Benzodiazepines or benzos are prescription sedatives. Benzos work by raising the level of a chemical called GABA in the brain. Some examples of benzos are Klonopin, Xanax and Valium. The number of people prescribed benzos almost doubled between 1996 and 2013. Benzos can be incredibly dangerous. Combined with opioids or alcohol, they often lead to tragic, fatal respiratory failure.
Benzo addiction is very dangerous. The number of emergency room visits and benzo overdose deaths has skyrocketed in recent years. Not only are benzos and opiates dangerous together, but benzo withdrawal all by itself can be fatal without medical supervision.
At Riverwalk Recovery you will receive evidence-based treatment for benzo addiction. There is life after addiction. A life in recovery is rewarding beyond measure. You will learn how to not only stay drug-free, but how to have better relationships and live in gratitude. Many of our staff members are either in recovery or connected to it in their personal lives. More than anything, we want the miracle of recovery for you. We will make sure you get a safe, comfortable benzo detox before you begin treatment. You or your loved one will be in safe hands at Riverwalk Recovery and entering treatment here is simple and easy.
Benzo Side Effects
Benzo abuse should be taken very seriously. The side effects can be dangerous and even fatal. Not only is respiratory arrest possible, but people are frequently injured or killed in accidents related to benzo side effects.
Here are just a few of the side effects that benzo use can produce. When combined with alcohol or other prescription medications, these effects become even more dangerous and less predictable:
- Amnesia
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Irritability
- Disturbing dreams
- Hostility
Someone who is addicted to cocaine will often run into financial problems. Cocaine is highly addictive. A cocaine habit can get expensive quickly. Someone who is in trouble with cocaine will usually have a hard time concealing the financial consequences of the addiction for long. Even wealthy people with vast resources find the extravagant lifestyle and poor choices do real damage to more than just their bank account.
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Benzo Withdrawal is Dangerous
There are three categories of drugs which have potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. Unsupervised withdrawal from alcohol, barbiturates or benzodiazepines can lead to seizures which can be deadly. If you or someone you know is on benzos – remember they must not stop taking them cold turkey under any circumstances.
Benzo detox should only be done with a doctor’s supervision.
It is unsafe to attempt at home without medical guidance.
Withdrawal symptoms may include the following:
- Anxiety
- Sensory distortion
- Headaches
- Hypersensitivity to touch and pain
- Muscle aches
- Depression
- Rapid heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
More severe withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Psychosis
- Grand mal seizures
- Delirium tremens
- Suicidal ideations
- Hallucinations
- Death
Severe benzo withdrawal symptoms can be deadly. They are best avoided by receiving a medical detox in a facility designed to treat addiction. Benzos are sold illegally for recreational use, but it is important to note that dependence can occur even if you are not intentionally abusing it. If you use benzos daily for just a few weeks, that is often enough to become dependent, even if you are taking them as prescribed.
According to research, individuals who have an addiction to one of these medications can sometimes take as much as 100 times more than recommended, and they may be snorting or injecting the drugs.
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Getting Help for Benzo Addiction
Benzo addiction is perhaps more insidious than many other types of substance use disorders. Benzos are prescribed for anxiety, so a person may become addicted through no fault of their own. The danger of withdrawal without medical support is another pitfall of benzo addiction. The truth is benzo addiction can be difficult and even dangerous to overcome on your own. It does not matter how much willpower you think you have. If you or someone you love is hooked on benzos, their best chance of getting free of it before tragedy strikes is addiction treatment. Don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help.
Recover at Riverwalk
At Riverwalk, we understand addiction intimately and have a personal connection to recovery. We are ready to help, or just listen if that’s what you want. If you are watching someone you love struggle with benzodiazepine addiction we can help there too. We will provide guidance and insight into interventions and other methods to help “raise the bottom” to compel someone to accept the help they need. The road to a solution begins with a conversation. You will begin to feel better the moment you start to talk to us. This is not a burden you need to bear all on your own. Treatment for benzo addiction is available at Riverwalk Recovery. We work with most private health insurance providers and have reasonable self-pay rates. Recovery begins the moment you decide to change.
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Whether you are struggling with depression, addiction, an eating disorder or some combination of these, we can help. All you need to do is make the first move and reach out to us. Let’s get you better, together.