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Are Benzos Addictive?
Are Benzos Addictive?
Are Benzos Addictive?
Are Benzos Addictive?

It’s weird to think that the medications doctors prescribe could be addictive, but sometimes, they are. Benzodiazepines are an addictive medication used to treat many disorders and make life liveable for many individuals. However, misuse and abuse create unsafe and even deadly conditions.

At Indah Recovery, our goal is to create a safe space where individuals can focus on their individual path to recovery. Our intimate luxury facility is designed to provide safety, security, and support in a substance-free environment. We work with clients through detoxification from illegal and prescription drugs and transition our clients into innovative and supportive treatment through a combination of unique and traditional therapies to support our clients’ comprehensive wellbeing. 

Speak with an admissions counselor today.

What are Benzos?

Benzos are a street name for the drug benzodiazepine. These drugs are also commonly called “downers” because they act as a central nervous system suppressant. When used recreationally, benzos typically provide a blissful and peaceful high and can induce intense dreams. However, individuals can develop sensitivities to benzodiazepines, turning those blissful moments into increasingly terrifying times. 

What are Benzos Used to Treat?

When prescribed, benzos effectively treat anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and are even used to manage tremors and seizures due to their ability to depress the system.

Are Benzos Addictive?

Benzodiazepines are addictive even when used as prescribed. Prescribing physicians will monitor benzo use and assess clients frequently for signs of problematic use or abuse. Problematic use that can lead to benzo abuse includes:

  • Using the drug to get high.
  • Using more than prescribed.
  • Taking the medication in an unsafe way. 

Individuals who are using the drug to get high and not to regulate an anxiety or panic disorder are abusing and misusing the medication. Additionally, should the drug be obtained illegally, they are breaking the law and taking an unsafe medication. Benzodiazepine doses are prescribed based on an individual’s needs and length of use. When taken by another, who doesn’t match those specifications, this could be potentially fatal.

When a person takes more than they are prescribed or takes more frequently than prescribed, they can more quickly develop a dependence, tolerance, and addiction to the drug. Individuals who use benzodiazepines irresponsibly are putting themselves at a greater risk. 

Finally, taking benzodiazepine medication in an unsafe way can be fatal. Individuals who crush the drug to snort it or dissolve it in water, can make a regular dose potentially fatal. Additionally, when the drug is taken with other depressants, it can completely shut down the nervous system, such as breathing and heart function.

What are the Signs of Benzo Use?

Individuals who use benzodiazepines may experience the following: 

  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Impaired motor coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Slurred speech
  • Blurry vision
  • Mood swings

These extreme reactions lead to even more complex withdrawal symptoms. 

Individuals who use benzodiazepines should be aware that their use can be addictive and create dependence in their bodies. This means that if they quit using the medication, they can go through different levels of withdrawal starting 1-4 days after stopping use. 

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle Tension
  • Panic attacks
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Heart palpitations
  • Headache
  • Muscular pain

If you believe that you are addicted to your prescription or have been taking illegal benzos, it’s time to seek treatment at a facility that knows how to support your needs.

Benzo Addiction Treatment in Orange County, CA

At Indah Recovery, we support clients at a center that feels like home. Our luxury treatment provides clients the safety to detox and transition to recovery while recovering from substance abuse for good.

Our clients at Indah Recovery are interviewed and assessed to determine their treatment needs. Our combination of unique therapies helps our clients achieve a mental, physical, and emotional balance necessary for maintainable and sustainable recovery. 

Our clients can achieve their sobriety goals with Indah Recovery through dynamic treatment opportunities from clinical professionals.
Contact us today to develop your progressive addiction treatment plan.

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