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Benzodiazepines are highly regulated prescription drugs that function as depressants in the central nervous system. They were discovered in 1954 by an Austrian researcher called Leo Sternbach, and doctors have been utilizing them since the 1960s to treat a range of diseases. Interestingly, over fifty distinct benzos are currently available worldwide.
Because they reduce nervous system activity and responsiveness, benzodiazepines are useful for treating various symptoms and illnesses. The effects can also be pleasurable for many patients, causing ‘highs’ or long, uninterrupted sleep. And this is often one of the common reasons many people abuse and get addicted to the drug.
The activity of Benzodiazepines can be better described as a catalyst. It simply triggers the production of GABA in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter, and neurotransmitters are chemical signals that may attach to particular receptors on cells. Neurotransmitters, like car keys, only function when put into their appropriate receptors. When the conditions are right, a neurotransmitter may start a cellular process.
So following the release of GABA in the brain, the activities of the nervous system will be greatly reduced, thanks to the numbing effects of the neurotransmitter. This nervous system sedation has several effects, including sleep inducement, forgetfulness, zero anxiety, calmness, and more.
Benzodiazepines operate by enhancing GABA binding to central nervous system receptors. Consequently, the user’s overstimulated central nervous system calms down, and they feel more at peace. This neuroadaptive mechanism may become tolerant with repeated use, which can take two forms: either a larger dosage of benzodiazepines is necessary to produce the same effect or the impact is dramatically diminished even if the same quantity of benzos is taken.
Tolerance to the medication is one cause that may develop into physiological dependency or addiction to benzodiazepines. Such dependence or addiction occurs when a person’s body reacts to a substance to the point where the drug is necessary for proper functioning.
In addition to the risk of addiction, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms arise when a person abruptly quits taking the drug. Delirium, hallucinations, and psychosis are also possible adverse effects of the drug.
If your body is chemically dependent, it will not operate correctly until that substance is introduced. Similarly, if you suddenly stop taking benzodiazepines or dramatically reduce your dose, you may develop a series of symptoms and signs known as the benzo withdrawal syndrome. This refers to symptoms and signs following the sudden cessation of benzodiazepine use. This happens after drug dependency has developed. Depending on how long you have used the drug, this problem may occur in different stages. The early, acute, and prolonged stages of benzodiazepine withdrawal all have different symptoms.
Weaning off benzos or taking other medications as prescribed may alleviate benzo withdrawal symptoms in the early stages. This can lessen the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms and become easier to manage. The second stage of benzo withdrawal is known as the “acute stage,” It may last anywhere from five days to two weeks. Most individuals suffer withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, insomnia, anxiety, and sweating during this time.
And lastly, the protracted withdrawal stage might result in depression, cravings, and mental fogginess. Withdrawal symptoms might last weeks or months. It may take longer for people who have been using Benzo for a prolonged period to get over the withdrawal symptoms since their bodies will most likely require more time to get used to functioning without the drug.
Benzo refers to the flu-like symptoms that occur during Benzo withdrawal. These signs and symptoms are the brain’s response to the withdrawal of the drug’s influence.
Each person will have unique benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Several variables, including the average Benzo dose consumption and the duration of Benzo use, may influence the severity and length of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of benzo flu include the following:
There is no way to determine whether or not Benzo flu will occur after you stop taking Benzos abruptly. However, taking proactive actions to prevent the unpleasant consequences of withdrawal might reduce the length and severity of benzo withdrawal symptoms.
There are various ways to ease the symptoms of Benzo flu, just as there are for other varieties of flu. Take your flu medications, drink lots of water, stay away from coffee, ensure you sleep for at least eight hours at night, eat only meals rich in essential nutrients, and avoid alcohol consumption. Doing so will help you recover faster from the flu. You should also adhere to the drug prescriptions of your medical practitioner, as these drugs would help you heal faster. Even if the medicines cannot stop the Benzo flu, they may be able to mitigate its effects.
Based on these symptoms and the patient’s previous usage of benzodiazepines to treat other medical illnesses, a medical specialist may diagnose Benzo Flu in a patient. After the diagnosis is carried out, the patient can choose from two treatment options: pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological.
Medication is used in pharmacological therapies to decrease withdrawal symptoms and help in benzodiazepine tapering. Treatment methods that do not rely on medications include:
This is a method of safely withdrawing from benzodiazepines while under medical supervision. It involves gradually reducing the medication dosage to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
These can also be effective in treating Benzo Flu. These therapies help individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors contributing to their addiction. This therapy can also teach coping skills to manage stress and prevent relapse.
This is essential in treating Benzo Flu. This plan should include ongoing medical care, therapy, and support groups. Addicts and those in withdrawal may benefit from visiting a support group due to the emotional and customized help they provide.
While it may not be easy to quit addiction and go through the drug withdrawal stages, you can be provided with the right support to make the process easier.
We understand the hazards and difficulties of benzo withdrawal and are here to help you get through it. Our primary objective is to provide you with compassionate, tailored treatment from our team of highly qualified medical specialists and ensure your physical and emotional wellness during and after withdrawal.
Contact us today to get further details on how you can start your treatment and rehabilitation process. Call us at (844) 964-2770
I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.
I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.
Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.
As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.
On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.
Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.
Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.
Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.
Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.
Patrick is amental health and addiction professional that has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction. He ahs been working in the field of addiction recovery for 19+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His Career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center i Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25 year old Patients. he also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Replase and Recovery Program”.
Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator and counselor with a pssion for reocery that has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.
Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
