BENZO REHAB
Signs & Symptoms of Benzodiazepines Addiction
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are sedatives prescribed for anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal but can lead to addiction, especially with misuse. Known by names like Valium and Xanax, they contributed to 3,848 UK addiction cases in 2021, highlighting their risks.
What are Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines is a synthetic type of sedative used in official medicine for treating a range of disorders such as anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms. It is also commonly used as sedation before surgical intervention and even to combat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The latter occasionally leads to a dual diagnosis where the patient has not been successfully treated for alcohol addiction and also comes away with a newly-developed benzodiazepines addiction.
This medication works by calming the brain and nerves and should not be used as a long-term remedy.
Benzodiazepines or ‘benzos’ are available under various brand names and disguises – the most popular being Valium, Diazepam, Xanax, Restoril, Ativan and Klonopin.
The borderline between normal medial use of sedatives and development of benzodiazepines addiction is often vague. The dosage is calculated based on age, weight and other factors. It’s usually when the patients increase the dosage themselves that the trouble starts.
Although benzos are not as widespread as the A-class drugs, there are still thousands of people suffering from addiction symptoms in the UK every year. In 2021, there were 3,848 people receiving treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. Abuse of this medication can lead to several significant dangers
Physical, psychological and behavioural signs of benzodiazepines addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction can be insidious, with many signs manifesting physically, psychologically, and behaviourally. Severity of signs of addiction depend on individual tolerance of sedatives and other specific factors.
Cognitive Impairment
Long-term use can impair cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. Despite the prevailing opinion that negative effects clear up with cessation of use, there are plenty of studies suggesting that prolonged use of benzos lead to motor neuron damage and impairment of verbal reasoning, executive function, sensory processing and concentration.
Sedation
Persistent drowsiness and fatigue can affect daily functioning and increase the risk of accidents, particularly while driving or operating machinery.
Respiratory Depression
In severe cases, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol, diazepam can significantly slow down breathing, potentially leading to respiratory failure.
Mental Health Issues
Extended use can exacerbate mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, rather than alleviate them.
Poor Coordination
Difficulty with motor skills, leading to clumsiness or frequent accidents.
Speech Problems
Slurred speech or difficulty articulating words clearly.
Memory Issues
Mood Swings
Rapid changes in mood, including increased irritability and aggression.
Paranoia and Anxiety
Depression
Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Behavioural Changes
Doctor Shopping
Visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions.
Neglect of Responsibilities
Social Isolation
Individuals may withdraw from social activities due to the sedative effects and stigma associated with addiction.
Financial Issues
The cost of ongoing medication and potential loss of employment due to impaired cognitive and physical abilities can lead to financial difficulties.
Strained Relationships
Recognising these signs early can be crucial for seeking appropriate help and intervention. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for support and treatment options.
Given these risks, long-term use of diazepam should be carefully monitored by healthcare professionals, with regular evaluations to assess the necessity of continued therapy and explore alternative treatments.
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Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzodiazepines
Withdrawal from benzos can be challenging and causes the patient to struggle both physically and psychologically: Abrupt cessation after long-term use can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, psychosis, tremors, and intense anxiety. Tapering off the medication under medical supervision is crucial. Diazepam is not a drug that can be stopped “cold turkey” style.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines should always be conducted under medical supervision, preferably with a gradual tapering of the dose to minimise symptoms and reduce the risk of severe complications like seizures. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately.
Withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines:
- Tremors - Shaking, especially in the hands
- Muscle Pain - Generalised muscle aches and tension
- Increased Heart Rate - Palpitations or a racing heart
- Nausea & Vomiting - Gastrointestinal distress leading to frequent vomiting
- Seizures - Risk of seizures, particularly with abrupt discontinuation
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks - Heightened feelings of fear and anxiety
- Depression - Severe depressive episodes
- Irritability - Increased agitation and frustration
- Restlessness - Inability to stay still and feeling constantly on edge
- High Blood Pressure - Elevated blood pressure levels
- Insomnia - Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Symptoms of Benzo Overdose
Although not as common as other drug overdose, Diazepam can be overdosed; and consequences can be equally as damaging. Benzodiazepine overdose requires immediate medical attention. Here are the main symptoms:
Main symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose:
- Extreme Drowsiness - Severe and persistent sleepiness, often unresponsive to attempts to wake the individual.
- Confusion and dizziness - Loss of balance with disorientation and difficulty understanding what is happening around them. Lack of physical coordination, leading to stumbling or inability to walk properly.
- Slurred Speech - Difficulty speaking clearly, with a noticeable slurring of words.
- Blurred Vision - Difficulty seeing clearly, often with a sense of fogginess.
- Respiratory Depression - Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing, which can lead to respiratory failure in severe cases.
- Muscle Weakness - Overall weakness, making it hard to perform simple tasks.
- Blurred Vision - Difficulty seeing clearly, often with a sense of fogginess.
- Coma - In extreme cases, the individual may become unresponsive and slip into a coma.
Is There Such a Thing as Benzodiazepine Rehab?
As a substance with complex and impactful mechanism of action, treating benzo addiction often requires a complex approach.
Treating benzodiazepine addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of dependency. Recovery begins with medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. In some cases, longer-acting benzodiazepines or other medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.
Then we use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address the psychological aspects of addiction and develop coping strategies.
Additional benzo treatment methods include counselling sessions with a counsellor or therapist to address personal issues related to addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to treat underlying depression or anxiety as well as holistic and alternative therapies like mindfulness exercises and meditation.
The final step is aftercare and relapse prevention giving the person a new structure and coping mechanisms “on the outside”.Effective treatment for benzodiazepine addiction often involves a combination of these methods, tailored to the individual’s needs.
Collaboration between medical professionals, therapists, and support networks is crucial for successful recovery.
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