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Silver Pines and Steps to Recovery have provided addiction recovery programs in Pennsylvania for over a decade with detox, residential, outpatient, and sober living services. Last year, we expanded our services to include robust mental health services, new locations, and specialized services for our nation’s veterans with more to come this year! We are visually recognizing our growth with a unified look that better reflects who we are today and the passion we have for helping everyone with their addiction and mental health recovery journeys.

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Benzos Vs Opiates

Benzos Vs Opiates

When taking different medications from the doctor, you may wonder how they differ or are similar. This is especially true when you take medicine for things like pain or mental health issues. Two drugs that you might be prescribed are Xanax and a painkiller. These would be classified as a benzo and an opiate. So, what are the differences between benzos vs opiates? Most people have heard a lot about opiates, but benzos are not talked about as much. Let’s take a look at these two classifications.

What are Opiates?

Opiates are a naturally occurring opioid drug that originates from the poppy plant. These types of drugs are not synthetic, meaning they haven’t been created in a lab (synthetic) or mixed with one (semi-synthetic). Examples of opiates include morphine, codeine, and heroin. These drugs bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and make you feel euphoric and calm. Usually, the feeling lasts for several hours. People become tolerant to these drugs in time, thereby needing a higher dose. Consequently, this leads to dependence then addiction. When that happens, you need the assistance of an opiate addiction treatment center in Mahanoy City PA. 

woman explaining benzos vs opiates

What are Benzos?

Benzos are a depressant that serves to calm the nerves. Doctors prescribe benzos to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Some examples of benzos are Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. Benzos work to promote a calm feeling by enhancing how the GABA in the brain works. The GABA is neurotransmitters that naturally help produce calmness. So, benzos simply give it a boost to activate it.

Benzos vs Opiates

The differences between benzos and opiates are as follows:
  • Opiates are painkillers while benzos is an anti-anxiety medication.
  • The opiates bind to the opioid receptors in the brain while benzos work on the GABA in the brain
  • Opiates are a Schedule II classified drug while benzos are a Schedule IV classified drug
Some similarities between the two drugs include:
  • Both drugs are addictive
  • They have withdrawal effects if stopped abruptly
  • Both drugs are depressants
  • They cause a feeling of well being in the user
  • Both drugs can lead to tolerance

Recovery at Silver Pines

At Silver Pines Treatment Center, our warm and loving atmosphere and staff are equipped to guide you on your journey to heal from opioid addiction . By using evidence-based techniques, we get to the root of the problem and see solutions. We offer a home-like setting with a 60-bed treatment facility. Our robust program regimen keeps you active so you don’t think about the drugs as much. Whether you’re struggling with benzos or opiates, we are equipped to deal with your needs. We offer a broad range of therapy options to complement your healing journey. Some of these therapies include: 

Don’t let addiction control your life. Now that you know the difference between benzos vs opiates, you can reach out to a high-quality treatment facility for help. Contact us at 267.209.7313, and we’ll get you on the road to a better life.

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