Nearly 30% of opioid-related overdoses also involved the use of benzo drugs. Although these types of drugs are similar in some ways, they are different and thus require a different approach to treatment. However, in many cases, benzo addiction treatment needs to happen in tandem with opioid addiction treatment or alcohol addiction treatment. Before diving into what treatment looks like for individuals addicted to benzos, let’s get a better understanding of what exactly these drugs are.
Understanding Benzodiazepines
By definition, benzodiazepines are “any of a class of heterocyclic organic compounds used as tranquilizers”. This probably doesn’t mean much to the average person, other than the word “tranquilizers”. Yes, these drugs do have a calming effect and in large doses can act as a sedative. In fact, these drugs are actually classified as sedatives or anxiolytics.
Benzos are usually prescribed to treat anxiety or insomnia, but can also be used to relax muscles, treat seizures, or manage alcohol detoxification. Their use to treat these conditions is often intended to be a short term treatment while working towards a long term resolution. Long-term use is not ideal as benzo use is connected to instances dependence and addiction.
A type of sedative, the use of benzos may make you feel calm or drowsy. Many people feel a sense of relaxation and ease. However, they can also make one feel lethargic, foggy, dizzy, or even depressed. Everyone reacts to these drugs a little differently. Some people are very uneasy about how they feel when taking benzos, but others love the way that benzos make them feel. The desire to achieve and maintain the effects of these types of drugs is what can eventually lead to benzo addiction and the need for professional treatment.
Types of Benzodiazepines
There are many different benzodiazepines on the market. Doctors may prescribe one over the other for various reasons. Perhaps their patients have seen more success for one over the other, or the formulation of certain benzo is known to better meet the needs of a particular client. Here is a list of the different types of benzodiazepines with their generic and brand names.
- alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR)
- clobazam (Onfi)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- clorazepate (Tranxene)
- chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- diazepam (Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat)
- estazolam (Prosom – discontinued brand in the US)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- oxazepam (Serax – discontinued brand in the US)
- temazepam (Restoril)
- triazolam (Halcion)
Benzodiazepine Side Effects
Short Term Side Effects
- drowsiness
- confusion
- dizziness
- trembling
- impaired coordination
- vision problems
- grogginess
- feelings of depression
- headache
Long Term Side Effects
Effects of Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine Overdose
The greatest risk of using benzodiazepines and a reason to get into a benzo addiction treatment program is that of potentially overdosing. With a propensity for developing a tolerance, the longer someone takes benzodiazepines, the greater dosage they will likely need to take to achieve the desired effect, and the greater the risk of overdosing. A sedative, benzos cause breathing to slow. IN turn, less oxygen is directed through the lungs to the brain and the rest of the body. When a dose too great is taken, breathing slows to the point of being fatal.
Mixing Benzos & Other Sedatives
The risk of overdosing on benzodiazepines goes up significantly when taken with certain other substances. Specifically, mixing benzos with other forms of sedatives can be deadly. Substances such as alcohol and opioids also slow the breathing of a user. When these substances are taken together, the dosage required of each substance to reach fatal levels is significantly lowered.
A Holistic Approach to Benzo Addiction Treatment
Benzo addiction can have social and psychological effects on those who struggle with it. Some may find these effects to be the greatest difficulty they face. For others, it is the physical effects that are the scariest. When one stops taking benzodiazepines without tapering off, severe symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and even death can occur. For this reason, professional treatment at a medical detox facility is critical. Once the benzo detoxification process has been safely completed, then an individualized treatment plan is developed. During treatment, individuals who have struggled with benzo addiction will learn skills and tools to help them stay off of these drugs and lead a better life. Possible levels of care include PHP, IOP, and outpatient treatment for benzodiazepine addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to Ativan, Valium, or any other form of benzodiazepine, get them the help they need and deserve. Contact our team at Level Up Lake Worth to get started today!
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