Overview:
Arizona Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines are one of the most easily accessible addictive drugs, making “benzo” addiction a widespread, serious problem. In fact, reports indicate that 12.6 % of Americans have used benzodiazepines [1].
It can be easy to feel isolated when battling benzodiazepine addiction, but at The River Source, you’re never alone. We’ve taken some time to explain the key factors surrounding benzodiazepine addiction so that if you or a loved one are using these drugs, you understand when help is necessary.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a type of drug that act as tranquilizers. They affect the central nervous system, stimulating muscle relaxation, suppressed brain activity, and feelings of sedation that decrease anxiety. Despite being one of the most commonly-prescribed medications in the U.S., the pleasurable effects and the availability of benzodiazepines can make these substances highly addictive.
There are thousands of varieties of benzodiazepines, but very few are actually approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Benzodiazepines are classified into three categories: ultra-short acting, short-acting, and long-acting.
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Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
It can be difficult to recognize benzo addiction due to the drug’s widespread availability and status as a legal prescription drug. While someone may begin taking benzodiazepines on a prescription basis due to it being medically necessary, it can be easy to become addicted to and abuse the drug. This makes it especially important to make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms that someone you love is abusing benzodiazepines. Common signs of benzodiazepine abuse include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Shallow breathing
- Drowsiness
- Poor motor coordination
- Sweating
- Poor judgement
- “Doctor shopping”
- Combining benzos with other drugs like alcohol
- Asking others for their benzodiazepines
- Impaired or poor performance at school, work, or home
- Risk-taking
If you notice any of these symptoms, it can be an indicator that your friend or loved one is struggling with a benzodiazepine addiction and needs help.
Effects of Benzo Addiction in Arizona
Abusing benzodiazepines for a great amount of time can result in serious health problems, including:
- Amnesia
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dementia
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
- Tremors
Over time, users of benzodiazepines will develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning that they will need to consume more and more benzos in order to achieve the effect they’re seeking. It’s common for users to take their benzodiazepines with alcohol to achieve an even greater effect, but this can increase the risk of overdose. Alcohol and benzos operate on the same parts of the brain, so when they’re combined, these pathways are doubly affected.
Arizona Benzo Detox and Withdrawal
The first step to overcoming a benzodiazepine addiction requires drug detox, where a person stops using benzos and cleanses their body of addictive, unhealthy substances. Because of the addictive nature of benzodiazepines, when quitting the drug, many will experience symptoms of withdrawal. Some symptoms that can be experienced during withdrawal include:
- Panic
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Elevated heart rate
- Headaches
- Muscle stiffness
- Loss of coordination
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to weeks, and can be uncomfortable or even painful. This makes it especially important to undergo detox with the help of experienced medical professionals who specialize in treating addiction, as trying to get sober alone can be dangerous.
Certain treatments and therapies can be given to someone during detox in order to ease the body off of benzodiazepines and help decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms, making the first step of recovery as comfortable as possible.
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Treatment for Benzo Addiction in Arizona
No one should have to face benzodiazepine addiction alone — at The River Source, we ensure that you’re always surrounded with the support that you need to have a successful recovery.
Our experienced addiction specialists will help you through detox, providing you with proven and naturopathic therapies to make ridding your body of benzodiazepines comfortable and safe. We’ll also provide you with access to our substance abuse counselors, who will help you discover, explore, and heal the source of your addiction through an individual, group, and family therapy.
If you or a loved one is suffering from benzodiazepine addiction, contact us at 866-294-9331 today.
