Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium are four of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, a type of drug classified as a depressant because of the sedative effects they have on the central nervous system. Benzos, as they are commonly called, are highly effective in treating conditions including insomnia, anxiety, and panic disorders. However, their addictive nature also means they’re commonly misused.
Benzo addiction treatment at The Right Step Hill Country offers those struggling with benzo dependence or addiction a safe and effective way to break the cycle. In addition to medical detox, our benzo addiction treatment program provides the tools for clients like you to address the issues that led to benzo abuse. With staff on hand around the clock, we are here for you whenever you are ready to take the leap and get the help you deserve.
Common Signs of Benzo Abuse
Because of the dangers associated with their use, benzos are intended for short-term use to address acute symptoms. Prolonged benzo abuse can result in dependence, addiction, and significant impacts on the body and brain, including cognitive impairments.
The signs of benzo abuse can be challenging to spot, especially early on. If you or a loved one has been prescribed benzos, be sure to educate yourself about early warning signs of abuse, which can include:
- Tolerance – Over time, people taking benzos will require higher or more frequent doses to achieve the desired effects. The rate at which this happens depends on the frequency of use. Increased tolerance increases the risk of overdose.
- Physical dependence – Prolonged use of benzos leads to physical dependence, a clear sign of which is the onset of withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, insomnia, or anxiety, when benzo use is reduced or stopped.
- Doctor shopping – Doctors limit access to benzos, leading people to visit multiple providers or frequently change doctors and pharmacies to obtain multiple prescriptions.
- Behavioral changes – Benzo abuse can result in the neglect of responsibilities, a decline in work or school performance, increased isolation, social withdrawal, lying, or secrecy.
- Poly-substance abuse – It is common to mix benzos with other substances, particularly alcohol and opioids, to intensify their effects. This is a dangerous practice that frequently results in overdose and unintentional death.
Ironically, benzo abuse or addiction can result in side effects that mimic the very conditions they were prescribed to help: insomnia, panic, and anxiety. If you or a loved one is abusing benzos, seeking professional benzo addiction treatment is critical to your safety and well-being.
Benzo Side Effects Can Have Lasting Impacts
As with all drugs, benzos have both short-term and long-term side effects. Immediate side effects of benzos can include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. Most of these side effects are minimal when benzos are taken as prescribed and wear off as the drug naturally leaves your system. However, these can be compounded when benzos are used with other substances, particularly other depressants like alcohol.
Long-term and more serious benzo side effects can include:
- Increased tolerance
- Mood changes, including depression
- Memory problems
- Contradictory reactions, including agitation, aggression, and hallucinations
- Respiratory depression
- Cognitive impairments
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Dependence and addiction
Withdrawal from benzos can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It is never recommended to stop taking benzos “cold turkey,” but instead, with the help of a medical professional who can gradually taper down dosages. Individuals with moderate to severe benzo abuse should rely on a medically supervised detox program to ensure their safety.
Get In Touch with Hill Country for Benzo Addiction Treatment
At Hill Country, we understand the complexities of benzo dependence and addiction. It can be scary to think of facing life’s challenges without relying on benzos to get you through. However, with the proper support and treatment, you can do it. In our benzo addiction treatment program, we help you safely detox so you’re ready to begin healing with a clear mind.
Through comprehensive treatment using evidence-based therapies, we’ll help you uncover the root causes of your reliance on benzos and work through them in a safe, supportive environment. Are you ready to take control of your life? Contact Hill County by calling 1.844.675.1628 to begin treatment today. You can also reach us by using our online form.