As you navigate the complex world of prescription medications, it’s crucial to understand the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly harmless pills. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium, are widely prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, but their misuse can lead to devastating consequences. In this article, we’ll explore the alarming side effects of abusing these powerful drugs and the growing epidemic of benzodiazepine addiction. You’ll learn about recent statistics, cutting-edge research, and the most effective treatment options available. Whether you’re concerned about your own use or that of a loved one, this information will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.
Call Evoke Wellness at Miramar today (833) 819-6066 or reach out online.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos,” are a class of psychoactive drugs that act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which inhibits nerve impulses and produces a calming, sedative effect.
Common Uses & Effects
Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed to treat a range of conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
When taken as directed, benzodiazepines can provide relief from anxiety, muscle tension, and insomnia. However, they also carry a risk of physical and psychological dependence, especially with long-term use. Potential side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and memory problems.
Snorting crushed benzodiazepine pills can lead to severe consequences, such as nasal cavity damage, respiratory issues, and increased risk of accidental overdose. Mixing benzos with other depressants like alcohol or opioids can be life-threatening.
Long-Term Effects & Addiction
Long-term benzodiazepine use can have adverse effects on the heart, body, and brain. For example, long-term Ativan (lorazepam) use can lead to bradycardia, low blood pressure, insomnia, constipation, and memory impairment. Benzodiazepine addiction often requires professional treatment, including medical detox and therapy, to achieve lasting recovery.
Side Effects of Abusing Xanax, Valium, and Other Benzodiazepines
Physical Side Effects
Long-term benzo abuse can lead to serious physical consequences. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, and fatigue. Chronic use has also been linked to respiratory depression, nausea, headaches, and blurred vision. In severe cases, benzodiazepine abuse may result in tremors, memory issues, or even coma.
Psychological Impact
Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium can significantly impact mental health. Users may experience anxiety, irritability, confusion, and mood swings. Paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis have also been reported with high doses. Long-term abuse can worsen depression and increase thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Dependence & Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive, and users can quickly develop physical and psychological dependence. Trying to quit “cold turkey” often leads to severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures, panic attacks, insomnia, and delirium tremens. According to a study published by Harvard Health, over 40% of long-term benzo users experienced moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Overdose Risks
When misused or combined with other depressants like alcohol or opioids, benzodiazepine overdose becomes a real risk. As reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, overdoses involving benzodiazepines increased from 519,000 in 1999 to 1.6 million in 2020. Overdose symptoms can include extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow heart rate, and coma.
At Evoke Wellness, our medically supervised detox and addiction treatment programs provide a safe, comprehensive way to overcome benzodiazepine dependence. Contact us to begin your journey toward recovery.
Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Abuse
Psychological Effects
As benzodiazepine abuse progresses, you may experience a range of psychological side effects. Memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating are common signs of benzo misuse. According to Stanford’s study, long-term use can also lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia – the very issues the drugs were meant to treat.
Physical Manifestations
Benzodiazepine abuse takes a toll on the body. Slurred speech, lack of coordination, and drowsiness are telltale physical signs. Over time, you may develop a worrying tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. As noted by experts, this significantly increases the risk of overdose.
Behavioral Changes
Your behavior can change dramatically with benzodiazepine addiction. Mood swings, irritability, and aggression often surface as side effects. Social withdrawal, secrecy about drug use, and a loss of interest in hobbies are other common red flags. Studies show that obtaining and using benzos may become your sole focus.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Trying to quit benzos cold turkey after developing dependence can trigger harsh withdrawal effects. Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and even seizures may occur, underscoring the importance of professional medical detox. As experts warn, withdrawal can be life-threatening without proper treatment.
By recognizing these behavioral signs early on, you can get the comprehensive addiction treatment you need to safely overcome benzodiazepine dependence. Reach out for help today.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms and Signs of Benzodiazepine Abuse
Potentially Severe Withdrawal Effects
Benzodiazepine abuse and dependence can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit cold turkey. As highlighted on Evoke Wellness’ blog, these include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, sweating, muscle spasms and pain, poor concentration, nausea, high blood pressure, agitation, and even life-threatening seizures. The intensity underscores the importance of medically-supervised detox to manage withdrawal safely.
Valium Addiction Dangers
For Valium (diazepam) specifically, withdrawal timelines involve acute symptoms like headaches, tremors, and panic attacks for the first week, followed by general withdrawals lasting up to two more weeks. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) with psychological effects like anxiety and depression can persist for months or years without proper treatment.
