Although benzodiazepines are helpful for certain conditions, using these medications in a way other than prescribed can cause you to develop a substance use disorder. Treatment at a Mississippi benzo rehab center can reduce your risk of overdosing and help you start recovery. Call Woodland Recovery Center at 662.222.2989 for help.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that 12.5% of people in the United States use benzodiazepines to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and other conditions.
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, are prescription sedatives that work by increasing the effects of a naturally occurring chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA reduces activity in areas of the brain responsible for:
- Memory
- Reasoning
- Essential functions like breathing
- Emotions
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive, which is why most doctors prescribe them only for short lengths of time. If you increase the dosage, take them more often, or take them for longer periods than your doctor prescribed, you may have a substance use disorder.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction can begin quickly. Some of the symptoms include:
- Doctor shopping
- Lying about drug use
- Stealing prescriptions
- Constant dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Decreased libido
If you or a loved one has these symptoms and struggles to stop using benzos, it is crucial to reach out to a treatment center for help.
Risks of a Benzodiazepine Use Disorder: Benzo Overdose Symptoms
The body builds a tolerance for the drug quickly, which leads people to increase their dose. Overdosing on benzos is common, and it can be fatal.
Some signs of a benzo overdose include:
- Slurred speech
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Confusion
- Extreme fatigue
- Blue tinge to lips or fingers
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
Being able to recognize benzo overdose symptoms as early as possible can give you or your loved one a better chance of surviving the overdose. Signs of a benzo overdose can be severe and can lead to unconsciousness, especially if the person has mixed the benzodiazepines with other substances.
The moment you notice any benzo overdose symptoms, call for medical help.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction requires help from professionals at a treatment facility. At Woodland Recovery Center, we offer the services you need to safely begin your recovery.
We provide medical detox to help you go through the detoxification process without experiencing the worst withdrawal symptoms. As you continue your recovery journey, we also offer medication-assisted treatment so that cravings do not interfere with your therapy.
For people who need to stabilize or have just begun their recovery process, we recommend inpatient treatment at our facility. Inpatient treatment offers the safe and supportive environment you need to deal with the underlying causes of addiction without the distractions of your typical routine.
You can also receive treatment for co-occurring disorders, which gives you the best chance of achieving long-term recovery.
Another available option is partial hospitalization, which allows you to participate in intense treatment while still being able to go home at night. Partial hospitalization offers more support than general outpatient services with the flexibility you need to keep up with responsibilities at home.
For those who have stabilized, outpatient services are a good way of transitioning back into your life. You still receive support but have more freedom.
Receive Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction at Woodland Recovery Center
If you are battling a benzodiazepine addiction, reaching out for help as soon as possible can save your life. Receiving treatment at an inpatient or partial hospitalization facility can help you avoid the risk of overdosing and the long-term health consequences that benzos can cause.
To begin treatment for a substance use disorder, call Woodland Recovery Center today at 662.222.2989. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form.
