“Are benzodiazepines addictive?” “Are benzos addictive?” We’ve heard this question one too many times, and it’s about time we addressed it!
Benzodiazepine targets the nervous system and offers a tranquilizing effect on the body and mind. But these sedative effects are the reason why a lot of patients abuse it.
Curious to find out why and when this happens? Laguna View Detox encourages you to keep reading!
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Healthcare providers prescribe benzodiazepines for several health issues such as alcohol withdrawal, sleep disorders, and anxiety. Also, they function by activating a tranquilizing substance in the brain.
In ideal situations, when a doctor prescribes benzodiazepine (also called benzos), it is done carefully to reduce dependence. However, long-term use causes tolerance, which implies that smaller doses will become inefficient, and patients will want higher dosages.
Here are some common forms of benzos;
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Triazolam (halcion)
- Clorazepate (tranxene)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
The benzos listed above are divided into mild and strong. The milder benzos have short term effects and are commonly used for anxiety attacks. But the stronger benzos (which are also addictive) are used to treat conditions like insomnia because of their long term effects.
Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepines slow down nerve activity in the brain and central nervous system. This causes a feeling of calm hence its use as a tranquilizer and muscle relaxant.
With studies showing higher and higher numbers of benzodiazepines-related ER visits, a question arises. Are benzos addictive?
Yes, but over long term use. Like all other addictive substances, benzos addicts keep using to sustain the same “high” they achieved at first. The brain builds resistance to benzodiazepines over time and with constant use. As stated earlier, this prompts the patient to up their dosage to achieve the initial reaction.
If Benzodiazepines are addictive, why are they prescribed as drugs? Benzos are only addictive with long term usage.
When used for short periods or even on one-off occasions, the chances of addiction are vastly reduced. Addiction only occurs when patients use it constantly, making the body adapt to the continuous presence of benzos.
Signs You or Your Loved One Is Abusing Benzodiazepines
A lot of people abuse benzodiazepines. As a result, it is crucial to know the signs of benzodiazepine addiction so you can seek treatment.
- Excessive borrowing to meet up with the body’s demand for more benzos
- Drowsiness
- Mood swings
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slow Breathing
- Slow reflexes
- Low blood pressure
- Emotional numbness
- Poor decisions
Benzodiazepines might seem to be the “lesser” evil compared to other addictive substances like opioids and alcohol. Unfortunately, addicts to benzos find out too late that it isn’t so.
Studies have shown that benzos have dire side effects on the cognitive abilities of addicts. But most importantly, the withdrawal process can be fatal if not handled well by a professional.
How to Stop Using Benzos at Laguna View Detox Can Help
Of all addictive substances, benzodiazepines have one of the worst withdrawal symptoms. This is pivotal to note if you’re a benzos addict looking for help. Please don’t attempt to self medicate.
The chemical changes benzodiazepine causes can also set off dangerous complications when sufferers try to get sober. Without the right treatment, these signs can turn into life-threatening seizures.
So what can you do? Look for a certified treatment center that offers personalized treatment for benzos addiction. Why? The process for weaning off benzos needs to be customized and monitored since it can be fatal, and that’s what we offer.
Don’t let benzos addiction take over your life. Contact Laguna View Detox today so you can begin your journey to recovery.