Benzo Addiction Symptoms. Are Benzos Addictive? Are Benzodiazepines Addictive When Prescribed? Benzodiazepine Addiction Effects & Benzos Addiction Treatment.

Signs of Benzo Addiction and Dependence

Benzodiazepines, known as benzos, were discovered in the early 1960s and are still a mainstay in treating anxiety disorders. It is also used for those struggling with insomnia, anxiety, spasticity due to central nervous system (CNS) pathology, muscle relaxation, and epilepsy. While not typically an indicated use, benzodiazepines for depression have become more common. They effectively treat these conditions therapeutically, but many people abuse them for their calming and euphoric effects.

Chronic abuse of benzos for anxiety and depression often leads to benzo addiction. This is one of the most dangerous drugs to withdraw from; dependence can develop in as little as a month of use, making medically professional benzo detox treatment essential. One of the most significant risks of benzodiazepines and the reason to get into a benzo addiction treatment program is the high risk of overdose. If you take too much of these psychoactive drugs, you risk experiencing benzodiazepine cardiac side effects, which include slowing your heart rate to damaging or fatal levels.

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Are All Benzos Addictive?

Yes, the majority of benzodiazepines have the potential to be addictive due to their impact on the brain’s GABA receptors, which regulate relaxation and anxiety. While some benzodiazepines have a higher risk of addiction than others, they all carry the potential for dependence and should be used under careful medical supervision.

List of Common Benzos

Benzodiazepine detox treatment is a process used to treat the addiction to benzos, but there are many different benzodiazepines on the market. Also, doctors may prescribe one over the other for various reasons. Their patients may have seen more success for one over the other. Here is a list of the different types of benzodiazepines.

Benzo Addiction Diagnosis

Diagnosing benzo addiction typically involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a healthcare professional. This assessment may encompass a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and mental health evaluation.

Critical indicators of benzo addiction might include escalating tolerance, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit usage, spending significant time obtaining or recovering from the effects of benzodiazepines, neglecting essential obligations, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides criteria that can guide clinicians in accurately diagnosing benzodiazepine use disorder.

Benzodiazepine Overdose Symptoms

The most significant risk of using benzodiazepines is potentially overdosing. With a propensity for developing a tolerance, the longer someone takes benzodiazepines, the greater dosage they will likely need to take to achieve the desired effect and the greater the risk of overdosing. As a sedative, benzos cause breathing to slow. In turn, less oxygen is passed through the lungs to the brain and the rest of the body. When a dose too great is taken, breathing slows to the point of being potentially fatal.

Signs of a Benzo Overdose

How do you know someone is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose? The most telling sign of benzo overdose is excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. The person may be difficult to rouse, have trouble standing up or fall repeatedly. Look for signs of confusion and speech that is slurred.

Other common signs of a benzo overdose include:

• Breathing that is slow or shallow.
• Low blood pressure.
• Pupils that are dilated.
• Bluish lips.
• Slowed or absent muscle reflexes.
• Pulse that is rapid or weak.
• Skin that feels clammy.
• Coma.

Benzodiazepine Overdose Treatment

Treating a benzodiazepine overdose is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. If someone is suspected of overdosing on benzodiazepines, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately. Medical professionals will closely monitor the individual’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. They may administer oxygen and provide intravenous fluids to stabilize the person’s condition.

In severe cases of compromised breathing, assisted ventilation or intubation might be necessary to ensure the person receives adequate oxygen. If the overdose has led to complications such as seizures, arrhythmias, or other medical issues, those will be treated accordingly. Remember that a benzodiazepine overdose can be life-threatening, and seeking immediate medical help is crucial.

How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted To Benzos?

The timeframe for developing a dependence on benzodiazepines can vary widely among individuals. Some individuals might start to experience tolerance (needing higher doses for the same effect) within a few weeks of regular use, potentially leading to psychological dependence.

Physical dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug, can develop within weeks to a few months of consistent use. However, the risk and speed of developing addiction are influenced by dosage, frequency of use, genetics, and underlying mental health conditions.

