Benzodiazepines, sometimes known as benzos, are a class of medications that depress the central nervous system. These sedative medicines are used to treat a variety of medical disorders, including night terrors, anxiety, panic attacks, restless legs syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and alcohol withdrawal in some cases.
While these medications have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of various illnesses, they also have a high risk of addiction. They boost the effects of a substance called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in brain receptors, resulting in sedative, hypnotic, and euphoric effects.
If you keep using benzodiazepines, your brain will get accustomed to the effects of GABA and develop a dependency on them.
While benzodiazepines may not have the same level of toxicity as some other substances, including alcohol, they can be extremely deadly if abused over an extended period of time. Combining them with other harmful drugs can be exceedingly dangerous and life-threatening.
Although these drugs are legally manufactured and prescribed by doctors, they are very addictive and illegal if used for recreation purposes. They are prescription-only drugs that cannot be bought online or in the streets. If you do that, you risk being prosecuted.
The most common route of administration for benzodiazepines is through oral ingestion. This method allows the medication to bypass first-pass metabolism, meaning that more active ingredients reach the bloodstream. However, some patients may experience difficulty swallowing tablets, so it may be necessary to administer them intravenously. It is important to note that this administration route carries its own set of risks, such as the possibility of overdosing if too much medication is administered.
Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, muscle spasm, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and other medical conditions. Some people who suffer from chronic pain find relief with the use of benzodiazepines. There are many different types of benzodiazepines available, but all share similar properties. Most benzodiazepines are short-acting; that means their effect lasts only about four hours. Therefore, patients taking these medications need to take multiple doses per day.
Benzodiazepines bind to specific sites in the brain and spinal cord. Once bound, these receptors can affect how nerve cells communicate with each other. When the right amount of receptor stimulation occurs, the brain produces calming chemicals called endorphins, which help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
When consumed for lengthy periods of time, benzodiazepines produce long-term alterations in the brain’s “reward system.” When a person takes benzodiazepines, the levels of natural chemicals that produce pleasure, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, are altered.
The brain physically adjusts over time to the point where it is unable to create these chemicals on its own and must rely on the drugs to feel normal. Benzodiazepines vary from other addictive narcotics like heroin or cocaine in that they do not produce a significant rush or buzz in the user. Instead, the effects are usually gradual, leaving the user with a sense of peace and relaxation that might linger for several hours. Like any drug, the more you take, the stronger the sensations are. However, benzodiazepines, more than other drugs, can form the basis of low-level functioning addictions in which the user takes the drug as a medicinal treatment, keeping the levels regularly ‘topped up.’
Anyone who has battled to quit taking benzodiazepines knows how dangerous they are to the mind and body. These medications are made to affect nearly every section of the brain, which is why they are so successful as anti-anxiety treatments. But it’s also why quitting them may be so difficult.
Benzodiazepines act by literally slowing down the brain’s function.
They accomplish this by boosting the effects of GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid), a substance found in the brain. GABA is an essential component of our brain’s natural sedation function since it delivers messages from brain cells to brain cells instructing them to slow down or stop firing altogether. It is usually released during times of high stress and serves as a stress reliever, letting us carry on with our daily activities without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety. When Benzodiazepines artificially raise GABA levels, however, a variety of side effects can occur, ranging from slurred speech to severe blackouts.
One of GABA’s effects is the inhibition of crucial natural “reward” chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. This produces an increase in the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of calm and contentment. When benzodiazepines are used for a long time, the brain responds by producing less of these neurotransmitters, leading to a dependency on the medicines to function normally.
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Drug Addiction is defined as an uncontrollable desire or compulsion to consume a particular substance. While there are many substances that can cause addiction, benzodiazepines are particularly dangerous because they can lead to severe physical dependence when taken in excess.
As soon as a person begins using benzodiazepines, their body adapts to the presence of the drug by producing less of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, sleep, and memory. With regular use, the brain stops producing enough of these neurotransmitters. This causes problems that include insomnia, poor concentration, and lack of energy.
