Types of Benzos

Benzos like Valium and Xanax are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in America today. These medications have been proven effective in treating seizure disorders, panic attacks, and anxiety, but when used as prescribed, benzo abuse can occur. Regardless of the types of benzos used, they can become highly addictive, eventually leading to a dangerous addiction. If you or someone in your life is struggling with benzo abuse, reach out to the experienced, professional team at Alina Lodge online or call 833.685.1700 today to discuss how our benzo addiction treatment program can help.

What Are Benzos?

Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that can slow down activity in the central nervous system by producing the sensation of relaxation, sedation, and relief. When used correctly, benzos can successfully treat numerous mental health disorders, reducing the symptoms of:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Seizure disorders
• Muscle spasms
• Withdrawal during an alcohol detox

The use of benzos is now widespread across the United States, but sadly so is benzo abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of adults who filled a benzodiazepine prescription rose by 67% to a staggering 13.5 million between 1996 and 2013. Furthermore, in a study of over 300,000 people who received opioid prescriptions between 2001 and 2013, the percentage also being prescribed benzos rose to 17% in 2013 from just 9% at the start of those 12 years. Because of this, the need for benzo addiction treatment has grown as well.

Commonly prescribed types of benzos include:

• Alprazolam (brand name Xanax)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Temazepam (Restoril)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene)
• Oxazepam (Serax)
• Triazolam (Halcion)

Signs of Benzo Abuse

The statistics around benzo abuse are alarming. In 2015 alone, there were nearly 9,000 overdose deaths involving benzo abuse. This was more than four times as many just 13 years earlier. The majority of these benzo abuse-related deaths occurred when the drugs were used with others, like opioids. Still, benzo abuse poses its own danger, even if the drugs were initially prescribed for legitimate medical reasons.

Some of the common signs of benzo abuse include:

• Muscle weakness and pain
• Drowsiness and a lack of coordination
• Pale skin, bluish lips, and fingernails
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severely altered mental status and a loss of consciousness

If you recognize any of these symptoms of benzo abuse, reach out to Alina Lodge to learn how our benzo addiction treatment can help start you on the road to a happier, healthier life.

The Most Common Side Effects of Benzos

Countless side effects come with using all types of benzos. Some are mild when used in the short term, but you can overdose if you develop an addiction and do not enter into a professional benzo addiction treatment program. Some of the short term effects of benzo abuse at low dosages may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Poor coordination and drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Slurred speech and confusion
• Depression
• Tremors
• Dry mouth and difficulty breathing

What Happens During Benzo Addiction Treatment?

To remove every trace of the drugs from your system, you will go through a medical benzo detox and be monitored to keep you comfortable throughout the withdrawal. At Alina Lodge, your safety is our utmost concern. After the detox, your benzo addiction treatment can begin. You will learn essential life skills to help you cope with the benzo cravings, attend therapy sessions, and learn healthy ways to relax. Additionally, no matter the types of benzos you were using, you may not be in the best physical condition either because of the toll benzo abuse takes on the body. This is why during treatment, you will learn the important role nutrition plays in recovery. Slowly, you will begin to rebuild your life.

Learn More at Alina Lodge

If you are ready to get clean, the Alina Lodge benzo addiction treatment can be the starting point to create a fuller, happier life for you and your family. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 833.685.1700 today.