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Learn More:

• Benzo Detox Timeline, Withdrawal Symptoms, Care & Treatment
• The Dangers of Combining Benzos and Alcohol
• How Does Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Kill You?
• What is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Psychosis?
• Benzodiazepines Cardiac Side Effects
• Risks of Benzodiazepines, Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Abuse
• Benzos and Depression. Can One Cause The Other?
• Benzos for Anxiety and Depression
• Ativan Vs Valium. What’s the Difference?
• Is Xanax Addictive? Signs, Effects & Treatment

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Featured We Level Up Benzo Addiction Treatment Centers

Overcoming benzo addiction can be challenging and lonely. Many people struggle to quit independently and often relapse to alleviate their symptoms or satisfy their cravings.

However, with We Level Up’s therapy and a robust support system, you can experience a more manageable withdrawal and successful recovery. If you require assistance with rehab, don’t hesitate to contact a treatment advocate 24/7.

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Signs of Benzo Addiction

Benzo drug addiction is a disease of the mind identified by psychological and physical dependence components. Drug addiction results in drug-seeking behaviors and continued use despite adverse outcomes.

Benzo Addiction Drug Facts

Can You Get Addicted To Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. They’re also used to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and to sedate patients before surgery. When used as a doctor prescribes, the drugs are safe and effective. However, using benzodiazepines for other purposes can cause benzo addiction and severe health problems.

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medicines. In 2019, an estimated 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were dispensed from the US outpatient retail and mail-order pharmacies, with alprazolam (38%) being the most common, followed by clonazepam (24%) and lorazepam (20%). Individuals abusing benzo drugs obtain them by getting prescriptions from several doctors, forging prescriptions, or buying diverted pharmaceutical products on the illicit market.

Benzo addiction is a disease that makes people compulsively use benzos even though the drugs harm their health and well-being. Quitting benzos suddenly can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Rehab helps people safely stop taking these drugs. Benzodiazepine dependence can differ from benzo addiction because addiction develops only in some people. When a person takes benzodiazepines for multiple days or weeks, the brain adapts to the presence of the drugs. As a result, it begins to depend on the drugs to function. Benzo dependence is the state of relying on benzo to feel normal.

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Risks of Benzodiazepines 

When prescribed, benzodiazepines usually address associated medical conditions with little risk. The most common side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness and feeling hungover. They may also cause confusion, poor concentration, dizziness, slurred speech, and low blood pressure. People under the influence of benzos have an increased risk of being involved in accidents. Someone who doesn’t know how to react to prescription drugs should avoid driving a car or operating machinery.

Elderly individuals sometimes experience breathing difficulties while on benzos and may be at a higher risk of falling. Benzos can also cause congenital disabilities when taken by pregnant women. Benzodiazepine overdoses are rarely fatal unless combined with another substance of abuse. It’s risky to combine benzodiazepines with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants. The drugs can make a person pass out and stop breathing because depressants slow respiration. The drugs are also used in some sexual assaults. Moreover, slipping a benzodiazepine into a person’s drink can render them unconscious.

Benzodiazepine Abuse Causes

Although some people may have a genetic tendency to become addicted to drugs, there is no single cause for benzo’s addiction. Some biological risk factors for benzodiazepine abuse include the female gender and the elderly age group.

A noteworthy statistic about benzodiazepine abuse is that women are more likely than men to be prescribed and, therefore, exposed to a benzodiazepine compared to men. Being of the elderly age group is also a risk factor for abusing benzodiazepines since doctors may inappropriately prescribe benzodiazepines for elderly individuals with depressive symptoms.

There is little doubt that environmental factors also play a significant role. Some common ecological influences for benzodiazepine abuse are low socioeconomic status, unemployment, and peer pressure.

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Why are Benzodiazepines Addictive?

Like other addictive drugs, benzodiazepines cause a dopamine release. Dopamine is a chemical that contributes to how we feel happiness. Over time, these drugs change the way the brain releases dopamine. This affects the way the person feels pleasure from all activities. As a result, people addicted to benzodiazepines can sometimes feel happy unless they take high doses of the drugs.

Addiction also affects the motivation system in the brain. The brain associates the substances with happiness and causes cravings that motivate the person to take the drugs. Withdrawal is another component of benzo addiction. People who try to quit the pills alone can rarely make it through withdrawal. Instead, the symptoms are typically so uncomfortable that people return to the drugs for relief.

