Benzo Addiction Symptoms
What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines are sedative prescription drugs that act on the central nervous system. They treat various mental health disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, sleep disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and seizures. They are even used in addiction treatments, particularly in alcohol addiction. Some common brand names include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. Although they’re very effective for treating mental health disorders, they are also highly addictive.
Why Benzos Are So Addictive?
Benzo abuse has led to many users developing a benzodiazepine addiction. However, even those who have used it as prescribed have developed a physical dependence, which causes benzo withdrawal when they attempt to stop using. What makes them so addictive is that the body and brain quickly build up a tolerance, requiring higher doses to get the same effect. Benzodiazepine overdoses are a concern when someone has built up a tolerance. Chemical dependency on benzodiazepines causes the body to rely on the drug to relax, so when the body does not have access to it, it starts to have withdrawal symptoms such as extreme anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and even seizures. Benzo abuse also involves mixing benzodiazepines with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, to increase the effects of both drugs. When you mix benzodiazepines with other central nervous system depressants, it runs the risk of benzodiazepine overdose.
Physical Benzos Addiction Symptoms
Benzodiazepine abuse and addiction can lead to several addiction symptoms, which usually revolve around dizziness, sleepiness, and drowsiness since they are central nervous system depressants. Those struggling with benzodiazepine addictions may exhibit some or all of the following physical dependence signs symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Muscle weakness
- Fainting
- Light-headedness
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
- Anorexia
- Slurred Speech
Psychological Side Effects of Benzos
Abuse and addiction effects of benzodiazepines can also have psychological and behavioral outcomes. Some of these benzo addiction symptoms can also appear as side effects of the medication. The prescribing physician should be consulted for medical emergency help if you suspect benzodiazepine overdoses. Psychological and behavioral signs symptoms of benzodiazepines abuse include:
- Short temper or impatience
- Poor judgment and poor memory
- Lack of initiative
- Decrease in job or school performance
- Social isolation
- A resurgence of anxiety and insomnia symptoms
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Getting prescriptions under false pretenses
- Stealing prescription benzos from loved ones and acquaintances
- Buying benzos online or on the street
- Going to multiple doctors and pharmacies for various prescriptions
- Crushing benzo pills to snort or inject for a more potent rush
- They have let go of hygiene or grooming
Treatment for Benzo Addiction
Benzo addiction treatment is unique to each individual and their addiction. The first step in benzo addiction is drug and alcohol detox. Because benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal, medical detox is recommended under the supervision of a physician and with medication-assisted treatment. Drug and alcohol detox only takes care of the physical dependence part; behavioral health treatment is needed to treat the psychological aspects of addiction. Dual diagnosis treatment is recommended if there is a preexisting co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder, which will still be there after they stop taking the medication if they do not get behavioral therapy. Recovery of benzo abuse can be successful through the right types of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, at a treatment center. Addiction treatment programs can also include family therapy, group therapy, 12-step programming, and holistic treatments such as yoga, nutrition, and physical fitness to help clients with long-term sobriety and relapse prevention.
Learn the top signs of needing inpatient rehab here:
At Novo Detox, our inpatient rehab and drug and alcohol detox can help you stop abusing benzodiazepines. We have helped many safely and comfortably detox from substance abuse through medication-assisted treatment while getting the proper behavioral health therapy to treat the root of the addiction. If you or a loved one is abusing benzodiazepines, the time to get help is now. Please give us a call at (844) 834-1777 today. We are always ready to help you get on the road to addiction recovery.