Once a person begins taking benzodiazepines regularly, it’s possible for them to develop a benzodiazepines addiction. The process of becoming addicted to benzodiazepines takes place over time. It starts out slowly and gradually increases until it reaches a point where the user feels compelled to continue using the medication. They will eventually develop a tolerance of the drug. If they try to stop using benzodiazepines, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Physical dependence describes the development of tolerance to the effects of a drug after repeated exposure. While withdrawal describes the adverse physical and psychological effects experienced when a person stops using a substance. The longer someone uses benzodiazepines, the greater the chance that they will experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop using the medications.
Benzodiazepine Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are several ways to prevent benzodiazepine addiction. Here are some suggestions:
1. Make sure you know what you’re taking. Check the label on all medications you take regularly. Read the directions carefully. Be sure you understand how to use the product correctly. Don’t rely on someone else to explain how to use it.
2. Keep track of how often you use the medication. Write down the date and time you take each dose.
3. Use the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage or frequency without talking to your doctor.
4. Avoid mixing several types of medications at the same time. This may make it harder for your body to process the drugs properly.
5. Do not take these drugs recreationally, and never mix them with alcohol or illegal substances. This can alter the way these drugs are processed and have life-threatening effects.
6. Tell your doctor if you feel any side effects. These include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, agitation, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, slurred speech, hallucinations, seizures, loss of coordination, trouble breathing, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, increased thirst, blurred vision, changes in mood, depression, decreased sex drive, impotence, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping.
7. Get help immediately if you experience any signs of abuse or overdose.
Benzodiazepine Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Some people who become addicted to benzodiazepines have no problems with their health until they start abusing them. Then they develop physical and psychological symptoms from abusing the drug.
When someone takes too much of a benzodiazepine drug, they will develop a physical dependence on the drug. This means that the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug and requires higher amounts to achieve the same effect. When this occurs, the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.
Physical dependence is characterised by the following symptoms:
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines is usually not very severe. However, it may cause some discomfort. This discomfort is caused by the body’s need to remove the chemicals accumulated during drug abuse.
Withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines addiction include:
Psychological dependence is similar to physical dependence. It involves the development of a strong emotional attachment to a specific substance. As a result, people who suffer from Benzodiazepines psychological dependence often find themselves unable to function without their medication of choice.
Behavioural symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction are related to how the person behaves when using the drug. It can lead to various forms of self-destructive behaviour.
When individuals become addicted to benzodiazepine, besides the physical and psychological dependence, they will develop certain behavioural traits. These include:
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Benzodiazepine Addiction is caused by a variety of factors. However, some risk factors raise the chances of benzodiazepine misuse.
Patients who are taking benzodiazepines for medicinal reasons are the ones that abuse them the most. Not everyone who is prescribed benzodiazepines will abuse the medicine, but those who do will do so for various reasons. There is no denying that some people are inclined to addiction more than others, with a family history of addiction being a significant factor, but there are other factors as well.
Although a family history of addiction and genetics tend to play a role, other factors can also be a cause of benzodiazepine abuse:
It can be challenging to stay clean in an environment where everyone around us is using.
When we are unemployed, we can look into many ways to feel better, to feel productive, or simply take our minds off problems by using drugs.
Problematic relationships are one of the most severe causes of benzodiazepine abuse; we may seek substances to improve our mood because we are unable to cope with a romantic breakdown.
Bad quality of life, like poverty, can lead to depressive moods and crippling anxiety, which we typically treat with medications, many of which contain benzos.
Those who already have a mental illness are also at high risk of developing a benzodiazepines addiction. This includes those who have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and generalised anxiety disorder.
Those who have a family history of mental illnesses are also at higher risk of developing a benzodiazepines addiction.
