When Benzo Use Turns Into Addiction

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, have proven to be incredibly addictive. However, they are also common prescription medications in use today. Since benzos are so addictive, it is crucial to be aware of how you are using them if your doctor has prescribed them to you.

Do you believe that you or a loved one is struggling with benzo addiction and could benefit from benzo addiction treatment? If so, speak to one of our healthcare professionals at Sophros Recovery at 904.830.6086 today.

What Are Benzos?

Benzodiazepines are powerful psychoactive medications prescribed to treat a variety of health issues. Because of the substantial impact that the medications have on an individual’s brain chemistry, they can also lead to severe addiction for some people. As a person becomes acquainted with the effects of the drug, their tolerance will build, and they might require a heavier dose of it in the future to achieve the same high.

Benzos are prescribed for a number of different reasons, such as anxiety or panic disorders. The drug class known as benzodiazepines is made up of multiple prescription tranquilizers, also known as sedatives. These medications are often prescribed for a range of conditions, such as insomnia, seizures, or anxiety.

You may recognize some common forms of benzos by their branded names:

• Xanax
• Niravam
• Ativan
• Librium
• Valium
• Klonopin
• Halcion

When Benzo Use Becomes Addiction

If you have used any of these name-brand drugs, you might not know if you are becoming addicted to them until it is too late. Below are some of the symptoms to look out for if you are afraid you’re becoming dependent on benzos:

• Physical weakness
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Lack of judgment
• The desire to cut back on your use but not being able to do so
• Risky behaviors (such as driving after using the medication)
• Combining benzos with other drugs or alcohol
• Withdrawal symptoms when no longer having access to that drug

Symptoms of Abuse in Loved Ones

Similarly, if you have noticed that a loved one has started abusing benzos, you may start to notice them acting differently. If you can detect signs of abuse early, you may be able to prevent the addiction from progressing further with treatment. Some examples to look out for are:

• Severe drowsiness – As you may expect, since many people use benzos to treat anxiety and panic attacks, they tend to have a calming effect after consumption. Someone abusing the medication may experience increased levels of drowsiness, making their day-to-day lives harder to get through.
• Changing doctors frequently – Doctors will often limit the number of pills that a client can get in a specific time frame. However, many people addicted to benzos will seek care from multiple doctors to maintain a steady supply of their drug of choice.
• Personality changes – A person addicted to benzos might exhibit signs of depression, anxiety, or other personality changes, especially if they’re unable to access the medication.
• Poor concentration – The medication can make a person highly tired in some cases, leading to more brain fog and less concentration.

Find Addiction Treatment at Sophros Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it might be time to consider benzo rehab. At Sophros Recovery, we offer benzo addiction treatment through our outpatient programs. You may benefit from a number of our practices, such as:

• Personal therapy
• Group therapy
• Family programs
• Medication-based treatment
• Community outreach assistance
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Addiction can feel extremely isolating. While many difficulties come with excessive benzo use, you should have support throughout your experience with benzo rehab. Rather than allowing yourself or a loved one to succumb to feelings of loneliness, take control of your life. Seek benzo addiction treatment at Sophros Recovery by calling 904.830.6086 today.