine with less potential for abuse. Unfortunately, DXM has become one of the more heavily abused drugs, especially with younger generations. It is legal, easy to obtain, and readily available, making the “common cold” medicine a favorite drug of choice for teenagers.

Drug abuse experts estimate that more than 3 million teenagers have used DXM to get high. Because it is seen as “just a cold medicine,” many teens do not perceive its danger; however, studies now show that over half of young people in treatment programs have experimented with DXM at some point.

Can You Overdose on DXM Cough Syrup?

DXM Abuse and Addiction

The National Institute of Drug Abuse began studying the abuse of DXM amongst teens in 2006 and found that online forums fueled the rise of the abuse. The internet has become a source for teens to share their experiences while taking higher doses of the drug, including YouTube videos. There are many slang terms for DXM, including Dex, Triple C, Robo Trippin, Tussin, Roboing, Robodosing, Robocopping. There are websites sharing dosage levels for hallucination and recipes for “DXM cocktails.”

The typical dose of DXM, when taken as directed, is 10 to 20 mg every four to six hours or 30 mg every six to eight hours. The amount when trying to reach the “high” ranges from 250 to 1500 mg. Those abusing the drug can take several bottles in one day. The effects of taking far more than the recommended dose are similar to those caused by ketamine or PCP. High doses of DXM lead to psychoactive effects, eliciting euphoria and dysphoria, visual hallucinations, loss of motor skills, dissociative sedation, nausea, and vomiting. During their robotripping episodes, the user experiences visual and auditory hallucinations, euphoria, and dissociation.

Dangerous DXM Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms

DXM abuse can lead to long-term side effects, potential overdose, and addiction. There is a risk for overdose when purposefully taking higher than recommended dosages of the drug. Symptoms of a DXM overdose include blurry vision, seizures, hallucinations, muscle twitches, irregular heart rate, coma, and even death.

In addition to the dangers of DXM, many users experience life-threatening side effects due to the other ingredients in cough medicine, like acetaminophen. This is extremely dangerous and can cause liver damage, heart attack, stroke, and death. DXM can also be found on the internet being sold as a powder, capsule, and pill form, and these can be ingested orally or snorted.

After prolonged use of DXM, the addict will experience withdrawal when trying to stop. The symptoms of withdrawal from DXM can range from minor to dangerous. Some of the less physically risky symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, stomach pains. These symptoms and cravings can make the addict give up and seek out more of the drug to ease the pain and discomfort of withdrawal.

There are many more severe symptoms of DXM withdrawal. Heatstroke, which very high doses can cause, turn up the internal thermostat.  Organs can shut down from the heat, and the addict is most often unconscious when this occurs.  Addicts can experience hallucinations when coming off of high doses of DXM. These can cause frightening visions that can seem so real that the addict can fight back or hurt themselves to combat these visions.

Dehydration is a frequent withdrawal symptom brought about by vomiting and diarrhea. This can flush out so much fluid from the body, which organs rely on to operate, causing them to shut down. And finally, DXM has a severe impact on lung capacity and slows breathing rates. The brain can be deprived of the necessary oxygen. If breathing stops, the brain and body can shut down, and the addict can fall into a coma.

Get Help With DMX Addiction Treatment

These withdrawal symptoms are confusing because they also appear in those overdosing on DXM.  It is best to be in a medical facility while detoxing from DXM so that professional caregivers can help the addict get through it safely. Allure Detox provides a safe and comfortable environment to address the physical withdrawals and prepare the addict for long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to DXM or similar substances, it is essential to reach out to qualified professionals specializing in addiction treatment. Allure Detox in West Palm Beach is a safe and peaceful environment with professional and caring staff. Reach out to us today for a confidential consultation with an addiction specialist.

FAQ

  • How do you reduce DXM (Dextromethorphan) Withdrawal Symptoms?

Published on: 2020-04-27
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Can You Inject Suboxone?

