There are a variety of drugs that can lead to addiction. Benzodiazepines (benzos) are one of the many. Read on to find out more about benzos, what they are used to treat, and why they are so addictive.
What are Benzos?
Benzos are a type of sedative. They are used to treat severe anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, and addiction withdrawal symptoms. They work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain to help slow down the nervous system. They are usually taken on a short-term basis and should not be used for long-term relief.
There are two different types of benzos: hypnotics and anxiolytics. Hypnotics are shorter acting and are used to treat sleep problems. Anxiolytics are longer acting and are used to treat anxiety.
The drugs can be found on the market under a variety of trade names. A few of the more popular varieties include:
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Diazepam
- Chlordiazepoxide Hydrochloride
- Clobazam
- Alprazolam
- Flurazepam
- Loprazolam
What are the Side Effects of Benzo Use?
Benzo use can produce the following side effects:
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion
- Reduced awareness
- Tremors
- Numbed emotions
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Less rare side effects include:
- Digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and constipation
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Memory loss
- Delusions
- Aggression
- Increased appetite
Benzo drugs such as Ataxia can cause issues with:
- Balance and walking
- Vision
- Swallowing
- Motor skills
- Speaking
Are Benzos Addictive?
A side effect of benzodiazepine drugs is that they can cause addiction or dependence. This can occur if you have been taking benzo pills for 4-6 weeks or more. The best way to reduce your risk of developing an addiction or dependence on benzos is only to use them precisely as directed by your doctor. Most prescription drug addiction issues begin when a person is using the medication more often than intended or in larger doses.
Can Benzos Cause Withdrawal?
Benzos can cause withdrawal if a person has already developed an addiction or dependence on them. Your body becomes used to having them in its system, and it becomes unable to function normally without them. When the drug is not in the body, it reacts by producing withdrawal symptoms.
If you have been taking benzodiazepine drugs for 4-6 weeks, talk to your doctor. They will start you on a process to slowly wean you off the pills and keep withdrawal symptoms under control.
Not everyone will experience withdrawal symptoms as they wean off benzodiazepine pills, but they may occur. They include the following:
- Stomach issues
- Vision problems
- Flu-like symptoms
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Delusions
Withdrawal symptoms will usually stop after a few weeks, but they can last longer in certain people. You can reduce symptoms with the following methods:
- Antidepressants and mood-stabilizing drugs can decrease symptoms
- Melatonin can be used to reduce insomnia
- If you experience a panic disorder during withdrawal, you can talk to a therapist. CBT treatment may be effective.
How to Find Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Most people become addicted to benzodiazepine drugs after being prescribed them. If this is the case, a doctor may help you overcome your addiction.
But there are other instances when a person sources benzo pills from the street. They may enjoy their sedative effects and use them on an ongoing basis. If this is the case, a more severe addiction may form, which will require the assistance of a rehab facility in Georgia.
Finding help isn’t easy. Sure, you can search the internet to find centers that assist with benzo detox, but how do you know which one is right for you? You must consider the treatment options, the atmosphere, success rates, and staff-to-patient ratio. You can spend time finding the perfect facility, or you can save yourself a lot of frustration by contacting Atlanta Recovery Place today.
Atlanta Recovery Place is dedicated to helping you achieve long-lasting sobriety. We take a customized approach ensuring each patient gets the individualized care they need. We integrate dual diagnosis therapy that simultaneously treats addiction and its underlying causes.
We offer a variety of Atlanta outpatient programs, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. We follow up with sober living care. We ensure that patients continue to get the support they need to maintain sobriety after completing our program.
Dealing with dependency issues is not easy. Atlanta Recovery Place will provide you with the assistance you need to make it through. Contact us today to find out how you can achieve the higher quality of life you deserve.