A person with a dependent personality tends to rely on others for support. They may seek out and accept help from friends, family members, therapists, doctors, and counsellors. These individuals tend to be very sensitive to rejection. When they feel rejected by another person, they may experience intense feelings of anger, sadness, fear, guilt, shame, and self-doubt.
When they do not receive the support they need, they may withdraw from social interactions. Their moods will often swing between extreme highs and lows.
They may think that if they don’t take benzodiazepines, they won’t be able to function properly. So they may continue taking it even though they’re experiencing negative side effects.
People who abuse other substances alongside benzodiazepines are more likely to become addicted to these drugs. The risk of developing an addiction to benzodiazepines increases when you already have a history of drug abuse. If you’ve used illegal substances in the past, your chances of becoming addicted to benzodiazepines are higher. The reason is that you may have developed a tolerance to the euphoric effects of the drug. You may also have developed a physical dependence on the drug.
Benzodiazepine Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, panic attacks, and alcohol withdrawal. They are also sometimes prescribed to relieve the symptoms of depression.
However, these medicines are highly addictive and can cause serious health problems. For example, benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, impaired coordination, and difficulty thinking clearly. These side effects can make driving unsafe.
Addiction is more likely to develop as a result of the tolerance that develops after using the same medication (or drug) for a long time. Over time, a patient may no longer experience the drug’s effects, prompting them to gradually raise their dosage, bringing them closer to dependency and addiction.
As a result of increasing the dosage, withdrawal symptoms will begin to flare up and cause moderate to extreme discomfort if the medication is not taken. Continued use isn’t the answer, as you risk developing severe health complications that could lead to death. This is why, if you’re being treated by a doctor, you’ll be told that each benzodiazepine has a maximum length of use. If you take more than the suggested dose, you’ll develop tolerance, major adverse effects, or both.
People who take these medications regularly may experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia, nightmares, and vivid dreams. Some people also report having trouble falling asleep again after waking up during the night. These will worsen their anxiety.
In addition to causing physical dependency, benzodiazepines may impair brain function. Over time, they can lead to cognitive impairment. People who abuse benzodiazepines often experience memory lapses, poor concentration, and trouble remembering things. They may also become confused and disoriented. Memory problems may get worse over time.
They can also affect judgment. People who take these medications may not realise that they’re acting strangely. Or they may not understand why they do certain things.
Some patients who abuse benzodiazepine drugs suffer from hallucinations and see things that are not there. Others hear voices or smell certain odours.
Long-term use of these medications is also linked to an increased risk of suicide.
When you take certain medications, it is very important to tell your doctor before you start using any new medicine. This is because some medications can interfere with each other.
For example, some antidepressants can increase the amount of sedative medicine in your system. Other antidepressants can decrease the amount of sedative medicine in your system.
This means that if you take both antidepressants and sedatives together, the effect of the sedatives could be decreased or increased.
If you are already taking a sedative medicine, talk to your doctor about whether you should continue taking it while you are on another type of medicine. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose or stop taking the sedative medicine altogether.
If you are taking a different type of medicine, talk to your doctor about how it will affect your sedative medicine. You may need to change your dose or stop taking your sedative medicine altogether. Some medicines can weaken the effects of others.
Your doctor can help you decide what combination of medicines would work best for you.
When people abuse Benzodiazepines, they tend to increase their dosage progressively. This can lead to an overdose. An overdose occurs when a person takes too much of a substance or prescription medicine. Signs of abuse or overdose:
Benzodiazepines have been linked to a number of deaths, with an overdose of the medication causing a variety of life-threatening health problems.
Benzodiazepine overdose is very serious problem and can lead to coma or even death. If you think you’re overdosing please call 999 immediately.
People who have been prescribed benzodiazepines are twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who haven’t.
Some people may experience suicidal thoughts when going through benzodiazepine withdrawal. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can leave a person feeling “out of sorts.” They might feel like they cannot control their emotions.
