Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are synthetic medications that are used to treat ailments like seizures, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other conditions that result in overactive nerve activity in the brain. Common benzodiazepines include Ativan, Valium, and Xanax. They act as sedatives by depressing the central nervous system (CNS), making the individual feel calm and relaxed. Specifically, benzos increase the effects of a chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which reduces nerve cell activity in certain areas of the brain. While benzos can treat anxiety and insomnia, they also have a high potential for abuse. Our benzo rehab in Texas offers professional treatment to help those who have become addicted to benzodiazepines achieve sobriety. 

Understanding Benzodiazepine Addiction 

Many people believe that prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, but this is not necessarily true. As the nation is working on gaining control over the opioid epidemic, certain dangers of prescription drugs have become evident.  

Many people believe that they can play around with the dose of their medications or that there are limited risks with taking medications because these drugs were prescribed to them. However, taking more than the prescribed dose or taking your prescribed doses as often as you want qualifies as substance abuse.   

People also often share their prescription drugs with others, a behavior that qualifies as misuse. This is especially common among friends and family. A loved one may complain of pain or a particular ailment, and the person with the medication may say, “I have just the thing. You can take what I take.”   

But, when medications are taken outside of their prescription, it can lead to abuse, dependence, and eventually addiction. Medical professionals prescribe medications to their clients based on specific factors and sharing them with people who are not approved to take them can be dangerous. 

Signs of Benzo Abuse and Addiction  

Because benzos work by depressing the central nervous system, as we previously mentioned, taking a higher dose of them than prescribed or taking them without a prescription can cause a lot of problems. They can be life-threatening in high doses or when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. In the first instance of misuse, the individual may experience uncomfortable short-term side effects.  

Despite these symptoms, a person may continue abusing benzos because of the high they experience. This high causes feelings of euphoria, pleasure, and relaxation. Over time, brain chemistry and function will change, and their body will become accustomed to the frequent intake of benzodiazepines. When this occurs, the person may exhibit some physical and behavioral changes. 

Some behavioral benzo addiction signs include:  

  • Frequently talking about medications or prescription drugs 
  • Inability to stop taking benzos 
  • Doctor shopping, or switching doctors to get more prescriptions 
  • Lying about losing their prescriptions to get more 
  • Frequent mood swings or obvious changes in character 
  • Asking other people for their prescription medications 
  • Isolation from loved ones 
  • Disinterest in activities they once enjoyed 
  • Decreased performance in school or work 
  • Financial troubles 
  • Engaging in risky behaviors, especially while under the influence of benzos 
  • Taking benzos with other substances 

Common physical signs of benzo addiction include: 

  • Frequent fatigue or drowsiness 
  • Severe weakness 
  • Problems with vision 
  • Issues with memory 
  • Lack of coordination 
  • Extreme changes in weight 

Tolerance and physical dependence are also common red flags that someone needs the help of a benzo rehab center. Tolerance is when the body becomes accustomed to the substance, meaning the individual would have to take higher doses to feel the same effects or high. This perpetuates further drug-taking behavior, making physical dependence more likely to occur.  

Physical dependence is a condition in which the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms when they are not taking the substance or suddenly stop using it. At this point, the brain and body struggle to function normally without the substance.  

An individual with a benzo addiction who does not get help at a benzo addiction treatment center may continue to get worse. As their dependence worsens, they increase their risk of engaging in polysubstance abuse and experiencing an overdose. Mental illness is also a repercussion of abusing drugs that target the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines. 

Finding a Benzo Rehab Near Me  

Like most prescription drugs, benzos have a high potential for abuse. If you or someone you care about shows any of the warning signs of benzo abuse, it is time to get help. Before patients begin treatment at our benzodiazepine rehab, we create an individualized plan for them by conducting a clinical assessment.  

We take note of the duration of the individual’s substance use disorder, whether they use other drugs or alcohol, the current state of their health, whether they also have a mental health disorder, and more. Understanding more about the person’s addiction and health allows us to create a treatment plan that’s suited to their needs.  

Once the clinical assessment is completed, most patients will begin their addiction treatment programs with a benzo detox. Our detox programs are all medically monitored. During detox, patients may receive medication if necessary and 24-hour care.  

The purpose of a medically monitored detox is to safely wean patients off drugs or alcohol and treat their withdrawal symptoms. Benzo withdrawals are among the most difficult to recover from, mainly because of symptoms like seizures. Not only can medically assisted detox treat symptoms, but it can also mitigate their drug cravings, allowing for a smooth transition to benzodiazepine addiction treatment. 

Admitting that you have a drug or alcohol problem can be difficult, but it is the first step to getting sober. As one of the safest, most comfortable, and most efficient benzo addiction treatment centers in Texas, Banyan may be the perfect facility where you or a loved one can make sobriety a possibility.  

If benzo addiction is not your struggle, our rehab in Texas also offers other substance-specific treatment programs, including treatment for opioid abuse, alcoholism, prescription drug misuse, and more. To learn more about our team at Banyan Treatment Centers Texas, as well as the addiction services we offer, contact us now. 

 

Related Reading: 

How Can Benzo Withdrawal Kill You? 

Barbiturates vs. Benzodiazepines 



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At Banyan Treatment Centers, our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.

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