Are you concerned that you or someone close to you may have a problem with and addiction to Benzodiazepines? Please call us right now for independent expert advice and access to the best addiction treatment centres.
Whilst a Benzo addiction in itself can be a frightening thing to face up to it’s important to remember the quicker you tackle it the quicker the road to recovery will be.
There is a lot of help available out there for anyone struggling with Benzodiazepine addiction so you do not need to feel like you are alone in your plight.
Below is some information about the drug, the way it works and it’s side effects. You will also find suggestions about treatment options and recovery.
Always remember addiction recovery is possible and your first step can sometimes be as simple as picking up the phone and making a call.
What is Benzodiazepines Addiction?
Benzodiazepines or Benzos as they are commonly called are psychoactive drugs that enhance the effect of neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid which consequently results in both sedative and muscle relaxant effects.
They are generally thought to be safe and well tolerated for short term use only due to the addictive qualities of the drugs. Typical Benzodiazepines you may have heard of are Clonazepam, Diazepam and Temazepam although there are many more.
They generally come in pill or capsule form but can be crushed and snorted or injected when abused. When taken recreationally tolerance is known to build fairly rapidly and the desired effects first experienced will become more difficult to achieve causing the user to take greater quantities which is when some of the undesirable effects may show up including paranoia and depression. A longer list of unpleasant side effects can be found below.
Signs, Symptoms and Risks of Benzodiazepines Addiction
Some of the worrying effects of Benzodiazepines include drowsiness, poor concentration, ataxia, dysarthria, lack of co-ordination, muscle weakness and vertigo.
Episodes of memory loss are also common with long term use of Benzodiazepines. When abused the drug may make someone prone to over excitement and irritability, they can become aggressive and hostile and in worst case scenarios even become violent or prone to other antisocial behaviours.
There has also been a connection between Benzodiazepines addiction and depression and in some circumstances even suicide.
Benzodiazepines Addiction Treatment
Treatment for Benzodiazepine addiction should be overseen by a qualified practitioner. Tapering off the drug is recommended due to the adverse side effects of going ‘Cold Turkey’.
A qualified addiction counsellor will advise you of a workable treatment plan to make the path to recovery as pain free as possible and more importantly be able to give you the best chance of remaining on it.
A combination of therapies usually works best including detox and in-patient/out-patient rehab or perhaps individual counselling.
The quicker you address the problem the sooner you will be making a start back to the life you once knew; your road to recovery is just a phone call away. Call one of our counsellors for addiction advice today.