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Signs of Benzo Addiction: Everything You Need To Know

Read on to dive into an in-depth guide on the signs of benzo addiction and learn how Ripple Ranch can offer expert treatment and support.

What is Benzo Addiction?

Benzodiazepines, also referred to as “benzos,” are drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle tension. When used as prescribed by a medical professional, benzos can be effective and beneficial. However, if they are not taken correctly, signs of benzo addiction may start to appear.1 

Benzodiazepines have a high addiction potential. This is due to the combination of their pharmacological properties and their effects on the brain and body. Often, the signs of benzo addiction are discrete. Friends, families, and even the individuals themselves may not notice them.

This oversight can delay crucial interventions and support, which is why it’s important to know what the signs of benzo addiction are. Here are some common symptoms to be aware of: 

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Shallow Breathing

Shallow breathing is one of the most concerning physical signs of benzo addiction. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. This means they slow down various bodily functions, including respiration.

Moreover, the risk associated with this particular symptom is significant. Reduced oxygen intake can lead to hypoxia. Over time, consistent shallow breathing can result in various complications, including organ damage.

Unsteady Gait

An unsteady gait can manifest as difficulty walking straight or a lack of coordination. This symptom poses a risk of physical injury. Additionally, it indicates that an individual might be struggling with the deeper consequences of benzo misuse.

Increased Anxiety

Although benzos are prescribed to treat anxiety, prolonged use can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms. As dependence on the drug grows, individuals might experience heightened anxiety levels. Anxiety may even occur when they are not on the medication or taking lower doses than usual.

Mood Swings

Rapid emotional shifts characterize mood swings. Over time, excessive or unsupervised consumption can disrupt the brain’s chemical balance. This results in unpredictable emotions ranging from joy to intense periods of despair.

Depression

Depression is when an individual experiences persistent sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Generally, most cases of substance use disorder also co-occur with symptoms of depression.

Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge its presence when dealing with the signs of benzo addiction. Recognizing depression as a sign is vital for early intervention.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations, both visual and auditory, can be distressing experiences. Their presence can often indicate underlying health concerns. Hallucinations signify a profound disruption in the brain’s perception of reality, which is another prominent symptom of benzo addiction.

Changes in Social Circles

Changes in one’s social circle can be one of the end-stage signs of benzo addiction. As individuals become more dependent on benzodiazepines, they may distance and isolate themselves.
This shift often happens because individuals experience conflicts with loved ones or they spend a lot of their time either taking or attempting to find the substance.

Factors That Affect The Signs Of Benzo Addiction

Understanding the signs of benzo addiction is vital for effective care and intervention. However, recognizing that these signs can differ based on certain elements is equally crucial. Age, gender, dosage, and duration of use all influence the level at which benzo addiction occurs.

Age-Related Variations

The signs of benzo addiction in younger individuals may manifest differently than in older adults. Younger users may combine benzos with other substances. These substances, including alcohol or party drugs, lead to mixed symptoms of intoxication.
Additionally, certain behavioral changes can indicate benzo addiction in this age group. They withdraw from social activities with heightened levels of secrecy.
However, older adults are frequently prescribed benzos for insomnia or anxiety. The signs of benzo addiction in this group might be mistaken for age-related cognitive decline. Memory issues, increased falls, and confusion can be age-related and signs of benzo addiction.2 

Gender-Related Variations

Men are generally less likely to be prescribed benzos than women. However, that doesn’t mean that men are immune from potentially developing substance use disorder due to benzos. They may display increased aggression, risk-taking behaviors, or start combining benzos with alcohol or other drugs.

On the other hand, women are more often prescribed benzos for anxiety. The signs of benzo addiction in women might include increased emotional disturbances and withdrawal from social responsibilities. Benzo addiction may also lead to an over-reliance on the drug to handle day-to-day stresses.3 

Duration of Benzo Use

Individuals using benzos for a brief period may not develop a physical dependence. However, they might still experience psychological dependence. If they suddenly stop using the drug, they might experience acute withdrawal symptoms, especially if they used the drug for a long period of time.
Over extended periods, the body develops a tolerance to benzos. As a result, users tend to increase their dosage to achieve the same effects. Long-term usage shows signs of benzo addiction, including pronounced memory issues or motor function problems.

Dosage

Individuals on a lower dosage might exhibit subtler signs of benzo addiction. These could include a slight increase in anxiety between doses or mild mood fluctuations.
At higher dosages, the signs of benzo addiction can be more overt. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms at higher dosages can be severe. It encompasses both strong physical reactions and psychological effects, such as paranoia.

What Are the Dangers of Suddenly Stopping Benzodiazepine Use?

The sudden stop of benzodiazepines can cause a lot of unexpected issues. The dangers of suddenly stopping this substance differ. They can range from feeling more anxious than before, having trouble sleeping, or experiencing more severe problems like seizures.
Abrupt discontinuation of benzos can lead to any of the following symptoms:

Rebound Symptoms

When a person stops taking benzodiazepines suddenly, they may experience “rebound” symptoms. These symptoms were treated with medication but returned more intensely than before.

For instance, if a person took benzodiazepines for anxiety, they might become more anxious after stopping. Additionally, those using the drug for sleep might find it even more difficult to sleep after discontinuation.

