Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are prescription medications frequently used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health conditions. While they can be effective in managing these conditions, they also carry a risk of addiction. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of benzo addiction is crucial in order to seek timely help and support. This article aims to shed light on the alarming issue of benzo addiction, exploring the various signs and symptoms one should be aware of to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Signs of Benzo Addiction
The most common benzos are Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Figuring out whether your or a loved one is addicted to benzos depends on watching out for the signs of benzo addiction. Knowledge of signs of benzo addiction can help you or someone you care about receive the treatment that is so sorely needed.
Experiencing Psychological Side Effects of Benzo Addiction
Benzos can cause some mild side effects even when used as prescribed. Those side effects can become exacerbated when benzos are abused.
Common psychological side effects related to benzo abuse or addiction include:
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Extreme drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Manic moods
A related behavioral sign of being addicted to benzos is often a lack of interest in activities or hobbies that previously brought someone joy.
Experiencing Physical Side Effects from Withdrawal
The presence of withdrawal symptoms between benzo use indicates the presence of physical dependence. Tolerance is particularly common in people who have been taking benzos for upwards of six months. It is possible to develop tolerance more quickly depending on how much is being taken and how frequently. Withdrawal symptoms of being addicted to benzos include seizures, muscle aches and cramps, suicidal ideation, and hallucinations.
Benzo Addiction Treatment
Once you have identified the signs of benzo addiction, the next step is to seek benzo addiction treatment. The first step people encounter in benzo addiction treatment is often detox. In the case of benzo addiction, detox typically involves tapering. Tapering is when someone is guided through using less and less of a substance over a period of time as a means of helping their body adjust.
Quitting benzo use suddenly can be disastrous for a person’s body. Thus, it is crucial to detox correctly under medical supervision. Tapering can be a process of weeks or even months, as it largely depends on the severity and length of a person’s addiction.
Detox is just the first step to healing. A comprehensive treatment plan is implemented following a successful detox, including therapy, ongoing support, and aftercare planning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a prominent therapeutic intervention for people addicted to benzos. Benzo addiction treatment providers work hard to cater their services and therapies to an individual’s needs.
Begin Recovery with Benzo Addiction Treatment at Olympic Behavioral Health
Once signs of benzo addiction are apparent, the best course of action is to reach out for help from a team of addiction specialists and therapists. If you are interested in this type of comprehensive care for addiction, Olympic Behavioral Health can help. Call [Direct] or fill out our online form to find out more about what to expect during benzo addiction treatment at our treatment center in Florida.
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