Benzos are prescribed to people across the country every day. Benzos can provide temporary relief if someone struggles with insomnia, occasional anxiety, or seizure disorders. While benzos treat many symptoms and conditions, long-term use can lead to addiction. Unfortunately, benzo addiction is increasingly common across the United States and here in Nebraska. At Northpoint Nebraska, our substance abuse treatment program is here to help people recover from benzos in our beautiful Omaha clinic. 
If you or someone you love is struggling with benzos, call Northpoint Nebraska now. Learn more about our benzo addiction treatment and other programs today. Reach our staff at 888.351.3834 to find the right substance abuse treatment for you and your loved ones.
What Are Benzos?
Benzos, also called benzodiazepines, are a common prescription drug. They work by calming the nervous system. When benzos enter the bloodstream, they release dopamine and GABA. Dopamine, the “pleasure chemical,” promotes calm and provides feelings of joy and euphoria. GABA promotes calm and helps people sleep. The brain naturally produces both chemicals; however, benzos provide immediately heightened levels of both. This combination makes benzo effective for temporary insomnia, anxiety, and treatment of seizures. The high levels of dopamine release also make benzos highly addictive. Common benzos include:
- Klonopin
- Ativan
- Xanax
- Valium
- Librium
These are only a few name-brand benzos on the market today. While doctors prescribe benzos for varying symptoms, their effects and addiction rate are the same.
Side Effects of Long-Term Benzo Use
Most often, benzos are prescribed for a few weeks at a time. However, benzos can change a person’s brain and perception of the world when taken long-term. These side effects can be long-term and scary for both benzo users and their loved ones. Side effects of long-term use include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Trouble understanding language
- Trouble following conversations
- Memory loss
- Trouble understanding objects
These symptoms can persist or worsen when someone stops taking benzos. At the same time, when a person goes through benzo withdrawal, their initial symptoms like anxiety and insomnia can return and worsen. Because of this, it’s always safest to detox from benzos in a clinical setting.
Evidence-Based Benzo Addiction Treatment in Nebraska
While benzos are common, they can be dangerous. Benzos can be even more dangerous for those living with co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety. If you or someone you love is struggling to stop using benzos, don’t quit cold turkey. Benzo withdrawal can be dangerous. The team at Northpoint Nebraska is here to help.
At Northpoint Nebraska, we use evidence-based treatments for long-term success. Our clients use cognitive-behavioral therapy to understand benzo use and addiction. Over time, CBT helps clients address addiction triggers, build strong boundaries, and change daily habits. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the leading evidence-based therapy for addiction recovery because it works.
Today, it’s increasingly common for patients in addiction treatment to have co-occurring disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression. Unfortunately, many mood disorders go undiagnosed or untreated. This can significantly impact addiction and addictive behavior. Our therapists diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders for holistic treatment that really works.
Begin Benzo Addiction Treatment At Northpoint Nebraska Today
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with benzos, Northpoint Nebraska can help. Our flexible programs provide comprehensive treatment for benzos and co-occurring disorders. Today, at least half of people living with addiction also have co-occurring disorders. At Northpoint Nebraska, our team is equipped for dual diagnosis and treatment for long-term recovery.
With multiple outpatient programs to choose from, Northpoint Nebraska has an addiction treatment program for you and your loved ones. Call us now for more information about our Omaha clinic at 888.351.3834.