Benzos can also be addictive because they temporarily relieve specific mental health issues. For example, some people self-medicate with benzos to ease anxiety or sleep problems. The drugs can temporarily treat these ailments, but long-term use can make people believe they must have the substances to feel less anxious or sleep.

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Symptoms of Benzo Addiction

Recognizing the signs of someone struggling with benzo addiction can be confusing. However, there are a variety of symptoms that can reveal that someone is misusing benzos. It’s essential to take notice of the signs before the symptoms become deadly.

Physical Symptoms

Some physical symptoms that can happen during a benzo addiction, withdrawal, and intoxication include the following:

• Nausea/vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Tremors.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Slurred speech.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Blurred vision.
• Slower reflexes.
• Impaired coordination.
• Lightheadedness.
• Seizures.
• Pale, cold skin.
• Respiratory depression.
• Fainting.

Psychological Symptoms

• Irritability.
• Mood swings.
• Amnesia.
• Depression.
• Cognitive dysfunction.
• Suicidal thoughts.

Addiction can lead to a diminished quality of life, as individuals prioritize obtaining and using the substance over personal goals and well-being. It’s essential to take benzodiazepines cautiously and only use them as directed by a medical professional to minimize the risks associated with their misuse and addiction.

Benzos for Anxiety and Depression

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Benzo Abuse Statistics

Benzodiazepine misuse is often more prevalent among adults aged 18-25. Young adults may be at a higher risk for reasons like recreational use and self-medication for stress and anxiety.

Tips for Preventing Benzo Addiction

Preventing benzodiazepine addiction involves responsible use, informed decisions, and seeking help when necessary. Here are some tips:

• Follow Medical Guidance: Only take benzodiazepines as prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you’re prescribed benzodiazepines, discuss your treatment plan, dosage, and potential risks with your doctor.
• Limit Usage Duration: Benzodiazepines are typically meant for short-term use due to their potential for tolerance and dependence. Avoid using them for extended periods unless explicitly directed by your doctor.
• Avoid Recreational Use: Do not use benzodiazepines for recreational purposes or without a legitimate medical need. Misusing these drugs can quickly lead to addiction.
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and discuss any concerns or changes in your condition.
• Non-Drug Alternatives: Explore non-drug approaches for managing stress, anxiety, and insomnia, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments.

Risks of Combining Benzos and Alcohol

Mixing benzodiazepine with alcohol is very dangerous. People who drink alcohol while taking this drug will feel the effects of alcohol faster. It’s unsafe to drink alcohol or take other medicines that have similar effects on the central nervous system (CNS) simultaneously because these drugs or substances interact with oral benzodiazepines by causing additional depression of the brain and respiratory depression. Respiratory depression can lead to inadequate breathing for supplying oxygen to the body. This can cause death.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

You can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms by slowly tapering off the drugs. After a person decreases their dose for a few days, their tolerance drops, becoming less dependent on the substance. The common symptoms of benzo withdrawal are:

• Sweating.
• Panic attacks.
• Tremors.
• Insomnia.
• Seizure.

People who are addicted to benzodiazepines are unable to wean off the drugs on their own slowly. The disease disrupts their judgment, self-control, and motivation. But addiction professionals can help people with severe benzo addiction safely taper.

Benzo Detox Timeline

Benzo Detox and Withdrawal Timeline

Benzo addiction treatment usually starts with a gradual detoxification process. If a person has been taking high levels of benzos for longer than eight weeks, slowly weaning them off the drugs to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms is critical. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including the following:

• Anxiety and panic attacks.
• Depression.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Muscle twitching and tremors.
• Hypersensitivity.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.

Inpatient Benzo Addiction Detox

The safest and most comfortable way to detox from benzos is with medical supervision. Inpatient detox is usually warranted when a person takes large doses of benzodiazepines for a long time. During inpatient detox, you’ll be closely monitored and may receive medications to help alleviate symptoms.

