Signs of Benzo Abuse

Drug abuse treatment is an essential step towards sobriety for those who are dealing with a substance use disorder. Benzo addiction treatment has the potential to minimize withdrawal symptoms and to help students get back to a place of sobriety. It’s crucial to be able to recognize the signs of benzo abuse so that you or someone you love can get the help that is needed as soon as possible.

At Alina Lodge, we offer support for our students so they have all the tools needed on their road to sobriety. Call today at 833.685.1700 to learn about the intake process if someone you love is dealing with benzo addiction.

What Is Benzo Abuse?

Benzo abuse is abuse of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are drugs used to treat many legitimate medical conditions such as:

• Seizures
• Insomnia
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Muscle tension
• Anxiety

Benzos may also be used to induce anesthesia prior to medical procedures of some kinds, as well as for anxiety prior to medical procedures, such as surgery.

There are thousands of kinds of benzodiazepines, but only some of those are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Those drugs are classed as ultra-short acting, short-acting, and long-acting.

What Are Some Commonly Abused Benzodiazepines?

There are over a dozen benzodiazepines. Some of the most commonly used benzodiazepines include:

• Valium
• Niravam
• Xanax
• Librium
• Klonopin

These and other benzodiazepines work to sedate and calm individuals, as well as to perform other actions that help reduce seizure activity and muscle tension.

Those who develop an addiction to benzodiazepines have a hypnotic, sedative, or anxiolytic use disorder.

Know the Signs of Benzo Abuse

Many of the signs of benzo abuse are similar to those that occur with other addictions. The individual abusing the substance may become overly concerned about where the medications are or if they’ll have enough to last through the day. They may start to withdraw from their family and friends and isolate themselves.

Some will begin having withdrawal symptoms, like shaking, anxiety, drug cravings, and changes in behavior. Changes in behavior are most notable during withdrawal since it may cause anxiety, aggression, or other sudden changes as the medication leaves the body.

Changes in how a person acts are usually obvious to their loved ones. For example, if the person normally takes one Xanax each morning, you may notice that they suddenly try to hide how many they’re taking if you’re present or suggesting that they didn’t take the medication earlier in the day when they did.

They may spend much of their time recovering from the effects of the drug or need to take more to get the same effects. Most importantly, the individual will start going off from the prescription. They may take much more than is recommended.

What Are Some Benzo Abuse Symptoms?

Some physical signs of benzo abuse may include:

• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Coma
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness

Chronic misuse may lead to:

• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Anorexia
• Headaches

It is possible to overdose on benzodiazepines. If you suspect an overdose has occurred, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately.

Receive Compassionate Treatment for Benzo Abuse at Alina Lodge Today

At Alina Lodge, we know that a dependency and tolerance to a benzodiazepine medication may develop quickly. Even those who take them as recommended may find that it’s more difficult to get the effects they need with their normal dosage. If you or someone you love are dealing with benzo addiction and could benefit from drug abuse treatment, we can help. Call Alina Lodge today at 833.685.1700 to find out more about our treatment programs and how you can enroll yourself or someone else.