Colloquially known as benzos, benzodiazepines are sedatives that slow down the central nervous system (CNS), often prescribed for anxiety or insomnia. In the U.S., they’re prescription-only and illegal to buy or sell without one due to their addictive nature and serious risks, requiring doctor supervision. If you suspect that your benzo use has become benzo abuse, consider a benzo addiction treatment program. In a safe setting, you will receive evidence-based treatment and professional care.
Whether you are unsure if you have a benzo habit or are already certain that you have a tolerance for or addiction to these drugs, reach out for help. If you have tried to quit but feel benzo withdrawal symptoms starting when you do so, you will benefit from professional support. Call The Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169 to learn more.
Recognizing Common Benzodiazepines
Not every benzodiazepine is identical in its use or purpose. Certain benzos, including Triazolam (Halcion), Etizolam (ProSom), Flurazepam (Dalmane), Temazepam (Restoril), and Midazolam (Versed), are specifically prescribed for short-term conditions like episodic insomnia or bouts of anxiety.
Other benzos have longer-lasting effects and stay in your body for an extended period. Mainly used for anxiety disorders, they need medical guidance and a prescription for safe use. However, tolerance and addiction can still occur. The most common long-term benzos are:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Other recognizable names in this category include chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), halazepam (Paxipam), and oxazepam (Serax). Regardless of the manufacturer or the name of the drug, benzos are addictive and come with specific risks.
Benzo Abuse and Its Side Effects
It is not uncommon for people to stop following directions in their use of benzos. As their tolerance builds, they find they want to increase their dose or take extra doses throughout the day. At this point, use has become benzo abuse, which is defined as any use outside that which is prescribed. Some of the common side effects of benzos include:
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
- Nausea
Less common symptoms include headaches, tremors, changes in libido, double vision, incontinence, low blood pressure, hallucinations, and memory problems. When a drug causes side effects that are opposite to what is intended, it is called paradoxical effects. In cases of benzo abuse, some individuals may experience paradoxical effects such as aggression, depression, anxiety, anger, restlessness, agitation, irritability, and nightmares.
Long-term misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to persistent side effects. Still, these can be averted by seeking assistance as soon as you notice a deviation from your prescription norms or if you find yourself seeking benzodiazepines beyond your doctor’s advice. Such long-term consequences include feeling detached from reality, difficulties with concentration, memory impairment, increased impatience, a sense of detachment, and a diminished sense of self-confidence. If you think you have a problem, please call 1.844.768.0169 today to learn more about benzo addiction treatment.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
In a rehab program for benzo abuse and addiction, the first step is a medically supervised detox. At The Right Step Houston, our inpatient detox manages benzo withdrawal symptoms, clearing the drug from your body to start recovery on a healthy foundation. Your treatment team, including a physician, will oversee your detox. Safe medications help ease withdrawal symptoms. Therapists and addiction specialists provide support during and after withdrawal. Symptoms of benzo withdrawal you might experience include:
- Irritability
- Increased anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Tremors
- Sleep problems
- Poor concentration
- Sweating
- Nausea and dry retching
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle pain
- Perceptual changes
- Headache
For long-term or high-dose benzo dependency, seizures and temporary psychosis can occur during withdrawal.
Call The Right Step Houston Today to Learn More About Benzo Withdrawal and Treatment
At The Right Step Houston, we want to help you break free of benzo addiction. You don’t need to be beholden to a substance that has you in its grip. Reach out by calling 1.844.768.0169 or submitting this form. Our experienced, professional clinicians provide evidence-based care to people who want to begin recovery. We offer a robust alumni program after rehab to keep track of you and continue to provide appropriate support.