Monthly Archives: October 2014

The dangers of coming off benzodiazepines “cold turkey”

iStock_000017683030Small BZOBenzodiazepines are classified as mostly anti- anxiety medication. Some of the most common ones are Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan and Valium. Although there are varying reasons for these drugs to be prescribed, the most common reason for a prescription to be written is to treat high levels of anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, and other severe mood disorders. Today in our culture it is said that over 5 million Americans have at one time or another used a benzodiazepine and not just that, they have abused them (aafp.org). There are some who abuse these drugs, and others who take them as prescribed. No matter what form it is or the motives for why you are using these substances, the astonishingly negative effect they have on your body and brain remains the same.

One damaging effect caused by long-term benzo use is something called “tolerance withdrawal”. This is when your body begins to adjust to the dose of medication that you have been taking over a certain amount of time. Eventually, the same amount does not produce the original effect, so it is necessary to take more of the drug to get the originally desired results. A low dose of  .25 milligrams of Xanax after 3 months is no longer helping with the anxiety, so the dosage is usually bumped up to a full .5 milligrams to have some comfort. This dose continues to increase over time and we become more and more dependent on the medication.

Another serious repercussion is “protracted withdrawal”. Protracted means long. There is a physical withdrawal that happens when we go from using the benzodiazepines daily to trying to stop it, and this physical process of withdrawal is dangerous (benzobuddy.org). Over time our bodies develop a dependency to these substances both physically and mentally. Our central nervous system as well as our limbic system, does not know how to produce its own dopamine and serotonin now that it has been dependent on benzodiazepines to do that for us for so long.

This is the reasoning for not being able to just stop taking benzos “cold turkey” even if we really truly desire to. We are physically addicted and sometimes this can happen innocently. Either way, seeking medical help from a professional detox provider is the best way to have long-lasting results and relief from benzodiazepine addiction. People don’t usually know that there are ways to help with the struggles of anxiety and other similar conditions. Professional detox psychiatrists can listen to your struggles and help you overcome them while using non-addictive and non-habit forming substances to accomplish this.

No matter what, attempting to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use without professional help is NOT SAFE. Where there is help, there is hope, and the help is available.

If you or a loved one is in need of a benzodiazepine detox, please do not hesitate to call today.

888-586-7008

What are the benefits of group therapy?

We know and understand that most addicts struggle with social anxiety, so to hear the words “group therapy” you may feel afraid or even completely uninterested. Before you completely give up, let us explain to you some of the amazing benefits of this therapeutic technique as here at New Beginnings Recovery Center, we only want to offer you the best chance at success.

Addiction therapy in a group setting allows you to feel immediately understood and accepted by others who are going through the exact same struggles with substances as you are. No matter what the addiction, dependency or substance as well as what our using looked like, all iStock_000038009376Smallpeople who struggle with substance addiction have one thing in common and those are the feelings associated with the using. Sitting in a group of your peers who are able to tell you that they have been where you are in life and do not judge you for it has an impact that is unprecedented compared to simple one on one therapy.

Next, the benefits continue as you will have an immediate feeling of belonging. You will realize that you are not alone and there are others in your area who are recovering and making progress daily. You will be able to encourage others to continue on the path to sobriety as well as be lifted up when you feel as though you are falling short.

As a result of this, you are able to get out of yourself. Living in active addiction we become so consumed with our using, to not be sick, to work, to be an active parent, to have energy, to function or just not be sick, that everything in life starts to revolve around ourselves. Being in a group setting breaks this trend and helps us form a healthy care, interest and consideration for others.

To continue, we can benefit from the feedback of many versus just one. Although our therapist are highly trained and have even experienced similar struggles in their lives, still we are able to get immediate feedback from others who have recently lived in active addiction and who face the challenges and rewards of early recovery daily.

So, At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we believe the benefits of group therapy are tremendous to the consistent long term success of the clients coming in to our facility. As we know you will have an immediate feeling of belonging, hear amazing feedback from peers as well as others, feel understood and supported and lastly, form friendships that will carry you and be maintained for a life time.

We look forward to allowing you to experience this and are standing by to help you begin the process.

If you or someone you know could benefit from these services feel free to call us day or night at

888-568-7008