Benzo Addiction Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

Post-acute benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms are typically more challenging to identify because of several compounding factors:

• Rebound symptoms: The reappearance of acute withdrawal signs such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Rather than peaking and reducing intensity over time, acute benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms come and go inconsistently, making it difficult to tell when the acute phase is over.
• Symptom reemergence: The return of the original symptoms of anxiety, physical tension, and poor sleep that someone had before using a benzodiazepine. Symptom reemergence will feel uncomfortable, but it is unrelated to withdrawal or benzo post-acute withdrawal.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Recovery Program

Patients taking benzodiazepines should talk to their doctors about a discontinuation plan before taking and quitting the drug. Quitting benzos abruptly can cause fatal side effects. Medical professionals can help patients slowly taper off prescription drugs to avoid severe side effects.

Individuals who are dependent or addicted to benzodiazepines should seek medically supervised detox. Clients in rehab for benzo addiction slowly taper off the drugs while receiving 24/7 monitoring.

Detox from benzos can last weeks or multiple months, depending on the severity of the addiction and the type of benzodiazepine the person has been on. Some benzodiazepines stay in your system longer than others.

Rehabilitation centers are the best resources for people trying to overcome benzo addiction. Rehabs provide safe environments for recovery, teach clients to live without drugs, and provide treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders or other types of addiction.

Do you have questions about benzo addiction or treatment in general? Call our helpline 24/7.

Benzodiazepine Rehab

Once physically stable, you can transition to the next phase of treatment. While everyone’s treatment plan is unique to their needs, most people attend a combination of group and individual therapy and counseling. During rehab, you’ll learn more about the roots of addiction and develop tools to help you cope with cravings and avoid relapse.

Rehab is available on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, depending on the severity of your addiction. The length of treatment may also vary, depending on your situation, but successful treatment typically requires weeks or months.

Inpatient treatment is often the most effective because it allows people to focus 100 percent on their recovery without disrupting their routine.

The Importance of Aftercare for Benzodiazepines Addiction Treatment

While relapse from drug addiction is common, participating in aftercare programs increases your chances of staying sober after you’re done with structured treatment. Aftercare programs reinforce healthy lifestyle choices and stress coping mechanisms. They can also help you recognize relapse triggers and minimize the damage if you relish.

Some people choose to enter sober living after they graduate from rehab. In these drug-free group living environments, they can gently ease back into the demands of regular life. Others may choose individual counseling. Many people in recovery also attend 12-step group meetings for continued support and encouragement. Meetings are usually free and readily available — and studies have demonstrated one-year abstinence rates of 80 to 90 percent when individuals attend self-help group meetings or other types of weekly continuing care after finishing formal treatment.

Finding Treatment for Benzo Addiction

There is a strong link between mental health and substance abuse. Individuals who struggle with mood disorders like depression and anxiety are more susceptible to developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol, often to self-medicate symptoms of their underlying mental health condition. These co-occurring disorders can make each other worse without proper benzo addiction treatment.

To determine the most effective ways to treat benzos addiction, such as Ativan addiction, Xanax addiction, alcohol, and anxiety meds addiction, it’s crucial to assess all the symptoms accurately. 

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient benzo detox treatment helps prevent relapse.

Overcoming Benzo Addiction. Find the Support You Need.

Withdrawal from benzo is often a challenging process to go through alone. Many people experience relapses during withdrawal in an attempt to alleviate symptoms and satisfy cravings. However, you can manage withdrawal symptoms and successfully recover with detox and rehab therapy and a robust support system at the We Level Up treatment centers. If you require assistance with your rehab journey, contact a We Level Up treatment professional now. Your call is free and confidential.

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Top 5 Addiction To Benzos FAQs

Prescription Drug Abuse, Prescription Medication Addiction Recovery & Sobriety Story Video.

Prescription drug addiction involving benzodiazepines is a serious concern that can emerge over time. When individuals take benzodiazepines for an extended period, their bodies can become accustomed to the calming effects of these medications, leading to the development of tolerance. As tolerance builds, individuals might need higher doses to achieve the same results, inadvertently setting the stage for addiction. This increasing dosage and dependence cycle can create a challenging situation where discontinuing the drug becomes difficult due to withdrawal symptoms, reinforcing the addictive behavior.

If you or a loved one is struggling with benzo addiction or other substance use disorder(s), call for a FREE consultation 24/7 at (561) 678-0917