Benzodiazepines or benzos fall into the category of pharmaceutical drug that lives a double life as a street drug, meaning it is sometimes taken without medical supervision or guidance. Like any narcotic or other controlled substance, benzos can be very dangerous. Dangerous benzo use can lead to many unwanted consequences, the most serious of which is overdose. If someone you know is struggling with benzo abuse, consider benzo addiction treatment in New Harmony, Utah, at Painted Desert Recovery.
Reach out to Painted Desert Recovery to learn more about the dangers of benzos, the warning signs of benzo addiction, and our range of evidence-based and experiential therapies offered in day-treatment and residential programs for women. Complete this form to connect or dial 844.540.0357.
What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines have a medical purpose and can be acquired legally only through prescription. Physicians use them to treat people for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures, among other things.
Some of the better known pharmaceutical brands of benzodiazepines are:
- Valium
- Halcion
- Ativan
- Klonopin
- Xanax
Because of their sedative effect, benzos are known as downers when sold illicitly. Unfortunately, people commonly misuse benzos because they desire a depressant’s euphoric, relaxing effect. The vast majority of benzodiazepine users in the U.S., around 30 million people, take the drugs as prescribed. However, misuse, abuse, and addictive use account for 17% of benzo consumption—involving about five million individuals. Those people struggle with the dangers of benzos, including benzo addiction.
What Are the Dangers of Benzos?
Benzodiazepines are not recommended for long-term use, even when prescribed and used correctly. The dangers are even more significant for those who use benzos illegally, without medical oversight or any curbs on dosage or frequency of use.
Benzo dangers and their unwanted consequences to health are usually not lasting. Once you have rid your body of the drug in a detox program, you can begin healing your body and mind. A drug treatment program for benzo addiction will help you start recovery in a safe environment for positive lasting results.
Some of the dangers associated with benzodiazepines include the following.
Cognitive Decline
The impairment of cognitive functioning can include:
- Longer reaction times
- Confusion
- Slower processing speed
- Inability to focus
- Short attention span
- Anterograde amnesia, or the inability to form new memories
- Impaired ability to understand information
- Loss of motor coordination or the ability to control movements
Benzo misuse also more than doubles the risk of vehicle crashes.
Mental Health Symptoms
Some of the mental health disorders that can result from benzo abuse are:
- Mania
- Psychosis
- Delirium
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These mental health issues must be treated simultaneously with benzo addiction.
Physical Dependence
Physical signs of benzo abuse include:
- Irritability
- Hostility
- Muscle weakness
- Sleepiness
- Blurred vision
- Inability to make decisions
- Mood swings
- Tremors
- Slurred speech
Chemical dependency also often leads to developing an addiction.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual problems associated with benzos include:
- Diminished orgasm
- Decreased libido
- Pain during intercourse
For men, benzo abuse can also cause a decline in arousal, including erectile dysfunction.
Consider Benzo Addiction Treatment for Women at Painted Desert Recovery
Dangerous benzo use tends to happen more commonly among women. Physicians are more likely to prescribe for life to women patients than men. Benzo abuse and addiction among women most often occurs when the use of the drug begins legitimately to treat a condition such as anxiety or insomnia. The underlying mental health issues and particular life stressors that affect women make benzo addiction treatment at Painted Desert Recovery an option that will feel safe and welcoming.
At Painted Desert, you will be among other women who have experienced benzo addiction, are seeking recovery, and may have a co-occurring mental health disorder similar to yours. Come to Painted Desert to receive excellent treatment in a caring environment. Call 844.540.0357 or reach out via online form to learn more.