Benzodiazepines are a class of depressant medications that are used to treat various conditions. The most common conditions are seizures, insomnia, anxiety, and panic disorders. However, due to their calming effects, prolonged use can lead to dependence and eventual addiction. Some people also take benzos illicitly to experience pleasurable effects. Learning how to recognize the warning signs of benzo addiction helps people determine when they need help.
Why Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, can become addictive due to the effects they have in the brain. Benzos increases the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is responsible for making people feel calm and relaxed. It helps reduce muscle tension, anxiety, and convulsions associated with seizures.
However, ongoing benzo use, even when prescribed, can lead to tolerance and dependence. Dependence is when someone believes they need to be under the influence of the drug just to function. Tolerance is the body’s response to the drug, where it becomes tolerable of its effects.
Unfortunately, some people do not realize the drug is still working, even once they have built up a tolerance to it. Instead, they start self-medicating and taking more frequent doses or higher amounts. They do this to experience the effects of the drug.
People using benzos illicitly also develop dependence and tolerance. So, too, they increase their dosages to experience the pleasurable and euphoric effects, gradually sinking into addiction.
What Are the Warning Signs of Benzo Addiction?
There are several warning signs of benzo addiction. These are indications the person is slowly allowing the drug to take over their life. There are both physical and behavioral signs of benzodiazepine addiction. It is vital to remember that not everyone will experience these benzo addiction signs, and they are not always immediately apparent.
Physical Symptoms of Benzo Addiction
The physical symptoms of benzo addiction are often the first to appear. Tolerance is the first telltale sign dependence is increasing. The next sign is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when going without benzos or reducing usage. Physical withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Increased anxiety
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
Behavioral Signs of Benzo Addiction
The behavioral signs of benzodiazepine addiction encompass various behaviors and psychological responses. Cravings are the most common psychological sign of addiction. Individuals can also start experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, emotional instability, and mood swings.
One of the behavioral signs is losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed. Some people will engage in doctor-shopping and drug-seeking behaviors. Other people may neglect their hygiene and appearance.
Another behavioral sign is withdrawing socially and isolation from family and friends. People can also start to experience relationship problems, difficulties at work or school, and financial problems.
Effects of Benzo Withdrawal
The effects of benzo withdrawal can be far-reaching. Benzo addiction does not just affect the individual but can also have impacts on their friends and family. This can result in estrangement and isolation from them, even after starting recovery treatment.
Another long-term effect of benzo misuse is the effects it has on a person’s mind and body. Some people experience amnesia or blackouts while abusing the drug and never cover those lost memories. Other people have memory impairment issues where they cannot recall specifics, like a birthday or a person’s name.
Some people will notice their feelings have changed and are blunted, making it harder to experience happiness and joy. Yet others can experience thoughts of self-harm and suicide because they feel isolated and alone. In certain cases, benzo addiction can even trigger mental health disorders that remain even after withdrawal.
Causes and Risk Factors for Benzo Addiction
Several causes and risk factors can contribute to benzo addiction. Individuals with preexisting mental health disorders can be more susceptible to becoming dependent and addicted to benzos.
Genetics also plays a role in developing benzo addiction. When there is a family history of addiction and mental health disorders, it increases the risk of substance addictions.
The long-term use of benzos, even when taken as prescribed, can be a risk factor for addiction. Furthermore, self-medicating and misusing benzos can contribute to addiction.
Those with a history of substance addictions are at risk of developing benzo addiction. Lastly, when access to benzos is readily available, it makes it tempting to try them when they are not needed.
Co-Occurring Disorders
People with co-occurring disorders are equally at risk of benzo addiction. Co-occurring disorders are the presence of two or more disorders, such as substance use and mental health disorders. People with mental health disorders may self-medicate using benzos to bring temporary relief to their symptoms.
Conversely, people with substance use disorders may turn to benzos to experience their euphoric and pleasurable effects. Continued use can eventually lead to the development of a mental health disorder.
How Is Benzo Addiction Treated?
Benzo addiction is treated using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities and medication management. The therapeutic modalities used can include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies
- CBT
- DBT
These therapies help address the behavioral and psychological aspects of addiction to benzodiazepines. Medication management is using various FDA-approved medications to address and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs of Benzo Addiction – Get Help Today
If you notice the warning signs of benzo addiction, do not delay in getting help. At Retreat of Broward, we offer comprehensive and personalized benzo addiction detox treatment services. Our caring and compassionate team is here to help you overcome your benzo addiction. Contact us today to start the road to a future free from addiction.
