Today, millions of Americans struggle with anxiety disorders. One of the most common treatments for anxiety disorders is a class of prescriptions known as benzodiazepines. These medications are also referred to as benzos for short. Common brand-name examples are Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Benzos provide needed relief to many people who struggle with an anxiety disorder. But they can also be habit-forming if not used with care and exactly according to prescription instructions. Recognizing the signs of benzo addiction early can make an important difference in someone’s recovery journey.
Reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885 to learn about benzo addiction treatment and how it could benefit you or a loved one.
The signs of benzo addiction typically fall into one of two categories: psychological or physical. We will explore both categories in more detail below:
The symptoms of benzo abuse often make themselves known as cognitive challenges. One symptom of benzo addiction is often mental confusion and difficulty processing or focusing for extended periods of time. People who suffer from benzo addiction may also be more irritable, are easily annoyed at the smallest things, and lose interest in activities or hobbies they previously enjoyed.
Lethargy is perhaps one of the biggest signs of benzo addiction. Benzos are a type of central nervous system depressant. That is how they relieve intense anxiety. The problem is that when they are abused, that depressant effect goes too far and results in severe apathy or disengagement in life.
Do not ignore the signs of benzo addiction. If left unaddressed, the psychological symptoms of benzo addiction can actually lead to lasting damage. People who abuse benzos for an extended length of time are in danger of impaired cognition, memory issues, confusion, and a lack of coordination. Most of the time, this damage is reversible through dedicated benzo addiction treatment. Nonetheless, early intervention remains key.
Physical symptoms of benzo abuse may be easier to recognize than the psychological signs. They can be thought of as the outward manifestation of the psychological effects of this kind of drug abuse. Potential physical signs of benzo abuse include:
When you recognize the signs of benzo abuse in yourself or a loved one, connect with a trusted addiction treatment provider right away. Many people try to quit using on their own when they realize they have a problem. Not only is that rarely effective, it can also be dangerous in the case of benzo addiction. That is because the withdrawal symptoms related to benzos can be difficult to manage and may be life-threatening in some cases. For example, people with severe benzo addictions are at risk of seizures during an improperly managed withdrawal.
The benefit of accessing care during withdrawal is that providers like San Antonio Recovery Center know how to guide people through the detox process safely. People who detox in a medically supervised setting are in little to no danger. Withdrawal symptoms may still produce discomfort. However, they won't be life-threatening.
Unchecked benzo addictions may spiral out of control. The longer an addiction lasts, the more likely it is for someone to take more risks in seeking out benzos or even harder drugs. Some people also begin to mix drug use over time, which increases the risk of overdose.
Benzo addiction treatment offers a way out and an opportunity to reclaim a healthy, productive life. When you recognize the signs of benzo addiction, call 866.957.7885 to let San Antonio Recovery Center provide the necessary intervention.
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