Benzodiazepines are a class of depressant medications that are used to treat a range of conditions, most commonly 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. Recognizing the warning signs of benzo addiction can help individuals determine when they need support.
Why Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, can become addictive due to the effects they have on the brain. They increase the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter responsible for making people feel calm and relaxed. This action helps reduce muscle tension, anxiety, and convulsions associated with seizures.
However, even when taken as prescribed, long-term use 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 less responsive to its effects.
Unfortunately, some people do not realize the drug is still active despite developing tolerance to it. Instead, they start self-medicating and taking more frequent doses or higher amounts. They do this to feel the desired effects of the drug.
People using benzos illicitly also develop dependence and tolerance. As their bodies adjust, they often increase their dosages to experience the drug’s pleasurable and euphoric effects, gradually sinking into addiction. Over time, this cycle of misuse reveals the signs of benzo abuse, which may be subtle at first but become more severe.
How to Know When Benzodiazepine Use Becomes Dangerous
There are several warning signs of benzo addiction. These are indications that the person is slowly allowing the drug to take over their life. These signs can be both physical and behavioral. It is vital to remember that not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and they are not always immediately noticeable.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms of benzo addiction are often the first to appear. Tolerance is the first telltale sign that 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
Behavioral signs of benzodiazepine addiction involve noticeable changes in habits, emotional responses, and social engagement. Cravings are common and often accompanied by anxiety, panic attacks, emotional instability, or mood swings.
People may lose interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed. Some may engage in seeking multiple prescriptions from different doctors (known as “doctor shopping”) or drug-seeking behavior, while others begin to neglect personal hygiene and appearance.
Social withdrawal is another common change. Individuals may isolate themselves from family and friends, experience relationship difficulties, or struggle at work or school. Financial problems often follow as addiction deepens.
Effects of Benzo Withdrawal
The effects of benzo withdrawal can be far-reaching. Addiction does not just affect the individual but can also deeply impact their loved ones. This can result in estrangement and ongoing isolation from them, even after treatment begins.
Another long-term effect of benzo misuse is the impact it has on a person’s mind and body. Some people experience amnesia or blackouts while abusing the drug and never recover those lost memories. Other people have memory impairment problems 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. Others may experience thoughts of self-harm and suicide because they feel isolated and alone. In certain cases, symptoms of 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 may be more susceptible to becoming dependent and addicted to benzos.
Genetics also plays a role. A family history of addiction or mental health disorders increases the risk of developing substance use problems.
Long-term use of benzos, even when taken as prescribed, can also be a risk factor. Additionally, self-medicating and misusing benzos further raise the risk of addiction.
Those with a history of substance use are especially vulnerable. Lastly, when access to benzos is readily available, it can be tempting to use them even when they are not needed. These factors increase the likelihood of developing benzo addiction signs that require medical attention.
Co-Occurring Disorders
People with co-occurring disorders are equally at risk of benzo addiction. These disorders involve the presence of two or more conditions, such as substance use and mental health disorders. Individuals with mental health conditions may self-medicate with benzos for temporary relief from their symptoms.
Conversely, those with substance use disorders may turn to benzos for their euphoric and calming effects. Continued use can eventually contribute to the development of a mental health disorder. When both conditions are present, symptoms of benzo addiction can become even more severe and complex.
Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment
A formal diagnosis involves a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation. Mental health professionals assess for dependency using tools such as the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders. This process helps tailor individualized treatment plans to address both addiction and any co-occurring disorders.
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
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
These therapies help address the behavioral and psychological aspects of addiction to benzodiazepines. Medication management involves using various FDA-approved medications to address and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Preventing Relapse and Maintaining Sobriety
Preventing relapse involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and strong support networks. CBT, mindfulness practices, and ongoing counseling help individuals identify triggers and develop healthy coping strategies. Consistent follow-up care is crucial to prevent returning to harmful patterns.
Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs of Benzo Addiction – Get Help Today
If you notice the warning signs of benzo addiction, do not wait to get help. At Retreat of Broward, we offer comprehensive and personalized detox treatment services for benzo addiction. Our caring and compassionate team is here to help you begin your recovery. Contact us today to start the road toward a future free from addiction.
