Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as; insomnia, anxiety, or seizure disorders. When used as prescribed, benzos can be an effective prescription medication. However, long-term use can lead to addiction. Since benzos are commonly prescribed to treat many conditions, benzo addiction is becoming more common in the United States. At Northpoint Nebraska, we provide a variety of substance abuse treatment programs. Our benzo addiction treatment program helps patients struggling with benzo addiction to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. Call 888.351.3834 for more information.
Understanding Benzo Addiction
Benzos work by calming the nervous system. When they enter the bloodstream, benzos release dopamine and GABA. Dopamine is the pleasure chemical that promotes feelings of satisfaction and calm. It also increases feelings of joy and pleasure. GABA is a neurotransmitter that also promotes calmness and helps people sleep. While the brain naturally produces both chemicals, benzos heighten levels. Some commonly prescribed benzos include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Benzos are often prescribed for a few weeks at a time, but because of the increase in dopamine and GABA, patients can become addicted. Recognizing the signs of benzo abuse is critical for you or someone you know to get professional help.
5 Signs of Benzo Abuse
1. Sudden Mood Changes
Extreme or dramatic changes in mood are one of the signs of benzo abuse to look out for. Because benzos release dopamine, the pleasure chemical in your brain, long-term abuse can lead to extreme mood changes after the effects of the drug wear off.
2. Impaired Judgment
Another common sign of benzo addiction is impaired judgment and decision-making. Those struggling with an addiction to benzos are more likely to engage in risky behavior, like driving under the influence. If you suspect someone in your life is struggling with addiction, pay attention to whether they have impaired judgment and thinking.
3. Forging Prescriptions
A typical prescription for benzos is only for a few weeks. If someone becomes addicted, they may seek other ways to obtain the drug when denied by their doctor. Forging a signature for more benzos is one of the signs of benzo abuse and indicates that someone should seek professional help.
4. Trouble Following Conversations
Another one of the symptoms of benzo abuse is difficulty understanding and following a conversation. Benzos impact the chemicals in your brain, so when an individual misuses them, it impacts their comprehension skills. Paying attention to how well a person can understand and follow the conversation can indicate whether someone is abusing benzos and should seek addiction treatment.
5. Visiting Multiple Doctors to Get Multiple Prescriptions
Benzos are supposed to be used for a short period, and a doctor will only prescribe a certain amount of doses. When a person is addicted to benzos, they may seek a prescription from multiple doctors. If someone in your life is visiting various doctors to get multiple prescriptions, it could be a sign of benzo addiction.
Find Effective Benzo Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Nebraska
If you or someone you know is prescribed benzos, it is critical to know the signs of benzo addiction. Long-term benzo abuse can lead to addiction and significant physical and mental side effects. For those struggling with addiction, it is not recommended to quit cold turkey. The withdrawal symptoms of benzo addiction can be dangerous, so it is crucial to find a professional addiction treatment facility for detox and recovery. At Northpoint Nebraska, we offer a safe, supportive environment and substance abuse treatment programs to help our patients heal fully. The inpatient addiction treatment and therapy programs we provide for patients are:
- Drug Detox and Rehab
- Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
- Relapse Prevention Program
- Medical Detox Program
- Family Therapy Program
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Group Therapy Program
Contact Northpoint Nebraska at 888.351.3834 or by filling out our online form to learn more about how we can help you through treatment and recovery.