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Benzodiazepine addiction is a common problem where people become mentally and physically dependent on sedative drugs. Supervised detox at Magnolia Medical Group’s Denver and Wheat Ridge, Colorado, offices is the safest way to come off benzodiazepines successfully. The team has extensive experience helping patients manage their withdrawal symptoms and find better ways to cope with life’s challenges. Call your nearest Magnolia Medical Group office to learn more about benzodiazepine addiction treatment, or schedule a consultation online today.
What is benzodiazepine addiction?
Benzodiazepines are sedatives that have a calming effect. However, they’re highly addictive and cause physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms such as:
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Mood changes
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Drowsiness
- Poor judgment
- Difficulty thinking clearly
People with benzodiazepine addiction go doctor shopping — visiting multiple medical providers for prescriptions to feed their habit. They may ask friends, family, and colleagues for their benzodiazepine pills. You likely have a benzodiazepine addiction if you want to cut your intake but can’t because of the mental and physical barriers.
Like most substances that cause addiction, your body naturally builds a benzodiazepine tolerance over time. Therefore, you need a higher dose to achieve the required high. When you cut the dose or stop taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms emerge that are unpleasant and potentially dangerous — even life-threatening.
Why might I develop a benzodiazepine addiction?
Benzodiazepines are prescription tranquilizers, also known as sedatives or anxiolytics. Common examples include Valium®, Xanax®, Restoril®, and Ativan®. Your doctor might prescribe them for conditions such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
While these drugs have legitimate uses and can be helpful over the short term, your risk of addiction increases if you continue to take them. This can impair your home, work, and/or school performance.
The Magnolia Medical Group team might diagnose benzodiazepine addiction (hypnotic, sedative, or anxiolytic use disorder) if you meet specific criteria. For instance, you take the drug longer than initially intended and/or at a higher dose. Other addiction signs include spending considerable time getting and using the medicine and recovering from its effects.
If you have a benzodiazepine addiction, you’ll experience withdrawal effects and cravings when you don’t take the drug. Over time, you develop a tolerance, meaning you need more of the drug to achieve the desired effects.
How do I overcome benzodiazepine addiction?
Coming off benzodiazepines is difficult because these drugs can interact negatively with other medications. Some patients do well by gradually lowering their intake and/or switching to a different type of benzodiazepine. Medicines that may help withdrawal in some patients include carbamazepine, flumazenil, phenobarbital, and imipramine.
Engaging with behavioral therapy, individually and in groups, is also essential. These methods help you understand why you have an addiction and learn coping strategies to prevent relapses.
Call Magnolia Medical Group today or schedule a consultation online to receive expert benzodiazepine addiction treatment.