Benzodiazepines are a sedative medication which acts as a sedative. They slow down the functions of the body, so are used for issues such as sleeping problems and anxiety. There are 2 different types of benzodiazepines; hypnotics and anxiolytics. Hypnotics are used for sleep issues and are shorter acting. Anxiolytics are used for anxiety and have longer-lasting effects.
People abuse the medical drug, as they enjoy the way it makes them feel. However, when used for the wrong reasons, ‘benzos’ can be dangerous and addictive. If you think you have an addiction, then you made require rehab. These 5 facts about benzo addiction may shock you:
- Becoming addicted is very easy.
Benzodiazepines make your dopamine levels rise, tricking your brain into giving you a ‘reward’. Users will want to use the drug again to chase this ‘high’.
It has been found that benzos are as powerful a drug as opioids, cannabis, and GHB. On average, the brain will develop a tolerance after just 6 months of use, but you can become addicted sooner.
- Quitting can be very difficult.
Addicts will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug, including; sweating, headaches, irritability, nausea, and perceptual changes. For those heavily addicted, withdrawal can lead to psychosis and seizures.
- Using benzodiazepines often makes people forget a lot about their life.
People who have been using benzodiazepines for years have been found to have severe cognitive impairment. They often forget things which they could previously recall and forgetting how to do things which they once knew.
- Benzodiazepine use is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.
A study has found that the more a person took benzodiazepine, the higher their risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This is was found as numbers of long-term benzo prescriptions for the elderly rose, so did the trend in people developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Benzo addiction can cause death.
Benzodiazepines were associated with the greatest number of early deaths amongst all the prescription medications tested during research. When someone overdoses, the drug overloads the brain and body. When alcohol has been added the mix, the risks are even higher.
Withdrawing from Benzodiazepines
Not everyone will experience the same symptoms when coming off benzodiazepines. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, and some will of course suffer more than others. Withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Panic and anxiety attacks
- Agoraphobia (not wanting to go out)
- Aches and pains
- Trouble sleeping
- Stomach and bowel issues
- Hot flashes and shivering
- Sinus issues
- Very vivid dreams