Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, can be quite dangerous when used other than directed. This is primarily due to the quickness with which dependence and addiction can form. After three to four weeks of regular use, a person will likely experience withdrawal when they stop, which means they’ve become physically dependent on the drug. Drug dependency may happen quickly if a person abuses an amount more than is typically prescribed.
At Texas Recovery Center, we can help you identify the most commonly used benzodiazepines to bring awareness to possible addiction. If you or someone you care about needs a benzo addiction treatment program in Scurry, Texas, we can help. Contact Texas Recovery Center at 844.230.5931 today, and speak to an addiction treatment specialist about your options.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepine medications treat anxiety disorders, including panic, insomnia, and seizure. Sometimes, they may also help to relax your muscles or relieve symptoms brought on by quitting alcohol. These drugs are often taken because they create a calming, sedative, and tranquilizing effect. However, these properties make these substances appealing to many individuals who use them recreationally.
Benzos can create a dopamine rush when used in larger quantities, much like other addictive drugs. Dopamine is responsible for creating a sense of reward and pleasure, feelings that enforce patterns of drug seeking and using. When dopamine floods a person’s brain, it creates a pleasurable effect that encourages them to use the drug again. As drug use becomes more frequent, a person’s body, mind, and behaviors will begin to change.
Most Commonly Used Benzodiazepines
When used as prescribed, benzodiazepine drugs help treat various conditions. However, the most commonly prescribed benzos are those which can be easily abused:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
Benzos are frequently taken orally. However, some individuals may try to smoke, snort or inject these substances. Benzodiazepines can also be known as candy, downers, sleeping pills, or “tranks.”
Signs of Benzodiazepine Use
One of the best ways to prevent addiction, second to abstinence, is to spot and address drug use patterns before they escalate into addiction. While benzodiazepines create a calming effect on the brain, they can also cause a person to act uncharacteristically. In addition, many of the physical side effects of benzodiazepine use look like the first stages of drunkenness. Benzodiazepine use can cause the following mental and emotional changes:
- Confusion
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Emotional numbness
- Fuzzy thoughts
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired memory
- Losing one’s inhibitions
Benzodiazepine use can cause the following physical changes:
- Altered vision
- Changes in breathing
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Impaired motor coordination
- Low blood pressure
- Poor reflexes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sedation
- Speech troubles
- Vertigo
- Unexplainable drowsiness
- Withdrawal
Addicted people frequently push close friends and family away or steal their medications. Misusing a personal prescription or someone else’s is a dangerous choice that can lead to addiction.
Dangers of Benzodiazepine Use
Addiction and overdose are the two greatest dangers of benzodiazepine addiction. Benzodiazepines are frequently combined with other medicines, which increases the risk of overdose. Dangers of benzodiazepine use include:
- Congenital disabilities
- An increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s
- Elderly persons who use benzos have an increased risk of falls and injuries
- A state which causes agitation, hostility, rage, or violence
Benzodiazepine intoxication can slow a person’s reaction time, significantly impairing their driving ability. The more a person uses these substances, the greater the damage to their life. Like all forms of drug use, benzodiazepine use can destroy a person’s quality of life. As a person becomes addicted and use becomes chronic, their physical and mental health, relationships, career, and social functioning can all begin to suffer.
The Most Commonly Used Benzodiazepines Can Damage Lives
Benzodiazepines treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. However, these most commonly used benzodiazepines can lead to addiction and other serious problems. It’s important to understand that these most frequently used benzodiazepines can have such a detrimental effect on many lives. Anyone using these prescribed benzodiazepines should be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect themselves. There are a few things to keep in mind to keep you safe from an addiction to benzos:
- If you are taking benzodiazepines, do not share your medication with others
- Do not take more of the medication than prescribed by your doctor
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse
- Monitor your use of the drug, and be sure to report any changes in your behavior to your doctor
These tips can help you stay safe while using benzodiazepines. However, the best way to avoid addiction is to abstain from using these most commonly prescribed drugs.
Learn More About the Most Commonly Used Benzos That Can Cause Addiction at Texas Recovery Center
Understanding the most commonly used benzos can be the most effective way to reduce your addiction risk. While these are some of the most widely prescribed drugs, they can also be some of the most addictive. And if you or someone you care about is facing benzo addiction, getting help to recover is essential and isn’t something to be ashamed about. Benzodiazepine addiction is treatable, and a balanced recovery is possible. Contact us today at 844.230.5931 to speak to an addiction treatment specialist and learn more about your options and how we can help you regain control of your life.
