Benzodiazepine abuse is quickly becoming an alarming problem in the United States. Doctors and psychiatrists prescribe these psychoactive drugs to treat anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and sleep disorders. Unfortunately, these habit-forming drugs can easily lead to abuse and addiction. If you have become addicted to benzodiazepines and want to get clean, professional addiction treatment programs can help. You don’t have to continue to drown in your struggles anymore.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzos are depressants that slow down the central nervous system. They play specifically on the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors. GABA, a neurotransmitter, minimizes nerve cell activity in the brain. Benzodiazepines open chloride passages that are GABA-activated, therefore allowing chloride subatomic particles to cross into a neuron. As a result, the neuron becomes negatively charged and capable of resisting excited feelings.
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These tranquilizers are commonly used to treat conditions like anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and sleep disorders. They’re also used as a muscle relaxant, an aid during alcohol withdrawal, and to induce relaxation and amnesia prior to surgery. Like most prescription drugs, they come in different forms. Some are more potent and produce longer lasting effects than others.
When taken as prescribed for a short period of time, these drugs are effective in relieving anxiety. Due to their highly addictive nature, men shouldn’t take them for an extended period of time—particularly without a prescription. Additionally, benzodiazepines should not be combined with alcohol or other substances that depress the central nervous system. Doing so can result in severe consequences, including accidental overdose, coma, and even death.
Some common benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Klonopin
- Diazepam
- Ativan
Possible Harmful Effects
Xanax addiction and addiction to other benzos can be quite destructive to the user over time. Some users report experiencing adverse effects after use, such as impaired coordination, sleepiness, and amnesia. In severe cases, hostile and aggressive behavior is another risk that users face.
There are various physical, mental, and social risks associated with the abuse of benzodiazepines. Just a few of these possible effects include:
- Cognitive losses including difficulty processing thoughts and perceptions, visuospatial ability, and ability to absorb new information via visual lessons
- Generally declining physical health
- Memory problems
- Extreme mood swings
- Possibility of experiencing withdrawal once dependency develops
Benzo withdrawal following long-time use can be uncomfortable, and even dangerous. Flu-like symptoms, dizziness, thoughts of suicide, headaches, nausea, memory impairment, and interrupted sleep patterns are common.
Withdrawal can be complicated. If you’re ready to get clean, we encourage you to seek professional treatment where you can also receive medically managed detox. It’s the safest and most effective method for overcoming damaging addictions.
Help for Addiction
Located in California, Serenity Lodge offers life-changing drug and alcohol addiction treatment for men. We provide excellent addiction treatment programs and services designed to get individuals back on their feet. Additionally, we provide detox at our partner’s off-site location.
We offer:
- Drug Rehab
- Substance abuse treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- 12-Step program meetings
- Proven addiction therapy approaches
If you’re ready to commit to getting clean, we’re ready to help you take this exciting first step. We will be by your side to assist and guide you through each step of the recovery process. You don’t have to face this unique challenge by yourself.
Accept Help at Our California Drug Rehab
Addiction might have you feeling less than your best, but Serenity Lodge in California can help you to rediscover your full potential. Overcoming addiction will likely be one of the greatest challenges you’ll ever face, but it will be worth every moment.
Are you ready to make a drastic change in your daily life? Are you ready to learn healthy life skills for resisting substance abuse and destructive behaviors? If you answered yes, call us today at (855) 932-4045.