Benzo Addiction: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Detox & Treatment

What is Benzo Addiction?

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are addictive prescription drugs that need to be used long-term. Benzos, including Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, are usually prescribed for anxiety disorders, insomnia, and panic disorders. Yet, when used long-term, benzodiazepines change the brain’s reward system by boosting chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. The brain becomes physically and psychologically addicted over time and needs these drugs to feel normal.

Benzodiazepines are highly effective if used for a short term, but they are highly susceptible to abuse, and benzo addiction quickly occurs. Benzos, when used at prescribed dosages and escalated, result in euphoria, relaxation, and tranquility. This results in most people abusing them, and benzo addiction soon looms.

Types of Benzodiazepines

There are several benzodiazepines, and doctors might choose one over another depending on a patient’s needs. Some of the most popular benzos are:

• Alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Diazepam (Valium, Diastat)
• Temazepam (Restoril)

These drugs work by calming the central nervous system and reducing the risk of conditions like:

• Anxiety disorders
• Seizure disorders
• Insomnia
• Social anxiety disorder

Although they are psychotherapeutic, they are addictive, especially when abused or taken over a long period.

What Causes Benzo Addiction?

Benzodiazepines are addictive because they impact dopamine, a pleasure and reward neurotransmitter. Benzos increase the amount of dopamine in the brain for a short while, reducing stress or anxiety. The brain gets used to it and needs more of the drug to have the same effect, leading to benzodiazepine dependence.

Individuals are also benzo-dependent because they offer quick respite from mental illnesses like insomnia or anxiety. Chronic use, however, leads them to feel that they are unable to get along without the drug.

Benzodiazepine Side Effects

Even though benzos are effective in the management of insomnia and anxiety, they have side effects. Their most frequent side effects are:

• Sleepiness
• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Tremor or shaking
• Impairment of coordination
• Visual disturbances
• Drowsiness
• Depressive feelings
• Headaches

These side effects also occur when there is an intake or consumption of the drug at a higher dose than the prescribed benzodiazepines dosage.

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Symptoms of Benzo Addiction

Physical as well as behavioral addiction to benzodiazepines is true. Some of the symptoms of benzo dependence are mentioned below. Some addictions to benzodiazepines can lead to life-threatening conditions.

Physical Symptoms:

• Weakening or fatigue
• Distorted vision
• Sedation or drowsiness
• Impaired thinking and judgment
• Risk behavior such as driving while intoxicated
• Coordination problems

Behavioral Symptoms:

• “Doctor shopping” to obtain prescriptions
• Supplying drugs to family or friends
• Not cutting back use even when you wish to
• Increased dose of benzodiazepines or frequency increase
• Wasting too much time getting or misusing benzos
• Taking benzodiazepines along with other prescription drugs or alcohol

If one realizes they are exhibiting these symptoms, it’s time to seek the advice of medical professionals for addiction treatment.

Benzo Long-Term Side Effects of Addiction

Benzodiazepine dependence or abuse is likely to induce severe side effects, including:

• Physical Dependence: The body must continue to take the drug for normal functioning to occur.
• Cognitive Decline: Long-term use can impair learning, memory, and mental ability.
• Risk of Overdose: The longer you’re on benzos, the greater your risk of an overdose. Overdoses, especially with alcohol or opioids, are fatal.

Benzo Addiction Overdose

Benzodiazepine overdose is a danger, especially once the user has gained a drug tolerance. Benzo users will increasingly use higher doses to achieve the desired effect, and this exposes them to the risk of an overdose. The symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose are:

• Deep drowsiness or sedation
• Extremely shallow or slow respiration
• Confused and disorganized thoughts
• Slurred speech
• Involuntary loss of muscle function
• Coma (in extreme cases)

If you believe a person has a benzo overdose, call emergency services immediately. An overdose can be deadly, particularly with alcohol or other drugs.

Benzo Abuse Withdrawal Symptoms

If an individual who is dependent on a benzodiazepine abruptly stops using it, withdrawal from the benzodiazepine can occur. Withdrawal is painful and can be deadly if not treated by a medical professional. Symptoms of benzo withdrawal are:

• Muscle cramps and sore body
• Hyperventilation (excessive breathing)
• Sweating
• Weight loss
• Severe panic or anxiety attacks
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleeping difficulty or insomnia
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty concentrating

Because benzo withdrawal is hazardous, professional assistance is needed. Medical detox is most often required to make it through withdrawal in a safe manner.

Benzo Detoxification and Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal of the benzo itself will also vary from one person to another based on the type of benzo. Withdrawal is usually completed in the following steps.

• Days 1-3: Withdrawal symptoms appear, including anxiety, mood swings, and sleep changes.
• Days 7-14: The withdrawal symptoms are at their worst, and the individual will experience more severe symptoms, such as tremors, seizures, or hallucinations.
• Weeks 3-4: Symptom relief begins, but insomnia or anxiety might persist.
• Month 2+: Benzo withdrawal symptoms can take months in people who have been taking benzos for a long time.

The intervention of medical treatment may simplify withdrawal, and tapering the drug under the guidance of a doctor can help decrease the severity of symptoms.

Benzodiazepine Abuse Treatment at We Level Up Washington

Treatment for addiction to benzos is most often a combination of detox, therapy, and follow-up support. The aim is not merely abstinence from the drug, but dealing with the reasons for addiction, as well as assisting the user to lead a healthier, drug-free life. This is how treatment for substance use disorders usually occurs:

• Detoxification: Doctor-supervised detox is the initial step to eliminate benzodiazepines safely from the system. Supervised detox enables the withdrawal symptoms to be addressed in a controlled manner and makes the process as safe and comfortable as possible.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a successful treatment for overcoming the psychological aspect of addiction. CBT helps identify and alter negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
• Group Therapy: Support groups enable connection with others who face similar challenges. It encourages and motivates them to learn from and teach one another.
• Relapse Prevention Strategies: Coping skills, healthy habits, and relapse prevention techniques are taught to patients to help them manage cues and stress without resorting to benzodiazepines.

Take Back Your Life from Benzo Addiction

Addiction to benzos can be considered an impossible task, but recovery is possible through the proper intervention. If you or a loved one is addicted to benzos, We Level Up Washington rehabilitation center can help you.

Our caring professionals will guide you through the detox process and support you throughout your long-term recovery. Through the right treatment programs, you can reclaim control of your life and build a healthier, brighter future.

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Conclusion

Benzo addiction is a serious illness, but don’t forget that you can heal with proper care and support. If you or someone you love is benzo-dependent, don’t hesitate—seek help immediately. We Level Up Washington is here to help you detox and heal, with the loving care you deserve. Call us today at (509) 348-4077 to begin your path to a healthier, addiction-free life.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.