Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Maybe you started to notice some changes in your loved one's behavior recently. What’s causing it? Maybe they are stressed at work? Are they trying to deal with something they haven’t told you about? Noticing changes like this can be a bit scary at times as you’re trying to figure out how to best help them – but what if the thing they’re managing is a substance use disorder? What signs can you look out for? While this can vary drastically from substance to substance, today we’re going to look at the signs of benzodiazepine addiction.

Benzodiazepines are a fairly common medication used to assist those with things like anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal. That means it’s not uncommon to see benzodiazepines being used within a rehab center if needed. When used as medically directed, benzodiazepines (benzos) can be incredibly helpful. Here at Pinnacle Peak Recovery, we understand the nuance that surrounds substance use. Not everyone’s story is exactly the same, and we like to make sure that we offer options for all sides. Part of these options includes educational content about substances in order to help our clients make informed decisions when they most need them. Let’s take a look at benzos and see what benzodiazepine use disorder might be like.

What Happens When Benzodiazepines Are Misused?

Benzos primarily come in two forms: short-acting and long-acting. This refers specifically to their half-life, which is how long it takes for a substance to enter and exit the body. The less time the body has to adjust to a substance not being within it, the more likely you are to experience withdrawal. Even with long-acting benzos, many medical professionals have patients taper off of their prescriptions in order to minimize or prevent withdrawal altogether.

When benzodiazepines are misused, the chances for withdrawal spike drastically. In addition, there are benzo side effects that can occur with misuse, especially long-term. 

Is Benzo Use Affecting Your Mental Health?

Because benzos are a depressant, misuse can lead to people experiencing depression. This, however, isn’t the only way benzos can impact your mental health. Some of the other side effects you might experience are amplified feelings of isolation, impaired concentration and thinking, memory loss, overall confusion, and changes in attitude such as increased irritability or aggression.

Is Benzo Use Affecting Your Physical Health?

Even though benzos impact the central nervous system because this is connected to every part of your body, you can still experience physical effects from benzo misuse. Some of the more common physical effects of benzo misuse include:

• Feeling weak or fatigued
• Loss of orientation and dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Slurred speech
• Double or blurred vision
• Tremors
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation

If you are injecting benzos, this can also lead to health risks from damaged veins and an increased risk of contracting bloodborne illnesses. 

Recognizing a Benzodiazepine Addiction

If you are regularly partaking in benzo use outside of medical direction, you might already have a benzo use disorder. Being unable to cut back on substance use, even if you want to, is one of the key signs of a substance use disorder. Once it starts impacting your life in a way you can’t control, that’s when outside help can be an important piece of your recovery process.

Another sign you can look out for that might indicate your level of need is withdrawal. While this can be experienced even by those following medical directions, if you misuse benzos your chance of experiencing withdrawal increases drastically. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms when you’re not taking benzodiazepines, you might be going through benzo withdrawal:

• Memory loss
• Restlessness 
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to your surroundings such as light, sound, touch, etc
• Muscle cramps or twitching
• Ringing in your ears
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

It’s not uncommon for someone to experience the symptoms they were trying to manage when they stop using benzos. Even those who might not have previously had seizures or anxiety prior to starting benzo use can experience these symptoms.

What to Do When Overdosing From Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine overdoses can be dangerous. While on their own they’re rarely fatal, when combined with other substances, especially opioids, the results can be deadly. If you start noticing someone experiencing overdose symptoms, call for medical help immediately. Here in the state of Arizona, we have the Good Samaritan Law in place. This means you can’t get into trouble for seeking medical help for an overdose.

Here are some of the signs of overdose you can look out for:

• Elevated levels of excitement and jitteriness
• Slowed or shallow breathing
• Sudden mood swings or increased aggression
• Unconsciousness, especially if sudden

If you were taking benzos in combination with other substances, more symptoms could arise. A sudden change in behavior in combination with these symptoms can still be an indicator of overdose. If someone is overdosing, it’s not too late. Medical help can dramatically increase their chances of survival. 

Intervention for a Benzodiazepine Problem

So you’re reading this article and it’s starting to click – you’re noticing some of these behaviors or symptoms in yourself or a loved one. Now what? What are your next steps? 

There are many ways to approach someone managing a substance use disorder. There’s a reason they haven’t talked to you about it yet, and while this can vary from person to person, the general rule is they worry about potential judgment or consequences of their actions. If you’re going to approach your loved one about their benzo use, make sure you do it in an open-minded manner. If you come in with accusations or judgment, they’re less likely to want to open up or receive help from you at all. 

Another important thing to keep in mind is reminding them that you care. It might seem like this is obvious, but hearing it said out loud can make a world of difference. We’ve found that a lot of substance use can stem from loneliness. There’s never a bad time to remind someone that you care. 

Finally, offer your support in whatever way they want to receive it. This can mean just driving them to their meetings, or it can mean helping them get their appointments set up and even going with them. Everyone’s desired level of help is different and offering it to them is the first step.

Find Benzo Addiction Treatment Near You at Pinnacle Peak Recovery

If your or a loved one is looking to start the recovery journey from benzo use, you’re in luck. Pinnacle Peak Recovery is located right here in Arizona and we’re ready to help you reach those healing goals. We offer a family feel at our facility, with an experienced staff that is highly trained in helping you achieve your personal goals. 

Give us a call today at 866-377-4761 to learn more about our treatment plans. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

FAQs

How do I tell if a loved one is addicted to benzodiazepine?

Signs may vary from person to person, but looking for side effects like tremors or slurred speech can be a starting point. Additionally, if you’ve noticed a change in their behaviors and patterns in the last month, these could be indicators as well. 

What makes benzodiazepines addictive?

Benzos have a high rate of withdrawal. When someone experiences withdrawal, they might feel cravings for benzos, which can both alleviate their cravings and the withdrawal symptoms. This can lead to a cycle of use which is known as addiction.

What are the different types of benzodiazepines?

There are many different types of benzodiazepines. The primary two categories are long-acting and short-acting, which relates to how quickly the effects are felt in your body as well as how long the medication stays in your system.