Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety, and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures. Benzodiazepines are commonly abused due to the calming effect that they produce and also to their widespread availability. If taken with either alcohol or other medications, use can be dangerous -- and even lethal. If left untreated, benzodiazepine abuse negatively impacts one’s relationships, career, and physical and emotional health. They are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. 

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety, and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures. Benzodiazepines are commonly abused due to the calming effect that they produce and also to their widespread availability. If taken with either alcohol or other medications, use can be dangerous -- and even lethal. If left untreated, benzodiazepine abuse negatively impacts one’s relationships, career, and physical and emotional health. They are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. 

What are the Effects of Consuming Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines slow down the central nervous system and may cause sleepiness and relaxed mood. Misuse of Benzodiazepines are associated with amnesia, hostility, irritability, and vivid or disturbing dreams. Those who become addicted maintain their drug supply by getting prescriptions from several doctors (a practice known as “doctor shopping”), forging prescriptions, or buying them illegally. 

What are the Effects of Consuming Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines slow down the central nervous system and may cause sleepiness and relaxed mood. Misuse of Benzodiazepines are associated with amnesia, hostility, irritability, and vivid or disturbing dreams. Those who become addicted maintain their drug supply by getting prescriptions from several doctors (a practice known as “doctor shopping”), forging prescriptions, or buying them illegally. 

Signs and Symptoms

  • Fear of running out of pills or stockpiling pills in different locations
  • Borrowing money, selling valuables and using credit cards
  • Theft, Shoplifting, Lying and/or Stealing
  • Mood Swings
  • Loss of memory and time
  • Slurred speech or agitation
  • Change in or reduction of personal hygiene
  • Choosing to take Benzos over other obligations
  • Lack of interest in positive things they used to enjoy
  • Drug Seeking from multiple doctors

Statistics

16%

of opioid overdose deaths in the USA involving Benzos also.

13.5m

people filled prescriptions for Benzos in the USA in 2013.

26

Americans die every day resulting from Benzo abuse.

727

people under the age of 24 who died in 2019 from Benzo abuse.

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