Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are in a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They work by slowing down the nervous system and are often used to treat anxiety disorders and treatment-resistant sleep disorders.
Common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Ativan, and Valium. Like most prescription medications, benzodiazepines have risks and side effects, including the risk of addiction and chemical dependency if misused or abused.
Side effects of benzos can include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Light-headedness
- Impaired cognitive functioning
- Loss of balance
- Slurred speech
Risks of taking benzodiazepines can include:
- Misuse or abuse
- Chemical dependency
- Overdose
- Dangerous interactions with alcohol and other drugs
- Slowed or shallow breathing
- Slower reflexes, which can lead to accidents or injuries
- Seizures
Using Benzos Regularly
Doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines to treat anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and panic disorder. But these drugs are not meant to be used long term, and taking more than the prescribed dose can lead to dangerous side effects.
Using benzodiazepines every day can lead to chemical dependency and addiction. It’s also dangerous to combine benzos with alcohol and other drugs, which can lead to overdose and life-threatening complications.
Even though benzos don’t get a person “high” like other drugs, some people experience “rational euphoria,” where the relief they feel after taking the drug can seem almost euphoric. This increases the risk of misuse and abuse.
In short, the more a person uses benzodiazepines, the greater their risk of chemical dependency and addiction.
Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines can become habit forming and lead to substance use disorder, especially if a person uses benzos long term. Signs and symptoms of benzo addiction can be physical, behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial.
Physical symptoms can include headaches, muscle weakness, double vision, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and increased respiratory infections.
Behavioral signs of addiction can include taking larger doses than prescribed, trying to refill prescriptions early, taking benzos longer than your doctor recommends, using benzos recreationally, drug-seeking behaviors (like doctor shopping or buying drugs off the street), and trouble at work, home, or school.
Cognitive and psychosocial symptoms can include confusion, slowed thinking and reaction time, memory problems, increased anxiety, irritability, depression, and mood swings.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzos are depressants, which means they can cause potentially life-threatening depressant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms for someone who is chemically dependent on benzos can include:
- Shaking
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Muscle pain
- Hallucinations
- Sleep disturbance
- Tonic-clonic seizures
- Delirium tremens
If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking benzodiazepines, seek treatment from a provider that offers medically supervised benzodiazepine detox overseen by a licensed physician.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Treating a benzodiazepine addiction requires specialized training, since detoxing from these drugs can have serious and even life-threatening side effects. People with seizure disorders have an even greater risk of complications.
Treatment for benzodiazepine abuse usually starts with medical detox, which is designed to wean a person off benzodiazepines slowly and safely in a controlled environment. Most people will also need addiction counseling to address the root causes of their substance abuse.
Get Help with Benzo Addiction at Del Arroyo Recovery Center
Del Arroyo offers first-class treatment for addiction to benzodiazepines at our luxury treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA. Our residential program starts with medical detox, followed by an intensive program that includes individual counseling, group therapy, and optional family therapy sessions.
Del Arroyo is different from other treatment centers. Our low staff-to-patient ratio allows us to give you the individualized attention you deserve. Our team is committed to your success and empowering you with the tools and skills you’ll need for long-term recovery.
Our team includes experienced addiction counselors and medical professionals who will create a personalized addiction treatment plan just for you. We also offer mental health treatment for people with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Our luxury rehab center serves clients throughout Southern California, including those in Los Angeles, CA, Woodland Hills, CA, Malibu, CA, Westlake Village, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA, and Calabasas, CA.
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Get in touch to learn more about our benzo detox program in California and our amenities.