Benzodiazepines are widely used by the general public because, well, they help people relax. Benzodiazepines, a type of prescription sedative often given for anxiety under brand names including Ativan, Xanax, and Valium, are placed on Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act. The anxiety-reducing effects of these drugs are a direct result of their action on GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), a neurotransmitter. The elevated sense of well-being that follows soon produces devoted fans among its users, which can be problematic for some. Most people are aware that they should take their medication exactly as prescribed, but some may not realize the seriousness of the situation if they don’t. The chemical makeup and mechanism of action of benzos make them particularly vulnerable to addiction. This blog on benzodiazepine addiction by experts from Taylor Recovery Center, a renowned luxury rehab center, will focus on a few matters surrounding benzodiazepine addiction including how it occurs, tips on preventing it, and benzodiazepine addiction treatment options.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are a class of drugs often used to treat psychiatric problems like anxiety and panic disorders, as well as seizures and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Benzos are physiologically and mentally addicting and can lead to withdrawal symptoms when consumption is abruptly stopped.
How Does Benzodiazepines Work?
By decelerating communication and activity between the body and the brain, benzodiazepines are classified as sedatives. Many people turn to these medications when they need help sleeping, calming down, preventing seizures, or relaxing their muscles.
Causes of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Many elements work together to cause benzodiazepine addiction. First, while benzodiazepines may initially help people who suffer from anxiety, insomnia, or other disorders, there is a risk that they will become dependent on the pills. Second, addiction can develop from the misuse or recreational use of drugs for the purpose of achieving a state of calm or exhilaration. Finally, tolerance can lead to an unintended loop of increasing use, as higher doses are required to produce the same benefit. Benzodiazepine addiction is complex since it can result from a person’s tolerance to the drug, their medical usage of the drug, and their experimentation with the drug.
Tips on How to Stay Off of Benzo Addiction
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of being addicted to benzos, there are steps you can take to keep yourself in check.
- Never exceed the recommended dosage of benzodiazepines.
- Learn the signs of benzo addiction early enough.
- Seek help whenever you spot the signs of benzodiazepine addiction.
Options for Treating Benzodiazepine Addiction
Because of the potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine use, many treatment plans incorporate the assistance of medical detoxification programs and specialist treatment centers. Tapering down drug use, as opposed to abruptly stopping use, is the safest and most often advised treatment. Many withdrawal symptoms can be avoided or lessened by gradually decreasing drug consumption under the supervision of a medical expert.
In addition to receiving immediate medical and emotional assistance, those who seek benzodiazepine addiction treatment also have the chance to learn skills that will help them avoid future relapses. It is suggested that those who have found success in discontinuing benzodiazepine use continue to get counseling and follow-up support.
Breaking Free: Taylor Recovery Center – Your Path to Benzodiazepine Addiction Recovery
Break free from benzodiazepine addiction at Taylor Recovery Center, Houston’s best luxury rehab. For long-term sobriety, try one of our tried-and-true programs. Here, therapeutic knowledge and compassion come together to support your healing and aid in your pursuit of independence. Take the next bold step in your life today and regain the vigor and meaning you once knew. Get in touch with Taylor Recovery Center; we value you more than just a paying customer. Our treatment programs which encompass both holistic (CBT, MI, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, etc.) and conventional methods (Inpatient, Medical Detox, PHP, Outpatient, etc.) are customized to meet each client’s needs.
