Tranquilizer Detox and Withdrawal
Tranquilizers, often referred to as antipsychotic drugs, calm the nervous system and are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Even if patients take tranquilizers according to their prescriptions, they may still become dependent on them. In cases like these, patients may need to enroll in a tranquilizer detox center. Signs of tranquilizer addiction and dependency include:
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Changed sleeping habits
- Slowed reflexes
“Even if patients take tranquilizers according to their prescriptions, they may still become dependent on them.”
Did You Know?
It is unsafe to operate a vehicle or any other type of heavy machinery when you are taking tranquilizers. Make sure the drug is completely out of your system before participating in activities like these.
Signs and Symptoms
If a patient becomes dependent on tranquilizers, he or she should seek medical attention for help to get over the addiction. Tranquilizer detox centers can help patients deal with withdrawal symptoms. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tranquilizer withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Heart palpitations
- Bodily aches and pains
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to noise, light, and touch
- Tension
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Confusion
These symptoms can last for several months of even years if they are not addressed and treated properly. Tranquilizer withdrawal treatment facilities have doctors and nurses on staff at all times to assist patients and administer emergency care, if needed. They gradually reduce the dose of tranquilizers a patient takes until he or she is no longer taking any tranquilizers. This gradual detoxification reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms. If the patient still experiences withdrawal symptoms, doctors may administer additional medication to keep the patient comfortable during recovery.
Did You Know?
Tranquilizers may be administered orally or by injection. They come in minor and major forms and can be used to treat mental disorders ranging from common anxiety to hallucinations and paranoia.
What Happens in Detox
Upon entering a tranquilizer detox center, patients undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine the cause of their tranquilizer dependence. If a patient started taking tranquilizers because of a physical or psychological condition, counselors and doctors help the patient come up with an alternative treatment plan for that condition. This treatment plan may include medications other than tranquilizers, physical therapy and counseling. Counselors may also help patients in tranquilizer detox programs cope with mental and emotional withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, via pharmacological and alternative means.
Patients in tranquilizer detox centers may participate in individual counseling and group sessions. Group counseling helps patients connect with each other so they have a support system of friends to help them through to recovery. Patients may also participate in relaxation techniques, such as yoga, massage therapy, meditation, and deep breathing. These relaxation activities may be done in groups or individually.
After Tranquilizer Detox
After leaving the detox facility, patients may still require continued care. If this is the case, they may have regular visits with their doctors to make sure they are physically and mentally recovering from addiction. They may also meet regularly with counselors to continue to work through the psychological reasons for their dependence on tranquilizers. For additional support, patients recovering from tranquilizer dependence can attend addiction recovery meetings. In these meetings, they will meet others with the same addictive tendencies and form bonds of friendship and support.