Benzodiazepines, or benzos, as many people call them, are medications designed to help people suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, and other conditions like insomnia. A doctor may prescribe prescriptions such as Xanax, Valium, or others. People currently taking this medication may be aware of the potential for benzo overdose. Although most people take this medicine for the short term, there is a risk for drug addiction and benzo overdose. An overdose of any type can be fatal, so it’s vital to be aware of the symptoms and seek help early on. If you believe you or someone you love is struggling with benzo addiction, contact Sierra Sage Recovery today at 833.922.2884.
How Do Benzodiazepines (Benzos) Work?
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a tranquilizing drug. They work by increasing a naturally occurring chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA’s function in the brain is to slow things down and make a person feel calm. Because benzos increase these feelings, the person feels relaxed.
Some benzos are short-acting, which means the medicine will take effect in about 15 minutes. Other benzos are long-acting and take a while longer to kick in. The most common forms of benzos prescribed by doctors are Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Librium. People who experience chronic insomnia, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, muscle spasms, or pre-surgery nerves will benefit from this medication’s short-term course.
Benzo Addiction
Benzos can lead to drug addiction in a few ways. For one thing, if someone takes it regularly for a long time, their body becomes dependent upon it. A person will begin to experience signs of withdrawal if they try to stop taking it. Benzo withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Insomnia
- Moodiness and irritability
- Hyperventilation
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hand tremors
- Muscle spasms
- Flu-like aches and pains
- Headaches
- Quickened pulse or heart rate
The other way it could lead to addiction is that benzos can serve as a gateway to other drug use. Some people mix benzos with other substances, which puts them at risk for benzo overdose.
Signs of a Benzo Overdose
If someone has been on benzos for a long time, they may be taking higher doses than when they started. In addition, someone who mixes it with other drugs or alcohol is at an increased risk of benzo overdose. The signs of a benzo overdose include:
- Problems with breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Weakness
- Extreme dizziness
- Difficulty with muscle coordination
- Vision issues, including blurred vision or seeing double
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Mental status altered
- Unconsciousness and coma
The severity of a benzo overdose ranges depending on how much a person took and how tolerant the body is of the substance. But if they recognize any of the signs of an overdose, they must seek help right away.
Seek Help for Benzo Addiction at Sierra Sage Recovery Services
Benzos are a tranquilizing medication prescribed by doctors to help individuals deal with and manage their anxiety and other conditions. If a person takes these medications for extended lengths, it could lead to drug addiction and benzo overdose.
At Sierra Sage Recovery, our benzo addiction treatment program can help anyone struggling with an addiction to these prescription drugs. It is risky to quit taking this drug alone, and rarely can individuals overcome their dependency on their own. Fortunately, our team employs evidence-based treatment programs to ensure treatment goes smoothly. As part of our treatment program, we offer several therapy programs to help you get to the root of your issues. Some of these include:
Take the first step in addiction recovery by reaching out to a qualified rehab treatment center. Learn the signs of benzo overdose by contacting us at 833.922.2884 today for more information.