The majority of addicts that try to get clean and sober rarely do it “cold turkey” with any success. The withdrawal from opioids is so uncomfortable and physically painful, that many people often revert to abusing drugs. This is what keeps an addict in the cycle of addiction, the fear of withdrawal.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Insomnia or drowsiness
  • Indigestion
  • Anxiety, depression, and irritability
  • Cravings
  • Fever or chills
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Difficulty concentrating
Can You Inject Suboxone?

The First Stage in Recovery is Detox

When an addict finally decides to get sober and has the will to get sober, they check or herself into a detox facility. Detox is the first stage in the recovery process for most drug and alcohol addictions, where the body is cleansed of the substances that are polluting it. When withdrawing from opioids, medical detox is necessary.

A medical detox facility is a treatment center staffed with doctors and nurses trained in helping patients cope with the withdrawal symptoms of early drug or alcohol abstinence. Without medical care, these withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, dangerous, and even life-threatening. During withdrawal, medical intervention is often necessary to keep the patient safe and comfortable, and some of the most common interventions include medication and therapy.

Suboxone is Key in Opioid Addiction Recovery

Some of the most used medications to detox from opioids are Suboxone, Sublocade, and Subutex. These are usually given to a user after the opioids have left the body, and suppose used too soon, the user could go into precipitated withdrawals. Probably the most widely used out of the three and the most successful is Suboxone.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH), Suboxone is the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone used to treat opioid dependence (addiction to opioid drugs, including heroin and narcotic painkillers). Buprenorphine is in a class of medications called opioid partial agonist-antagonists, and naloxone is in a class of medications called opioid antagonists. Buprenorphine alone and the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone work to prevent withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking opioid drugs by producing similar effects to these drugs.

Suboxone is more popular due to the ability to get it out of detox treatment facilities. Unlike methadone treatment, which must be performed in a highly structured clinic, buprenorphine is the first medication to treat opioid dependency that can be prescribed or dispensed in physician offices, significantly increasing treatment access. Suboxone can be distributed in many other facilities, including a physician’s office, community hospital, health department, or correctional facility.

Suboxone Abuse and Dependency

Because of this easier availability, it is also easier to abuse. Suboxone is easy to get on the street, and some addicts use it as an in-between to get them through till they can get their next heroin fix.

Even though it is supposed to be part of a drug treatment program to get you off opioids, there has been a rise in users abusing it. According to the DEA, an estimated 21,483 emergency department visits were associated with nonmedical use of buprenorphine in 2011, nearly five times the 4,440 estimated number of buprenorphine ER visits in 2006.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers Annual Report indicates that U.S. poison centers recorded 3,732 case mentions, 2,160 single substance exposure cases, and five deaths involving toxic exposure from buprenorphine in 2016.

Can Suboxone Be Injected?

Suboxone usually comes as a sublingual film or tablet, which you place under your tongue until it dissolves. But since buprenorphine is itself an opioid drug, some addicts will attempt to get high by tampering with Suboxone and abusing it by misusing it. Yes, Suboxone tablets can be crushed, and the resulting powder snorted or dissolved in solution and injected into the bloodstream. However, injection often produces an immediate withdrawal because naloxone cancels out the activity of opioid drugs present in the user’s system, including buprenorphine.

Suboxone is intended to be used only for the treatment of opioid addiction, and it should be taken on a short-term basis under your doctor’s supervision until you are free of all drugs. If you are using Suboxone for any other purpose, you may have become dependent. Treatment can help, and at Allure Detox, our medical detox program is a safe and comfortable process, one that will get you drug-free, sane, and healthy again.

  • Can You Inject Suboxone?

Published on: 2020-04-13
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Can Teachers Go to Drug Rehab Without Getting Fired?

Substance abuse doesn’t discriminate. Everyone, from homeless people to billionaires, can have a problem with drugs. Nobody is immune to mental, emotional, or physical issues that may lead them to use drugs and alcohol as a coping skill. Some may have critical jobs that require huge responsibilities and can’t afford to lose.

