Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that doctors primarily use to treat anxiety, seizures, or insomnia. Why, then, are benzo addiction treatment programs commonly offered by health centers? Benzos are, after all, legal and not illicit substances. Like prescription opioids, benzodiazepines are strong and effective but are also highly addictive substances. Benzos are responsible for many prescription drug addiction cases. If you’re searching for a benzo addiction treatment program in Rochester, NH, please contact Bonfire Recovery online or call 603.617.4815.
What Are the Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse?
Most people may list the side effects of taking benzos as the dangers of prescription drug abuse. These symptoms may include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Light-headedness
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
Many of these symptoms may seem alarming. Particularly worrying is a lack of coordination, which can result in falls and clumsy actions that could lead to physical injuries like hip fractures. Combined with signs of cognitive impairment, such as confusion and dizziness, a lack of coordination can also cause motor vehicle crashes.
However, the real dangers of prescription drug abuse arise the longer the addiction continues to dominate a person’s life. Prescription drugs, including benzos, can be hazardous and even life-threatening when taken in large doses or combined with other addictive substances. Damaging entire systems in the body, sometimes beyond repair, is not an uncommon consequence of long-term addictive substance use.
Consequences of Long-Term Benzo Use
In most cases, doctors only prescribe benzodiazepines for short amounts of time. Over time, the side effects of benzo use can worsen and lead to other mental and physical health problems. For instance, benzodiazepines may cause symptoms such as:
- Depressive episodes
- Bouts of anxiety bouts
- Psychosis
- Sleep disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mania
In some cases, it can also result in delirium and other neurocognitive disorders.
What Are the Side Effects of Benzo Addiction?
Chronic misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to the following symptoms, some of which mimic some of the side effects of using them in the first place:
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Weakness
Because some side effects of benzo addiction can mirror indications for its medical use, it can be difficult or even impossible to recognize when you cross from prescription use to addictive use. However, when a physical dependency sets in, whether or not you meant to misuse the drug, you will be more prone to discomforting, painful, and severe withdrawal symptoms when you detox. This can keep you from deciding to overcome your addictive habits.
The benzo withdrawal symptoms can also be difficult to distinguish from anxiety symptoms. However, they usually arise anywhere from three to four days after your last benzo use. It can keep arising for up to two weeks.
When Should a Client Consider a Benzo Addiction Treatment Program?
Formal programs are often necessary for clients to successfully overcome any case of prescription drug abuse. This is often because not many people can survive going through the detox process by themselves. Without the help of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which is offered to clients when they undergo detox at an addiction treatment facility, withdrawal symptoms can be too discomforting or painful to withstand on top of consistent benzo cravings.
Some exceptions may exist, and those individuals may successfully recover without any professional help. However, it’s always best to get all the available help, especially if physical health has been compromised and some withdrawal symptoms have proven to be life-threatening.
Ready To Learn About Bonfire Recovery’s Benzo Addiction Treatment Program?
Contact Bonfire Recovery today if you’re looking for a benzo addiction treatment program in Rochester, NH. You can reach out to our team online or call 603.617.4815.