Bromazolam’s Intense Effects
The potent benzodiazepine bromazolam produces drowsiness, impaired coordination, nausea, and mood swings, according to Evoke’s expertise. Its high abuse potential stems from its intense sedation, amnesia, and psychological addiction marked by irritability, memory issues, and depression when not using.
Valium’s Deceptive Potency
Even perceived “weaker” benzos like Valium carry major risks. Around 20% misuse Valium, leading to slurred speech, poor judgment, mood swings, and decreased cognitive and social functioning over time. Its calming effects mask a powerful addiction potential requiring professional treatment.
The Dangers of Mixing Benzodiazepines with Other Drugs
Alcohol: A Lethal Combination
Mixing benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin with alcohol is an extremely hazardous practice. Both substances are classified as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity and vital functions. Combining alcohol and benzos can severely impair judgment, speech, vision, heart rate, and most alarmingly, respiratory function – putting individuals at high risk of accidental overdose, coma, and death.
Opioids: A Leading Cause of Overdose
Mixing benzodiazepines with opioid painkillers or heroin is another leading cause of accidental overdose fatalities in the United States. Over 30% of opioid overdoses involve benzodiazepines, as both drug classes are potent CNS depressants that can dangerously suppress breathing and heart rate when combined. This lethal combination has contributed to the nation’s devastating opioid epidemic.
Stimulants: A Risky “Speedball”
Some individuals may attempt to counteract the sedative effects of benzos by mixing them with stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine, creating a dangerous “speedball” effect. However, the stimulant effects can mask the depressant effects, causing individuals to take higher doses of the benzo, which can lead to respiratory failure and sudden death.
Seeking Professional Help
Attempting to mix or “potentiate” benzodiazepines with other substances is a clear sign of substance use disorder or addiction. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we provide comprehensive treatment programs tailored to each individual’s needs, including medically supervised detox, residential care, dual diagnosis support, and an alumni network. Our evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches empower individuals to achieve lasting recovery and reclaim their lives from the grips of benzodiazepine addiction. Do not hesitate to reach out for help today.
Getting Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Seek Professional Support
Overcoming benzodiazepine addiction requires professional medical guidance and support. Attempting to quit “cold turkey” can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening due to the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with these medications. As noted on evokewellnessfl.com, benzo potentiation and mixing with other depressants like alcohol and opioids greatly increases overdose risks.
Detox Under Medical Supervision
The first step is to undergo a supervised medical detox to allow the benzodiazepines to leave your system safely. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be extremely painful, with potential complications like seizures, so professional detox protocols are crucial for managing withdrawal effects. Medically-assisted detox uses carefully tapered dosages and adjunct medications to minimize discomfort.
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
Once stabilized, comprehensive inpatient or outpatient treatment addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of benzodiazepine dependence. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and prevent relapse. Holistic wellness approaches support mental, emotional and physical healing. Peer support groups provide empathy and accountability.
FAQ on Side Effects of Abusing Xanax, Valium, and Benzos
What are the common side effects?
- Drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech
- Impaired coordination and memory problems
- Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
- Dependence and addiction with long-term use
Are there severe side effects?
Yes, abusing benzos like Xanax and Valium can lead to life-threatening issues. Overdosing on high doses can cause coma, stopped breathing, and even death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 30% of overdoses involving opioids also involve benzodiazepines.
Can benzos be deadly when mixed with other drugs?
Absolutely. Taking benzos with alcohol, opioids or other depressants amplifies their sedating effects. This dangerous combination greatly increases the risk of overdose, respiratory failure, and death.
How addictive are benzos?
Very addictive, both physically and psychologically. With repeated use, your brain becomes dependent on benzos to function normally. Abruptly stopping can trigger intense withdrawal symptoms like seizures, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. Seeking professional treatment is crucial for safely overcoming benzo addiction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dangers of abusing benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium cannot be overstated. The side effects and risks of addiction are severe, with potentially life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzo abuse, know that help is available. Evoke Wellness at Miramar offers comprehensive benzo addiction treatment programs tailored to individual needs. Our evidence-based approaches include medical detox, therapy, and aftercare planning to support long-term recovery. Don’t let benzo addiction control your life – reach out today to explore treatment options and take the first step toward reclaiming your health and wellbeing. Recovery is possible with the right support and care.
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness at Miramar
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness at Miramar invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. In Miramar, you’ll find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call Evoke Wellness at Miramar today (833) 819-6066 or reach out online.