It is important to closely monitor individuals going through a benzodiazepine withdrawal for depression and suicide attempts.
If you’re thinking of harming yourself, please speak to someone immediately. Your life is worth living and there is help available.
Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, often co-occur with benzodiazepines addiction.
In fact, it’s estimated that up to 43% of patients with mental illness will also suffer from benzodiazepines addiction at some point in their lives.
Many people turn to drugs like benzodiazepines because they’re trying to cope with their moods and emotions. For example, some people may take benzos to help them relax during stressful situations. They might feel anxious and need something to calm themselves down.
While self-medicating may provide temporary respite, it only serves to exacerbate your issues over time. Regular self-medication, whether with alcohol, illegal substances, or prescription medications, can lead to addiction, worsened mood disorders, and significant health issues. It can also have a negative impact on your relationships at home, at work, and at school.
There are healthier ways than self-medication to cope with problems and to improve how you feel. You should speak to a mental health professional if you’re abusing benzodiazepines to cope with everyday life. They will be able to suggest alternatives and even provide counselling.
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
Teenage Benzodiazepine addiction is a growing problem as more teenagers struggle with severe Benzodiazepine dependence on commonly prescribed medications like Xanax, Ativan, and Librium.
Benzodiazepines may appeal to teenagers because of their ability to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. Teens face challenges like academic performance, peer pressure to party, and the associated depression and anxiety that can come with adolescence’s natural struggles.
Benzodiazepine Addiction is more prevalent in teens who feel alienated, lonely, or misunderstood. Female teenagers are particularly vulnerable to benzodiazepine addiction, as they are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression.
Parents that have open and honest dialogues with their children about the dangers and risks of Benzo use can help prevent their teens from becoming addicted to the drug. If you arrange these discussions in a way that does not feel like a lecture, they are more likely to be well accepted. To avoid adverse consequences, parents should also discuss with their kids the dangers of mixing alcohol and benzos. If a teen is misusing benzos due to anxiety, parents should encourage them to try other methods, such as exercise, meditation, muscle relaxation, and music therapy.
Benzodiazepine Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
When you’re dealing with benzodiazepine addiction, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost control of your life and that there’s no way out. However, you should not be discouraged: high-quality addiction treatment centres are now available across the UK, with many of them specialising in the treatment of benzodiazepine addiction in particular. Such facilities can provide you with the support you need to reclaim control and live a life free of benzodiazepine abuse and addiction, as well as all the problems that come with it, including severe physical and mental health dangers.
Speak with your doctor or an addiction specialist right away to learn more about the various treatment options available to you and how to get started on the road to recovery. Make that call right now: it might be the first step towards that happy, healthy, and successful life free of benzodiazepine abuse, with all the wonderful things you can still enjoy once you’ve beaten your addiction.
Benzodiazepine Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
While there are certain constants throughout standard addiction treatment programmes, treatment must be highly individualised due to the many requirements of individual addicts and the need to adapt treatment programmes to unforeseen circumstances and varying paces of progress.
These are some of the different types of treatments available for those who suffer from benzodiazepines addiction.
Detoxification is the process of getting rid of substances and toxins from the body. When a person begins a benzodiazepine discontinuation treatment and stops using benzodiazepines, they can experience many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
During detox, a person will typically lose weight because their body is trying to eliminate the chemicals from the system. This is usually accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle aches.
Detoxification (detox) is an essential part of addiction therapy because it clears your system of all substances of abuse (including benzodiazepines), overcoming the immediate issues of dependence and assuring complete abstinence and sobriety for the duration of your treatment.
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and sleeping aids are often prescribed for people suffering from benzodiazepines dependence.
These medications can reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and help people sleep through the night.
Medications are important tools in the fight against addiction. They can reduce cravings for drugs, lower anxiety levels, and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Some medications are used alone, while others are combined with psychotherapy or behaviour modification therapies.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Once an individual realises that they have a problem with benzodiazepines, they should seek professional help. Rehabilitation programs can provide inpatient or outpatient care.
