It can be difficult for some people to define benzodiazepine addiction. First of all, not everyone knows that benzos are a class of drugs and that different medications can be considered benzodiazepines. On top of that, many benzos are prescription drugs, and many benzo addicts begin taking drugs like this because it’s recommended by a trusted physician.
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that can help calm people with anxiety. But for some people, these medications can be highly addictive. If you’re looking for a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program in Massachusetts, contact Rockland Recovery today at 855.732.4842 or reach out to our team online. Our substance abuse treatment programs provide people with the support they need to overcome their addiction.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
It’s easy to define benzodiazepines by simply pointing to what they’re prescribed for, which is typically anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, along with insomnia and some seizure disorders. However, sometimes they can also be used as muscle relaxants or even to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Benzos are used for these purposes because of their ability to create a calming, sedative, or tranquilizing effect. Unfortunately, it’s these particular properties that make benzodiazepines appealing to people that enjoy using them recreationally. When used in large quantities, benzos can create a dopamine rush. Dopamine is the hormone responsible for creating a sense of reward and pleasure, feelings that enforce patterns of drug addiction.
Many of the most commonly prescribed benzos are those which are most readily used by people struggling with benzodiazepine abuse, including:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
Benzos are frequently consumed orally. However, some people may try to inject, smoke, or snort this addictive substance.
What Is Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Obviously, a benzo addiction is a grave misuse of and dependence on benzodiazepines. What is benzodiazepine addiction’s most significant danger? Because benzos are often used with other addictive substances, such as alcohol, the primary threat to watch out for is overdose, which can be fatal.
The more someone uses benzos, the greater the damage to their life. Benzodiazepine intoxication can slow a person’s reaction time, which can significantly impair their ability to drive or do other everyday tasks.
Other dangers of benzodiazepine misuse include:
- An increased risk of dementia
- An increased risk of falls and injuries
- Congenital disabilities, if the person misusing benzos is pregnant
- Paradoxical disinhibition, which is a state which can cause agitation, hostility, rage, or violence
As someone becomes addicted, their physical and mental health begins to suffer. This situation affects their relationships, career, and social functioning.
What Are Some Common Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to benzos, you may have already tried to cut down or quit taking the addictive substance. However, doing so without professional help is not always recommended by experts because benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening. If you encounter symptoms like the latter without medical supervision, it can be fatal.
Common benzos withdrawal symptoms usually arise within one to four days of detoxing.
These symptoms can keep popping up for about ten days and often include:
- Benzo cravings
- Bouts of anxiety or panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excessive sweating
- Hand tremors
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Increased tension
- Mild to moderate changes in perception
- Muscular discomfort or stiffness
- Sleep disturbances
More severe symptoms can occur, as well, although they’re less common. These symptoms can include hallucinations, psychosis, seizures, and an increased risk of suicidal ideation. This is why the best course of action is to check into an addiction treatment facility and get admitted into a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program.
Find Support for Benzodiazepine Addiction at Rockland Recovery
Contact Rockland Recovery today by calling 855.732.4842 or reaching out to our team online for more information about our benzodiazepine addiction treatment program in Massachusetts.