Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are prescription medicines used to treat medical and mental health problems like anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, etc. They belong to the sedative class of drugs and can provide a calming effect to the user. Benzos can be highly addictive and should not be used without a prescription or for a long period of time.Â
Unfortunately, the misuse and abuse of benzos, known as Benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD), is quite common. In 2018, over 5 million people in the United States were reported to be misusing the drug. Commonly misused benzos include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Librium. Misuse can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and over time can cause other long-term, more serious health conditions.
If you or your loved one is suffering from addiction or Benzodiazepine Use Disorder, it is important that you seek help today.
Symptoms of Benzo Use Disorder
The symptoms that arise due to misuse and abuse of benzos can vary from person to person and can range from physical, psychological, and behavioral in nature. Some of the most common symptoms of benzo use disorder have been given below.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms arising from benzo misuse can include physical weakness, drowsiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, dizziness, headaches, and even nausea and vomiting.
Psychological Symptoms
Benzo misuse can cause extreme mood swings, anxiety, depression, and even hallucinations.
Behavioral Symptoms
Any addiction is a difficult medical condition to manage and can cause behavioral changes in a person which they are unable to control. For example, a person suffering from BUD may be prone to collecting prescriptions from various doctors to be able to obtain the drug for themselves. They may develop poor judgment and are prone to making poor decisions. They may be compelled to ask the people around them, like friends and family, for benzo pills.
Despite wanting to cut down, they might not be able to do so. They are also prone to risk-taking behavior, such as driving under the influence of benzos or combining benzos with other drugs and alcohol to increase efficacy.
Seeking Help
If you or your loved one is suffering from benzo use disorder, it is important to seek help from professionals. The first thing to do is stop using; however, withdrawal symptoms can get too much for some people and can also be potentially dangerous, which is why it is always a good idea to seek professional help. Professionals can assist in benzo detox, which means getting the toxins out of the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. The overall detox process can take up to 2 weeks, depending on the level of addiction.
Conclusion
Benzo Use Disorder is a difficult medical condition to deal with, but one that can be managed. If you have identified your or a loved one’s addiction, do not hesitate to seek help. You can easily find a substance abuse facility or a rehabilitation center near you; just make sure to follow the specialists’ advised course of action.