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Break Free: Discover Benzodiazepine Use Disorder Treatment in Arizona

Benzodiazepines play a significant role in American healthcare, with millions prescribed annually for anxiety and sleep disorders. However, their widespread use has led to rising concerns. According to the CDC, overprescribing has contributed to misuse and overdose deaths, with NIDA reporting a quadrupling of benzodiazepine-related deaths since 1999.

Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to dependence and impaired cognitive function. Addressing these issues requires careful prescribing, supervision, and access to effective treatment of benzodiazepine dependence.

 3 Page Contents

About Benzodiazepine Use Disorder

Definition

Causes

Symptoms

Definition

Before understanding the treatment for benzodiazepine addiction, it is essential to understand what Benzodiazepine Use Disorder is. It is a condition where individuals find it difficult to stop using medications known as benzodiazepines, even when their use leads to negative consequences in their lives. The symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction often involve a persistent desire to use benzodiazepines, difficulty controlling use, and continued use despite knowing the harm it may cause.

People struggling with benzo abuse may experience challenges in various aspects of their lives, such as work, relationships, and health, due to their dependence on benzodiazepines. Treating acute benzodiazepine addiction typically involves a combination of therapy, support, and sometimes medication to help individuals overcome their dependence and regain control over their lives.

Causes

Prolonged or excessive use of benzodiazepine medications.
Physical and psychological dependence on benzodiazepines
Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or trauma.
Co-occurring mental health disorders, like depression or anxiety disorders.
Environmental factors such as social influences or access to medications
Genetic predisposition or family history of substance use disorders.

Symptoms

Behavioral Symptoms:

Cravings or strong urges to use benzodiazepines.
Difficulty controlling or stopping benzodiazepine use, demonstrating severe withdrawal symptoms.
Neglecting responsibilities or activities due to doses of benzodiazepine use.
Benzodiazepine abuse in situations where it is physically hazardous, such as while driving.

Physical Symptoms:

Developing a tolerance, needing higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Symptoms of withdrawal when not using benzodiazepines, such as anxiety, irritability, or tremors.

Psychological Symptoms:

Continued use of benzodiazepines despite negative consequences.
Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from benzodiazepine use.
Continued use of benzodiazepines despite knowing that they exacerbate physical or mental health problems.

Health Risks

Increased Risk of Suicide: Higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors due to compounded mental health issues and substance abuse.
Severe Mental Health Deterioration: Worsening of symptoms for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Substance Overdose: Greater risk of overdose due to excessive and uncontrolled substance use.
Chronic Physical Health Problems: Development of long-term health issues such as liver disease, heart disease, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis).
Cognitive Impairment: Long-term cognitive deficits, including memory loss, reduced problem-solving skills, and impaired judgment.
Social and Relationship Issues: Strained or broken relationships, social isolation, and difficulties in maintaining healthy social interactions.
Financial Instability: Increased financial problems due to spending on substances and the inability to maintain employment.
Legal Problems: Higher likelihood of encountering legal issues due to behaviors associated with substance abuse, such as driving under the influence or other criminal activities.
Homelessness: Increased risk of becoming homeless due to inability to maintain stable housing as a result of financial and social instability.
Increased Vulnerability to Violence: Higher risk of experiencing or perpetrating violence, including domestic violence, as a result of substance-induced aggression or impaired judgment.

Addiction Statistics

Benzodiazepine overdoses have been on the rise in the United States over the past few decades. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), deaths involving benzodiazepines more than quadrupled between 1999 and 2019. In 1999, there were 1,135 deaths, which increased to 10,870 in 2023.

This alarming trend highlights the need for increased awareness, monitoring, and interventions to address benzodiazepine misuse and overdose. It has also been found that 33% of opioid overdoses involving other drugs included Benzodiazepine, according to the CDC.

Benzodiazepine Use Disorder FAQs

What if I've relapsed in the past?

Relapse is common in fentanyl addiction recovery and many of us have been there before. It’s crucial to stay committed, understand triggers, and take steps to avoid them. Guiding Road offers treatment to help rebuild coping skills, identify triggers, and stay on the path to lasting recovery.

How does benzodiazepine addiction affect mental health?

