Benzos are the street name for benzodiazepines, a class of prescription sedatives commonly used to support people dealing with bipolar disorder who need to control their restlessness. Doctors also use benzos to treat alcohol addiction and support muscle relaxation with their sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin are examples of benzos that doctors typically do not prescribe for more than two weeks because of their addictive nature. If you have become addicted, a benzo detox program will help you take the first step towards sobriety.
What Are Signs of Prescription Benzo Drug Abuse?
When people use benzos according to their prescription, they will help people control their feelings of restlessness and sleeplessness. However, there are many signs of benzos abuse. These signs of prescription drug abuse include:
- Combining benzos with other drugs or alcohol
- Doctor shopping
- Moodiness
- Not being able to stop the use of benzos
- Possessing a high tolerance and needing a large volume of benzos to achieve a high
- Requesting friends or family for their prescription pills
- Using poor judgment and decision making
Prescription drug abuse is hazardous because people struggling with addiction typically only focus on getting high. However, they do not realize that they can be using a dosage that is too high for them.
What Are Some Side Effects Associated With Benzos?
When people use benzos without the proper prescription, they can experience severe side effects. There are short and long-term effects of using benzos. The side effects of short-term benzo use are:
- Appearing drowsy
- Clammy skin
- Delayed breathing and motor function
- Dilating pupils
- Dry mouth
- Impaired vision
- Lack of appetite
- Loss of coordination
- Memory loss
- Moody behavior
- Nausea
Long-term prescription drug abuse of benzos includes physical and psychological effects on users. Prolonged abuse of benzos can lead to:
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Poor decision-making skills
- Slurred speech
- Weakened muscles
Using benzos for an extended time presents many problems to users. They often have to get benzos illegally as a physician will not prescribe a benzo medication for long-term use, especially as people display signs of addiction. As the addiction grows, people often resort to behaviors such as stealing, lying, and doctor shopping to gain access to benzos.
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
There are many side effects of benzos that might seem insignificant initially, but they can consume your life as time goes on. An addiction to benzos can leave you feeling frustrated. Users often realize they need to stop but don’t know how. Detox LA offers a medical detoxification program for benzos.
Participating in a medical detox will help you avoid severe withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable behavior
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Sleeplessness
- Sleepiness
- Sweating
When you decide to participate in the detox process, you are allowing yourself the opportunity to rid your body of chemical dependencies. While your withdrawal symptoms and detox process will tailor to your needs, there will be medical practitioners and mental health professionals who will support your journey.
In addition to ridding your body of unnecessary toxins, you will receive the support to deal with the emotional triggers that made you begin abusing benzos initially. By facing your challenges, you will be able to accept the changes that need to occur in your life. You will also be able to gain the guidance of your peers who are also on a journey to sobriety.
Stop Your Addiction to Prescription Drugs with Detox LA
If you are ready to begin the journey to living a life without drug or alcohol addiction, it may be the best option to start with medical detox. Then, you can begin learning your triggers and how to cope effectively. Contact Detox LA at 818.616.7341 to get started on the road to recovery today.