Potential for Overdose

Sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines can also lead to a range of severe complications. It can cause people to start taking an increased amount to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, leading to the dangers for overdose as well.
Moreover, individuals showing signs of benzo addiction may become preoccupied with the drug. This means that they often go to great lengths to procure it. Such potential for erratic consumption patterns can increase overdose risks and harm from dangerous situations.

Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

Besides rebound symptoms, individuals can also experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be more broad and severe.
They generally include:4 
  • Panic attacks
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Hand tremors and sweating 
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle pain or stiffness
  • Increased sensitivity to light, noise, or physical touch
  • Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines is not recommended due to the many risks involved. Instead, individuals seeking to reduce or stop their benzo use should do so under the guidance of a medical professional.
The professional will provide a structured and gradual tapering plan to reduce the dosage over time. This approach minimizes the risks of withdrawal. Additionally, it helps to ensure a safer and more comfortable transition off the medication.

Co-Occurring Disorders With Signs of Benzo Addiction

Co-occurring disorders refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in an individual. Recognizing the signs of these disorders, especially when considering benzodiazepines, is crucial. It enables timely intervention and effective treatment.5 

People with mental health disorders may sometimes misuse benzodiazepines for self-medication in order to alleviate their symptoms. But this can lead to a dangerous cycle. Here, the signs of benzo addiction exacerbate the mental health disorder and vice versa.
For example, someone with anxiety might increase their dose of benzodiazepines without proper consultation. They do this to provide more relief. However, over time, this can lead to increased tolerance and dependence, resulting in stronger signs of benzo addiction.

Further Note About Signs of Benzo Addiction With Co-Occurring Disorders

Similarly, someone with depression might use benzodiazepines to combat feelings of restlessness. Unfortunately, over-reliance can further deepen the depressive symptoms and highlight the signs of benzo addiction.

Understanding the interplay between co-occurring disorders and recognizing the signs of benzo addiction is essential for holistic mental health care. By spotting these signs, loved ones can intervene early. Healthcare professionals can also guide an individual toward recovery.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Managing the Signs of Benzo Addiction

Healthcare and addiction professionals are at the forefront of identifying signs of benzo addiction. Their comprehensive training and routine patient interactions position them to detect subtle changes indicating dependency.
Here’s a breakdown of their roles:

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)

PCPs often have long-standing relationships with patients. This makes them well-equipped to notice some of the first shifts in behavior or health. When a patient exhibits signs of benzo addiction when not on the drug, the PCP can take initial steps to address the issue or recommend further treatment.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists play an underrated yet crucial role. They can also detect patterns indicating misuse. Pharmacists may notice frequent refills or if a patient is getting benzos from many doctors. Recognizing these signs of benzo addiction can lead to timely interventions.

Mental Health Professionals

Therapists and counselors may pick up on the emotional or psychological signs of benzo addiction. Patients may discuss feelings of dependency, heightened anxiety without medication, or other related concerns. This thorough discussion helps detect potential signs of benzo addiction.

Specialists

Neurologists and other medical experts may also encounter patients misusing benzos. They can identify certain signs of benzo addiction or misuse. This is based on the patient’s condition and the drug’s typical effects on such conditions.

Ripple Ranch Recovery Center: Understanding and Addressing Benzo Addiction

Have you or your loved one displayed signs of benzodiazepine addiction, or are you feeling overwhelmed about where to turn for reliable guidance and support? Recognizing the signs is a monumental first step, but what comes next?
As we’ve delved into the intricacies of benzodiazepine addiction, it becomes evident that education and understanding is the starting point, but the true challenge lies in acting upon this knowledge. This is where Ripple Ranch Recovery Center steps in.

What Do We Provide?

As a leading voice in addiction recovery, Ripple Ranch Recovery Center is dedicated to spreading awareness and assistance about substance use disorder. We are also committed to providing tangible solutions for those grappling with benzo addiction.

At our facility, we believe in a holistic approach to recovery, as we understand that addiction is often a manifestation of deeper, underlying issues.

What Therapies Do We Offer?

Our specialists delve deep to uncover the foundational causes and risks of addiction. Using a combination of treatment approaches, we can precisely tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Some of the services we offer include:
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: We use CBT to identify and change negative behaviors contributing to benzo addiction. As a result, individuals can alter emotional responses and behaviors related to benzo use.
  • Medications: Our recovery team may recommend medications to aid benzodiazepine detoxification. A common example is flumazenil. Flumazenil is a traditional antidote for benzodiazepine overdose. By working as a partial agonist, it reverses the effect of benzos.
  • Family Therapy: We educate families to make them more supportive allies in the recovery process. Family therapy offers a safe environment for family members to express their feelings and concerns. This honest communication is vital for recovery.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Additionally, we employ EMDR to address the underlying trauma for many patients. This can help with co-occurring disorders as well.
  • Alternative 12-Step Models:Ripple Ranch Recovery Center provides an alternative to the traditional 12-step model in order to help patients who need help with healing and recovery.

Reach Out and Begin Healing

Spotting the signs of benzo addiction can make all the difference. Act now and seek the support you or your loved one deserves. For further inquiries, feel free to contact us.

We’re here to help you heal.

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Ripple Ranch Recovery
2098 Texas Oaks
Spring Branch, TX, 78070
830-494-4717
Ripple Ranch Recovery Center provides detoxification services and residential care through evidence-based treatment methods and a holistic approach.
Continuum Outpatient Center is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) facility for the treatment of substance use and mental health disorders.
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