Benzodiazepine addiction can have both physical and psychological impacts on a person, exacerbating or contributing to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Prolonged use can also lead to cognitive impairment and memory problems. Additionally, managing benzodiazepine withdrawal is crucial, as sudden cessation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, requiring careful monitoring and medical intervention to ensure safety and support recovery.

How can I identify signs of benzodiazepine (Benzos) use in others?

Recognizing the signs of benzodiazepine (benzos) use is the first step to provide appropriate support. Watch for these key indicators if your loved one is struggling to move forward on the road to recovery:

Sedation or Drowsiness: Notice excessive sleepiness or grogginess throughout the day.
Slurred Speech: Listen for speech that is unusually slow, slurred, or difficult to understand.
Lack of Coordination: Observe clumsiness, unsteady gait, or impaired motor skills.
Memory Problems: Notice forgetfulness or difficulty recalling recent events.

Being aware of these signs can help you intervene, reduce the risk of benzo use, and assist your loved one. If you suspect someone has symptoms of benzo dependence, encourage them to seek professional help for proper evaluation and support.

How long do benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms last?

The duration of withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction can vary. Generally, acute symptoms may last from a few days to a week, but some individuals may experience lingering symptoms for several weeks. It’s crucial to seek professional help to manage withdrawal symptoms.

What are the common withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, sweating, nausea, and, in severe cases, seizures. These symptoms vary depending on factors like the length of use and dosage. It is important to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

What are the risks associated with benzodiazepine addiction?

Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious problem that can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using them. Long-term benzodiazepine use can also increase the risk of accidents, memory problems, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues. Treating benzodiazepine addiction on time is therefore necessary.

What are the first steps to seeking help for benzodiazepine addiction?

Acknowledging the problem and reaching out for support are crucial first steps. This may involve talking to a healthcare professional, contacting a treatment center like Guiding Road Recovery Center, or confiding in a trusted friend or family member.

What are the dangers of mixing benzodiazepines with other substances?

Mixing benzodiazepines with other substances, particularly alcohol or opioids, can increase the risk of overdose and death due to respiratory depression. It can also lead to heightened sedation, confusion, and impaired judgment. For this, substance use disorder treatment may be a better option.

What are benzodiazepines, and how do I know if I have a problem with them?

Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are commonly prescribed medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. Signs of benzodiazepine misuse or addiction may include taking higher doses than prescribed, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using them, and using them despite negative consequences to health, work, or relationships. Interventions for benzodiazepine addiction would be needed.

Identifying Signs of Benzodiazepine (Benzos) Use in Others

Concerned about someone’s well-being? Learn to recognize potential signs of benzodiazepine (benzos) use to provide appropriate support. Watch for these key indicators:

Sedation or Drowsiness: Notice excessive sleepiness or grogginess throughout the day.
Slurred Speech: Listen for speech that is unusually slow, slurred, or difficult to understand.
Lack of Coordination: Observe clumsiness, unsteady gait, or impaired motor skills.
Memory Problems: Notice forgetfulness or difficulty recalling recent events.

Being aware of these signs can help you intervene and assist your loved one. If you suspect benzodiazepine use, encourage seeking professional help for proper evaluation and support.

Guiding Road Recovery Center

Hope for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder

The addiction treatment programs are designed to ensure lasting recovery by understanding the signs of addiction. Our scientifically proven and individualized approach to a variety of treatment options can help you or a loved one recover from addiction:

Resources

Addiction Resources

Page Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report:
Changes in Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths by Opioid Type and Presence of Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, and Methamphetamine. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6834a2.htm

Bobby Boykin

Clinical Director

This article has been clinically reviewed by Bobby, a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) at Guiding Road.

Explore New Possibilities with Guiding Road Recovery Center

Our caring team at Guiding Road Recovery Center is dedicated to helping individuals like you find a path to a healthier and more fulfilling life. With our experienced specialists by your side, you can trust that we will treat you with the utmost respect and compassion throughout your recovery journey.

When you reach out to us, we will ask thoughtful questions to better understand your needs and determine if our center is the right fit for you. We understand that benzodiazepine addiction is a complex journey, and we’ll get you started on your treatment as soon as possible.

Start your recovery journey with Guiding Road; give us a call or fill out our admissions form today.