You may be dependent on
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to treat conditions such as seizures, anxiety disorders, acute panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Similar to opioids and alcohol, they are depressants that change the brain’s chemistry. Because Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are intended for short-term use, the effects someone feels from taking the drug will lessen over a longer period of time. As a result, people often take more than prescribed to feel the effects they initially experienced when taking the drug – behavior that can lead to addiction. People also take benzos with other drugs to experience a more intense high, or to come down from the effects of drugs such as methamphetamine. Combining benzos with any other drug is dangerous and can ultimately lead to overdose and even death.
Causes and Risk Factors
Benzodiazepines affect the body by causing calming or euphoria; vivid or disturbing dreams; amnesia, hostility and irritability; and overdose.
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Confusion
- Trembling
- Headache
- Depression
- Changes in vision
- Worsening breathing problems
- Birth defects if taken during pregnancy
You can experience serious withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly. Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, seizures and sometimes death.
How We Help
A safe, clean detox is the second step to loosen the grip of drugs and alcohol. The first step comes from you: ask for help. The CHCS Residential Detoxification Unit (detox) offers a safe place to end addiction, whatever the substance. Our detox staff helps residents complete a safe withdrawal from alcohol and drug abuse, encourages continual substance use treatment, and motivates and empowers you to develop a healthy recovery lifestyle.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis including suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call the 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline at 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233). Please call 9-1-1 if harm to self or others is imminent, or if possible overdose is occurring.
Programs
Restoration and Transformational Services for Adults
The CHCS Restoration and Transformational Services helps people break the cycle of addiction and regain sobriety through safe, meaningful programs that reduce harms associated with substance use, promote total recovery for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and provide better care coordination for the most acute people in Bexar County.
Residential Detoxification/Detox
