Medically speaking, benzodiazepines, or benzos, can be a miracle for individuals struggling with anxiety, tremors, or seizures. But like with any drug, when misused, benzos can cause nasty side effects and even death.
At the Robert Alexander Center we work with individuals to treat the root causes of addiction. Through this thorough mental health treatment, we work with our clients to manage medication for diagnosed disorders. If you are struggling with a benzo addiction, contact us today to see how our premier addiction treatment center in Kentucky can support you on the road to recovery.
What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines are a Schedule IV monitored Controlled Substance because of the potential for addiction and abuse. Only available through a doctor, clients must either get prescriptions from multiple doctors, by forging prescriptions, or buying them illegally.
“Benzos are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures.” Commonly known as downers, the big-name benzos include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Halcion, and Klonopin.
Are Benzos Addictive?
Yes. Benzos can be addictive. When an individual habitually uses a benzodiazepine, they will develop a tolerance and eventually need more of the drug. Through this process, the body becomes addicted to the effects of the drug and the feeling it creates.
Rebound and withdraw syndrome can cause “the resurgence of the pre-existing anxiety symptoms and new symptoms as sensory disturbances (metallic taste, hypersomnia, cutaneous exacerbated sensitivity, photophobia…) nausea, headache, motor disturbance in some rare cases depersonalization, paranoid reaction, confusion, convulsion.”
Based on these symptoms, if you or a loved one are struggling with a drug addiction, contact the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery. Our comprehensive benzo addiction program can help you regain your sobriety and develop the skills necessary for sustainable recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of a Benzo Addiction
Addiction to downers like benzos can produce some obvious symptoms.
Benzo use, as prescribed, can cause anterograde amnesia (short term memory block), sedation, drowsiness, motor impairment, inattentiveness, disinhibition, delirium, and ataxia. These common symptoms are often minimal and manageable when following a doctor’s prescription.
However, chronic use and misuse can lead to exacerbated symptoms. Overdose on benzos can cause ”extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, coma, and possible death.”
When misused or obtained illegally, benzos are often combined with other illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and other opioids. “Overdose effects of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids include: Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.”
Benzos, while they aren’t extremely addictive, impact the body in a manner that can be extremely dangerous. When prescribed benzodiazepines individuals must be sure to monitor their use and be sure to follow all warning labels.
For individuals who are concerned about the signs and symptoms occurring from their benzo misuse, call the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery. Our compassionate and supportive team can support you in figuring out what kind of addiction treatment is best for you.
The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery
At the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery, (RAC) our clients can access addiction treatment in an all-inclusive facility located in Kentucky.
At RAC we combine the newest and most highly rated addiction techniques to develop an addiction treatment program above the rest. The combination of these therapeutic rehabilitation programs means our clients have a better chance at maintaining sustainable recovery from benzo addiction.
We at the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery are dedicated to your recovery by providing premier care through detoxification, residential inpatient care, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient programs. We offer continued aftercare and group and family therapy options to promote the success and sustainable recovery of our clients.
Let us at the Robert Alexander Center support you through the creation of a personalized treatment program designed specifically for you.