Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription medication most commonly used to treat moderate or severe anxiety-related disorders. Some benzodiazepines might be used to treat sleep-related disorders, like insomnia, and some might be used to treat the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal in a medically monitored detox setting. There are many types of benzodiazepines – both fast-acting and long-acting – and they are often used interchangeably. However, some might be used to exclusively treat one condition. The most common types of benzodiazepines are as follows:
- Valium (diazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Halcion (triazolam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
Benzodiazepine Addiction Signs and Symptoms
When any one of these medications is prescribed, it will be prescribed to be taken short-term – usually at the onset of a panic attack or any other especially disruptive symptoms of severe anxiety-related disorders. This is because all benzodiazepines are extremely potent and highly habit-forming. While when used as directed they are helpful medications, often addicts and alcoholics will abuse benzodiazepines to achieve a calming “high” that quickly spirals into an addiction. Over the past several years, over-prescription of benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan has led to a dramatic increase in cases of substance abuse and dependence. If you believe that someone you love has been suffering at the hands of a benzodiazepine abuse disorder, there are several telltale signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. While these signs are not foolproof, they will allow you to safely question and ask your friend, loved one, or family member about possible substance abuse. Interventions are also helpful once an addiction has been confirmed but the person is refusing to accept professional help.
Confirming Someone You Know is Addicted to Benzos
There are numerous telltale signs associated with benzodiazepine addiction. These symptoms include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Physical warning signs. There are many physical warning signs, including slurred speech and noticeable drowsiness. However, the behavioral symptoms associated with benzodiazepine abuse are generally far easier to spot.
- Isolation from friends and family members. Those who are abusing prescription medications will typically want more privacy because they will not want the symptoms of their substance abuse disorder to be noticed or addressed by their loved ones.
- A lack of interest in hobbies and activities that were previously enjoyed. Obtaining, abusing, and recovering from the effects of benzodiazepines becomes a top priority, and everything else falls by the wayside.
- Stealing prescriptions from friends and family members. Individuals who are suffering from prescription drug abuse very commonly raid the medicine cabinets of their loved ones in hopes of obtaining more of the medication they have been abusing.
- “Doctor shopping.” Those who have been grappling with a prescription drug abuse disorder will often make multiple appointments with numerous doctors in hopes of obtaining more than one prescription at a time. If you notice that your loved one has been seeing multiple doctors or has multiple prescriptions for the same medication, this is a telltale sign of benzodiazepine abuse.
- Your loved one lacks motivation which hurts his or her career or on his or her grades (if your loved one is still in school).
Benzodiazepine Detox at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Southern Florida is widely known as the “Recovery Capital” of the country for several reasons. Not only is the year-round warm weather and the serene coastal landscape extremely conducive to physical, mental, and emotional healing, but because there are so many reputable treatment centers throughout the region, clients will have no shortage of access to recovery-related resources once they complete our program. Choosing the right treatment center to meet all of your individualized needs can seem overwhelming. If you have been suffering at the hands of a benzodiazepine addiction for any length of time, our program of recovery will undeniably be a good match. Our team of highly experienced and licensed therapeutic professions has extensive backgrounds treating men and women of all ages who have been struggling with prescription drug abuse of any severity. For more information on our program of benzodiazepine addiction recovery or to begin your journey of healing, give Evoke Wellness at Miramar a call today.