Having to enter into a drug detox and/or drug rehabilitation center can be embarrassing. You may feel ashamed and weak and not want anyone to know that you don’t have control of your life. You may be afraid that your friends, coworkers, and family will look at you differently, judge you. It’s hard to ask for help, which is one reason people stay in the cycle of addiction. If it is hard for an everyday Joe, what about the community heroes that serve us every day? The first responders, firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors, our military, and especially our teachers; help us when we are in need, but who do they turn to when they need help?

Can Teachers Go to Drug Rehab Without Getting Fired?

Why is There Addiction Amongst School Teachers?

Teachers can be overlooked and underappreciated as well as underpaid regardless of their hard work. The many stressors of being a teacher can lead them to look for a way to escape reality, which usually leads to substance abuse. It may start as an after-work thing, and as work gets more stressful or monotonous, it can lead to an everyday addiction to the point where it gets impossible to work. So, where do they turn? Will they be fired if they try to get help? These questions can lead to more stress, and you could get fired sooner or later if you don’t get help, but there are a couple of ways the law can protect you from getting fired.

  • Family and Medical Leave Act

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a labor law approved in 1993. It protects if you take a leave for medical reasons and can provide you with up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work annually without the risk of losing your job. There is another worry, though; what about health insurance that you have through your career? This is where the FMLA comes to the rescue. The Family and Medical Leave Act also calls for existing group health benefits through your employer to be maintained during your leave.

Some factors are required to be eligible, though. The FMLA applies to public and private school employees and businesses with 50 or more workers. When employers are considered FMLA eligible under these guidelines, they must provide employees eligible with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave yearly when the employee cannot work due to a severe health condition. A substance use disorder is considered a medical condition.

FMLA Eligibility Requirements:

  • You’ve worked for your employer for at least 12 months.
  • If you have worked for a minimum of 1,250 hours over the past 12 months.
  • You’re employed at a site where the company employs 50 or more workers within 75 miles.

If you meet these criteria, you can’t be fired for going to rehab by simply taking an FMLA leave of absence.

To be sure you are protected under this law, you must request an FMLA leave before entering treatment. If you go to rehab, then ask for leave; FMLA will not apply to you. You must follow the formal FMLA process for requesting a leave of absence; otherwise, you can be fired.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act

Another federal law that prohibits discrimination against employees who have disabilities is The Americans with Disabilities Act. This does not apply if a teacher is currently using drugs while on the job. Your employer can fire you if you are using it on the job and it’s impacting your performance, productivity, or creating unsafe conditions.

This act usually works if you voluntarily enter treatment, maybe using your vacation time, and an employer finds out you are protected under the ADA and cannot be terminated. If using vacation time does not apply, you can speak to our admissions specialists here at Allure Detox, and we can find a solution.

Allure Detox Can Help Find You A Solution

Allure embodies a new way of thinking about substance abuse. Addiction is a perplexing disease. From the outside looking in, it can seem like a terrible form of insanity. Addiction breeds confusion in both the user and their loved ones alike, as the entire family begins to collapse under the weight of its suffering. It’s this confusion that must be eradicated first before the addict can begin to recover. We understand the true nature of addiction, and our detox center can provide the clarity you need.

Published on: 2020-03-29
Updated on: 2024-09-23

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At Allure Detox, client safety and comfort are our top priorities. From the moment you walk through our doors, you can expect a warm welcome from every member of our team. We are committed to providing exceptional drug and alcohol detox services and creating an environment that supports long-term, successful recovery.

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At Allure Detox, we recognize that facing drug and alcohol withdrawal alone can be daunting. We're here to listen, understand your challenges, and provide personalized guidance as you explore professional detox options. Our admissions team is ready to support you, whether you're seeking treatment, need advice, or just want someone to talk to.

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