Most of the time, when we are prescribed a drug, it is to treat a particular condition that we have. This is the case for colds, injuries, and mental disorders. However, not everyone realizes that many of these drugs can be highly addictive when used more often or in ways not intended by the doctor who issued the prescription. In some cases, due to this, people become addicted without even realizing it. When this happens, it’s essential to know what to look for to realize that someone is addicted and whether or not they may be going through withdrawal. In most cases, it only takes a few hours after stopping drug use to begin withdrawal. For this reason, it is important to recognize this quickly and to get the help a person needs. In fact, many people don’t realize that withdrawal can be deadly if not medically supervised.
At Hillside Mission Recovery, we believe that everyone should have the chance to recover from drug addiction safely. Part of that means having the information they need to understand the drugs they’re using and the potential for withdrawal. In this post, we will discuss benzodiazepines, what they are, how they affect the body, and the symptoms of withdrawal. We will also discuss how to find benzo addiction treatment. Besides knowing the symptoms of benzo withdrawal and benzo detox signs, it’s important to know where to get help when the time comes.
What are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines or benzos are considered psychoactive drugs. They’re used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, neurological issues like seizures, and certain other conditions in combination with other drugs. They work by reacting with certain receptors in the brain and either blocking or slowing the function of signals that are sent and received. They’re widely prescribed and considered highly effective in treating most brain-related conditions.
Benzos are typically tightly controlled and regulated and are only available through a medical prescription. This means that most often, people require them due to their condition. As we discussed, a person may be prescribed benzos in combination with other drugs to treat a specific condition, not just an issue with the brain or central nervous system.
Are Benzos Addictive?
Not only are benzos addictive, as are most other drugs, but benzos are also particularly addictive because they interact with both the brain receptors and the central nervous system. Over time and continued use develops a chemical dependency that the body then relies on to function normally. This typically leads to increased dosages and higher usage rates even among those prescribed the drug.
For a person who has not been prescribed the drug or who has stopped usage but then starts using illicitly, the person will continue to find other means of acquiring the drug, using more and more, and even changing the method in which they use the drug. Eventually, a person will then move from dependency to full-blown addiction. At this point, a person will continue to use benzos despite negative consequences.
Do Benzos Require Detox?
Like a new drug that is addictive and affects the body in some way, benzos do indeed require detox. Within a few hours of stopping use of benzos, a person may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms of the drug. This is because the body has gotten used to having the substance and can no longer function normally without it. Essentially the body begins to behave abnormally without the presence of the drug, and these side effects can often be problematic and even deadly if combined with other medical conditions. That is why it is always advised to seek detox treatment in a medically supervised environment.
What Are the Signs of Benzo Withdrawal?
It is important to get a person help immediately if they’re going through withdrawal from benzo dies of pains, but in order to understand the withdrawal process, it is important to know the signs of a benzo withdrawal.
Signs of benzo withdrawal can range from anxiety fatigue, depression, muscle spasms, and headaches to severe symptoms such as grand mal seizures and deliriousness. Other symptoms include sweats, vomiting, inability to focus, and heart palpitations. Depending on the length of use, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health, the signs and symptoms of withdrawal can be different for each individual.
How to Find Benzo Addiction Treatment?
The first step to finding benzo addiction treatment is to admit you have a problem. Once you’ve done that, the next step is to come to our treatment center in Mission Viejo at Hillside Mission. There, we offer an inpatient residential stay at our luxurious facility that includes Southern California detox and a wide array of treatment options that are designed to get to the root cause of your addiction
Our highly trained medical staff will be there to supervise you 24/7 and be with you throughout the entire process. Once treatment is complete, we offer aftercare services to continue the recovery and give you the best chances of success when returning to a normal life. If you or someone you know is suffering from a benzo addiction, please contact Hillside Mission Recovery today.
