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What Are the Signs of Benzo Abuse?

While benzodiazepines often have low abuse potential, they can become dangerous when individuals use them to get high, alter the high of other drugs, and use them illegally and unmonitored by a doctor. If a loved one is on benzodiazepines, it is important to recognize the signs of benzo abuse.

At Relevance Recovery, our expert staff and medical professionals are familiar with and ready to support your recovery goals through multiple treatment styles. Our drug addiction and mental health rehab center in New Jersey support clients and families through some of life’s most difficult challenges. Contact an admissions team today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment facility. 

What are Benzos?

Benzodiazepines are controlled substances that help to regulate mood and can even be used to prevent seizures. Often these prescriptions are given to clients struggling with insomnia or anxiety to help produce sedation. Common benzodiazepines are Valium, Xanax, Restoril, Ativan, and Klonopin

Benzos are distributed as pills, syrups, or by injection. Benzodiazepines have low abuse potential in most populations. However, individuals with a history of substance use disorders may be more susceptible to addiction to benzos.

Are Benzos Dangerous?

Benzos can be extremely dangerous if not monitored correctly—individuals who misuse their hands are at a greater risk of developing dependence and drug addiction.

Benzos misuse can occur in a number of ways. For starters, individuals with a prescription who misuse the medication by taking more than prescribed or taking it more frequently than recommended can develop a tolerance and dependency on the medication. Additionally, combining benzodiazepines with other substances like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants can create a volatile situation within the body. This form of misuse is especially dangerous because the outcomes of combining drugs can be fatal. Research shows that approximately one and five individuals who abuse alcohol also abuse benzodiazepines.

Another way that individuals misuse benzodiazepines is by using them to get high. This form of abuse can occur by individuals who have been prescribed the drug and those who obtain the drugs illegally. Benzodiazepines often create a calming euphoria during use. However, individuals can also experience varying adverse side effects from use.

What Are the Signs of Benzo Abuse?

There are many signs that could indicate benzodiazepine misuse or abuse.

As a prescription medication, benzodiazepines can be abused. While they have a low likelihood of addiction, benzo misuse can cause damage to the body. Misuse occurs when an individual takes too much of a drug, takes it too frequently, alters the form it should be taken in, or takes the drug with other contraindicated substances. For example, mixing benzodiazepines with other sedative drugs can increase the likelihood of death because of how they both impact the body’s functions. In addition, individuals who mix benzos with hallucinogens can experience paranoia, night terrors, sleepwalking, and amnesia. 

When illegally abused, individuals will often be sleepy, forgetful in their conversations, and may be unable to wake up. In these instances, these downers act to sedate an individual and can slow down the heart, lungs, and digestive system, causing internal problems.

Individuals who abuse benzos may experience changes in work or school attendance due to use, avoidance of favorite activities, and changes in sleep patterns.

How to Find a Benzo Treatment Center in New Jersey

If you believe that you or a loved one’s benzodiazepine use is unhealthy, problematic, or may lead to addiction, it is essential to get medical help. Benzodiazepines are drugs that require an individual to be weaned off to avoid dangerous side effects. Therefore, choosing a drug rehab or treatment center that offers detoxification and medical monitoring through treatment is necessary.

At Relevance Recovery, a New Jersey outpatient drug rehab, individuals who require substance use and behavioral treatment have many options. With multiple therapeutic pathways and a combination of traditional and alternative therapies, clients can work through unique individualized treatment plans that are specific to their needs. 

Our intensive outpatient program in New Jersey offers a number of treatment programs to support clients through every step of the process. For example, we can support clients in the early stages of detox through intensive inpatient treatment and multiple levels of outpatient treatment.

Speak with a counselor at Relevance Recovery today to learn more about the signs of benzo abuse and available treatment options.

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