Are you experiencing changes in your attitude or behaviors that may be signs of a benzodiazepine addiction? Although they are relatively safe when taken as prescribed, a long-term benzodiazepine prescription can lead to physical or psychological dependence. It’s important to understand the risks and pay close attention to any signs of this form of addiction that you may have overlooked. If left untreated, both the immediate symptoms and long-term effects of benzodiazepine abuse can escalate quickly. It’s critical to recognize potential addiction warning signs, so you can start benzo detox before further damage is done.
Facts About Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, more commonly known as “benzos,” are a class of medication that has been used to treat anxiety and insomnia since the mid-1960s. They work by binding to receptors in the brain that control emotional stress and prevent seizures. Benzos are also prescribed off-label for other conditions, such as muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and panic attacks. While benzos are generally considered safe when taken as prescribed, they do have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Common Benzodiazepines
The most commonly prescribed benzos include diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs work quickly, producing a calming effect that can last anywhere from hours to days. As such, they are often used recreationally and can become habit-forming with frequent use.
Risks of Taking Benzos
It’s important to understand the risks associated with benzos before beginning a course of treatment. Although rare, physical dependence and addiction to benzos can develop with prolonged use. Anyone considering taking benzos for an extended period should know the potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with long-term use.
Benzodiazepine abuse can result in serious physical and psychological problems, including impaired judgment, memory loss, confusion, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Abuse of benzos is also associated with an increased risk of accidental overdose and potentially life-threatening respiratory depression.
If you feel like you may be developing a dependency on benzos, it’s important to speak with your doctor right away. Your doctor can help identify the underlying cause of your anxiety or insomnia and recommend alternative treatments that may be less risky. If you do need to discontinue benzodiazepines, your doctor can also refer you to a medically supervised benzo detox program to help ensure your safety and comfort during withdrawal.
Warning Signs of Benzo Addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction can be difficult to identify because it often occurs gradually, over time, and may go unnoticed. However, there are a few warning signs that can point to the presence of a benzodiazepine addiction:
- Increasing prescription dosages or frequency of doses – This is an indication that the body isn’t responding to the medication as it should and that an increased dosage is necessary for the desired effect.
- Inability to reduce or stop use – Those with an addiction may find it difficult to reduce their benzo use, even if they want to. This could be a sign that physical dependence has developed and withdrawal symptoms are experienced when the drug is stopped.
- Becoming preoccupied with obtaining or using benzos – Another sign of addiction is when thoughts and behaviors become focused on getting more of the drugs. This could include repeatedly asking for refills, “doctor shopping” to get multiple prescriptions, or buying benzos from illegal sources.
- Taking benzos for reasons other than as prescribed – Misusing a drug by taking it in ways not intended by a doctor is a sign that addiction is developing. This could include crushing tablets to snort or inject them, taking doses more frequently than prescribed, or combining benzos with alcohol or other drugs.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drugs – Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, nightmares, headaches, nausea, and insomnia. These can be a sign of physical dependence and addiction.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity but generally tend to be more severe in those who have been taking the drugs for a long time or at high doses. Common benzo withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, tremors, and sweating. In some cases, they may also experience hallucinations and delirium. Severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures and psychosis, are much less common but may still occur in some cases.
Timeline for Benzo Withdrawals
The length of benzo withdrawal can vary from person to person but typically lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months. The most intense phase is usually felt within the first week after stopping benzos and gradually decreases over time. Again, generally, the more severe the abuse was and the longer a person used benzos, the longer and more intense the withdrawal symptoms may be.
How to Safely Manage Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals who are withdrawing from benzos should never attempt to do so without medical supervision. Benzo detox programs involve tapering off benzodiazepines under the guidance of medical professionals and provide a safe environment in which to monitor withdrawal symptoms.
Medical Intervention: Benzo Detox
Benzo detox can be uncomfortable and possibly difficult, but it’s important for those who are dependent on these drugs to have proper medical supervision during the withdrawal process. The length of benzo detox varies depending on a person’s body chemistry and the amount of the drugs used but typically lasts from several days to weeks or months. During this process, benzodiazepine levels are gradually reduced, and monitoring is provided for any physical or psychological symptoms that may occur as a result of withdrawal.
A medically supervised benzo detox program can provide critical support to help ensure safety and comfort throughout the process. At Genesis Medical Detox, we provide 24-hour medical care and monitoring, as well as access to safe medications that can relieve uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms while keeping patients comfortable. Safety is our top priority, and we strive to make it possible for those with benzodiazepine addiction or dependence to safely withdraw from the drugs and begin their path toward recovery.
Finding Support
Withdrawal symptoms can be difficult, but they don’t have to be faced alone. If you or someone you know requires benzo detox in Muscle Shoals, AL, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Genesis Medical Detox, we can also provide a list of resources for ongoing support and help you connect with other treatment options if needed. Contact us today to get started.