An inpatient treatment centre offers patients a safe environment where they can receive intensive therapy. They also provide 24/7 care and access to doctors who specialise in treating addictions. This is recommended to people who need to go through supervised benzodiazepine medical detox.
An outpatient program allows people to attend therapy sessions on their own schedule. Outpatient programs offer fewer services but allow a patient to live at home during recovery.
However, people who want to beat benzodiazepine addiction often prefer inpatient treatment because they can focus solely on their recovery.
Therapy helps people understand why they’re addicted and what triggers their addictive behaviours.
Therapy also teaches them new ways to cope with stressful situations. These are some of the therapies on offer:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviours. Patients learn new ways to cope with problems and develop healthier habits.
Counselling helps people deal with the emotional side effects of benzodiazepines addiction, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and panic attacks. It also teaches people how to handle stress better and how to make healthy choices.
Individual therapy involves working one-on-one with a therapist. It allows you to work out your own issues and get support from someone who understands what you’re going through. It involves learning about your thoughts and emotions and then changing your habits.
This type of therapy focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones. It can also help you understand personal triggers of abuse and addiction and how to avoid them and prevent relapse in the future.
Group therapy provides a supportive atmosphere where patients can share experiences and learn from each other.
Family members play an important role in helping a person recover from benzodiazepines addiction. They can support each other through difficult times and encourage abstinence. Family therapy helps families to learn better communication skills and improve relationship dynamics.
Recovery takes place over time. It involves learning to live life differently and changing bad habits into good ones.
The first step toward recovery is admitting that you have a problem. You must acknowledge that you need help before beginning your journey toward sobriety.
Aftercare services are provided to assist recovering addicts in maintaining sobriety. They focus on teaching patients how to live healthy lives after leaving rehab.
A 12-step program is similar to AA or NA. Participants attend meetings where they share their experiences and learn about recovery. These groups are led by trained professionals who teach coping skills and other strategies to deal with life stressors.
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
Living with benzodiazepines is not easy. You might find yourself having trouble sleeping, feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable. You might also feel restless, experience hallucinations, or have suicidal thoughts.
Recovery is not complete when an addict leaves rehab at the end of treatment; rather, it should be viewed as a long-term (perhaps lifelong) process that requires continual attention and devotion if relapse is to be avoided. High-quality rehabs typically provide up to a year of aftercare following the completion of a treatment programme in order to establish the best possible framework for addicts transitioning into the recovery phase.
Aftercare can include a variety of things, such as creating an appointment calendar so that treatment providers can track progress and intervene if necessary, ongoing prescription medication, a commitment to attend individual therapy and support group meetings, and more. Each client’s aftercare plan is unique to them, reflecting the specific progress they’ve made during treatment and other elements of their rehabilitation.
Relapse prevention means learning how to recognise when you’re likely to experience cravings or start using again.
To avoid relapsing, it’s crucial to stay away from places and things that trigger your old habits.
Let friends or family know that you’re struggling with benzodiazepines addiction.
If you need help, call a hotline or visit a treatment centre.
Remember that there is no single way to beat benzodiazepines addiction, but there are many effective therapies available.
If you decide to seek treatment, make sure you choose a qualified provider who specialises in treating benzodiazepines addiction and knows how to help you recover and live a healthy, sober life.
Benzodiazepine Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The following statistics were taken from the National Drug Strategy Unit website.
These figures show the percentage of people who abuse or become dependent on benzodiazepines in the UK.
According to NDSU, around 1% of the population aged 16-59 years uses benzodiazepines regularly.
Around 3% of men and 2% of women between the ages of 15 and 64 years take benzodiazepines regularly, although the numbers increase with age.
Call our support line on 0800 999 1083 to discuss strategies for reducing or withdrawing and to help identify what you would like to focus on reducing first.
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