Not all addictive drugs are illegal. There are 15 types of benzos, for example, that are approved by the FDA but still have addictive properties. But what are benzos, exactly? Learn more about what benzos are, their side effects, how benzo dependencies develop and how to break free from an addiction with professional support.
What are Benzos?
Before exploring the dangers and risks of benzo abuse, it’s important to know what you’re up against. What are benzos? The term “benzos” is a nickname for the benzodiazepine class of prescription drugs.
Doctors prescribe benzos for conditions like panic disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. There is a variety of benzos available, but some of the most common and well-known include brands like Xanax and Valium. Benzos are often long-acting, which means that they release slowly into the bloodstream. This can increase problems when it comes to cutting back because users are used to a constant stream of the drug in their system.
What Are the Side Effects of Benzo Use?
Most of the people who take benzodiazepines, especially those under medical supervision, do so for legitimate reasons. These drugs can reduce anxiety in many individuals, and encourage sleep or eliminate tremors. However, using benzos can also lead to a long list of less pleasant side effects.
Using benzos just once can cause headaches and drowsiness. Slurred speech and blurred vision are very common. In fact, using benzos can often make people appear as if they’re drunk. Benzos can cause fatigue, nausea, weak muscles and even memory loss.
Long-term use of benzos leads to even worse side effects. Symptoms of a dependency can include the inability to have a normal sleeping pattern, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, depression and strong cravings.
How Do Users Develop Addictions to Benzodiazepines?
Since benzos are such highly addictive drugs, it doesn’t take much to become dependent on them. A large percentage of the people who struggle with a benzodiazepine addiction first started using the prescription drugs with good intentions. However, the brain and the body adjusts over time to the influx of benzos.
Users might start to crave larger doses, or they might want to take those doses more frequently. Many individuals lie to secure more drugs. They may also visit multiple doctors, clinics and dealers to increase their supply. While developing an addiction isn’t intentional, it can happen very quickly.
Overcome Addiction at Crestview Recovery
To overcome a benzo addiction, you need to commit to a professional addiction treatment program. At Crestview Recovery, clients can take advantage of addiction therapy services that treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Some of these therapies and treatment methods include:
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- 12 step recovery plans
What are benzos doing to your life? With the right addiction treatment program, you can find solutions to help you recover. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, we’ll help you begin the journey to better health and sobriety. Call 866.262.0531 to overcome addiction once and for all.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
