Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse
Some people who suffer from anxiety are prescribed benzodiazepines to calm their nerves so they can think clearly and not suffer from regular anxiety. However, benzodiazepines can become addictive if not taken properly, and in some cases, misuse can be more dangerous than the anxiety disorder itself.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are psychoactive medications that physicians prescribe to people struggling with anxiety and insomnia. There are more than a dozen different kinds of benzos that are all used for their own purpose. Some benzos are able to treat multiple conditions, but the most popular use of benzos is to treat heightened anxiety.Benzos aren’t used just for psychological symptoms, but they can also be used to help those who are struggling physically as well. Certain benzos work to treat convulsions for people who have cerebral palsy, or to help relax a patient preparing to go into surgery.
When a benzo is taken, it slows down a person’s brain activity. Since benzos increase the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the medications slow bodily nerve impulses. This results in drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, slowed reaction times, and more. Even though the mechanisms of action are almost all the same across all benzos, there are a few key differences between the variations of the drug. For example, each medication has a unique dosage, half-life, abuse potential and absorption time.
There are two primary types of benzodiazepines: long-acting and short-acting. Each class of benzodiazepines is prescribed for different needs and is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration based on their potential for addiction. The long-acting kinds, such as Valium and Librium, tend to stay in the body for many more hours. Short-acting benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Xanax do not stay in the body for very long — sometimes just a few hours.
Benzos are usually taken under medical supervision when taken properly. They can be taken in pill, tablet or capsule forms. They can also be administered via injection, but that isn’t as common. In fact, the brand name Versed (which is made from the chemical midazolam) is only administered intravenously. Pharmaceutical companies make multiple types of benzos which can include:
- Xanax (Alprazolam) – Xanax takes 1 – 2 hours to reach its peak level of effectiveness with a half life of 12 hours
- Lexotan (Bromazepam) – Lexotan takes 1 – 4 hours to reach its peak level of effectiveness with a half life of 20 hours
- Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) – Librium takes 1 – 4 hours to reach its peak level of effectiveness with a half life of 100 hours
- Klonopin (Clonazepam) – Klonopin takes 1 – 4 hours to reach its peak level of effectiveness with a half life of 34 hours
- Valium (Diazepam) – Valium takes 1 – 2 hours to reach its peak level of effectiveness with a half life of 100 hours.
- Ativan (Lorazepam) – Ativan takes 1 – 4 hours to reach its peak level of effectiveness with a half life of 15 hours.
- Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) – Rohypnol takes 1 – 2 hours to reach its peak level of effectiveness with a half life between 18 and 26 hours.
Like other drugs that are illegally used, benzos go by various nicknames. Some of the most commonly used benzodiazepine street names include:
- Nerve pills
- Tranks
- Downers
- V’s (Valium)
- Z bars (Xanax)
What Is Benzo Addiction?
Causes of Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse
Benzodiazepines Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Effects
Physical Abuse Symptoms
Some physical symptoms that can occur during a benzo addiction include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Slowed heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Slower reflexes
- Pale, cold skin
- Dilated pupils
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Fainting
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
Psychological Abuse Symptoms
When taken for a longer amount of time, psychological symptoms can begin to appear. These can include:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Cognitive dysfunction
Behavioral Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Abuse
Treating Benzodiazepines Addiction
The best way to treat a benzo addiction is by seeking help through an accredited facility. Doing this allows medical professionals and clinical therapists to determine the severity of the addiction, and find any underlying co-occurring disorders that have to be treated. Restore Africa® has various facilities throughout the country that can help with this process.A reputable facility will first evaluate a person to learn about their addiction and find out key information, such as the amount of time the drug has been used and the doses that have been consumed. Once a treatment team determines the severity of the addiction, the detox process begins. Detox can include uncomfortable symptoms depending on which benzo is being withdrawn from, but a medical professional has the ability to prescribe medication to ease the discomfort. After the withdrawal symptoms subside is when an individual learns the tools needed to manage their addictions. This learning process can occur during inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive inpatient or intensive outpatient programs. Once completed, aftercare begins and the skills learned in treatment can be used outside of the facility. Aftercare can include regularly scheduled therapy sessions or reside in a sober-living home.
Benzodiazepines Addiction Abuse Statistics
The amount of benzo prescriptions given out regularly can be seen as a factor pertaining the amount of Americans struggling with addiction. However, benzos aren’t only an American issue. They’ve become an issue across the globe.
- In 2015, Xanax was called the world’s most popular pill, with tens of millions of prescriptions being dispensed globally
- American doctors are writing 12% more Xanax prescriptions every year
- In 2011, 49 million alprazolam prescriptions were written worldwide
- During the mid-19th century, benzodiazepines were called “the devil’s capsules” in some American circles
If you or a loved one struggle with an addiction to benzodiazepines, call our representatives for more information on our facilities and programs. Start your journey to an addiction-free life today.
If you or a loved one live with alcoholism or are struggling to quit using alcohol, consider seeking professional help. Restore Africa® specializes in treating alcohol addiction and helping people recover from alcoholism. Contact one of our caring representatives to learn how Restore Africa® can help you or a loved one start on the path to a healthier future.