Have you noticed changes in your loved one? Does it feel like they have become a different person? Would you recognize the signs of benzodiazepine addiction?
In 2021, 14.7% of Floridians had a substance use disorder, which is around 2.7 million people. This number includes benzodiazepine use disorder. Several loved ones of people with substance use disorders have found themselves asking questions like “What were the signs?” or “Could I have known?”
At Tranquil Shores, we want to help you answer your questions about your loved ones. Today, we are going to discuss the signs of benzodiazepine addiction and how you can encourage your loved one to get help.
What Happens When Someone Is Taking Benzodiazepines?
A doctor might prescribe benzodiazepines to reduce anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Common names for it include Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium. When taken as a doctor intended it to be used, it can help someone lower their anxiety levels, which can allow them to accomplish essential responsibilities in their life.
When someone takes it not as prescribed, it can have several side effects. Most notably, it can increase feelings of euphoria. It can also result in a slowed-down nervous system, sleepiness, and relaxation.
Psychological Symptoms of Benzodiazepines
When not taken as prescribed, benzodiazepines can result in worsening anxiety symptoms, insomnia, and anorexia. After long-term use, someone might develop a tolerance or benzodiazepine use disorder. They may rely on the substance to continue to feel happy and normal. Suppose mental health conditions develop because of or existed before the development of this condition. In that case, dual diagnosis treatment is often required to prevent further complications.
Physical Symptoms of Benzodiazepines
Benzos are a depressant, so when someone is taking too much of the substance, they may have physical symptoms. Some of these symptoms might include:
- Confusion
- Mood changes
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Slurred speech
- Slowed breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Being uncoordinated
- Tremors
- Respiratory concerns
- Vertigo
- Constipation
- Disconnection
Benzodiazepine Use Disorder Signs: What to Look Out For
It can be challenging to know if someone you love has a benzodiazepine use disorder unless you actually see it happening. Many people might try to hide it out of shame or guilt. However, some signs can indicate that someone might have this disorder.
If someone has a benzodiazepine use disorder, they may spend a lot of time talking, obtaining, taking, or recovering from the substance. Keep in mind that they might not refer to the substance as “benzodiazepines” or “benzos.” Instead, they might use a street name like “downers” or a prescription medication generic name like “Xanax.”
When they take the substance, it will often be in amounts more significant than the prescribed dose. They might also have a challenging time stopping or have intense cravings. If they have tried to stop taking it in the past, they may have been unsuccessful. Benzodiazepines can make existing mental or physical health concerns worse. Despite this, they may continue to take it to curb cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
Someone with a benzodiazepine use disorder will often let their work or home responsibilities fall to the side, which can make it difficult for them to maintain relationships with others. Some people may even exchange activities they once enjoyed participating in for taking this substance.
Benzodiazepine Overdose Symptoms
Another sign that someone might have a benzodiazepine use disorder is if they experience frequent overdoses. Abenzo overdose is not always life-threatening, but it does still require medical intervention. In 2022, 3,738 people died as a result of a benzo-related overdose in Florida. This number includes many different types. Understanding what to look for can help save your loved one’s life.
For the majority of benzo-exclusive overdoses, people may still be able to communicate and have near-normal vital signs. They might also have poor muscle control, an altered mental state, or slurred speech.
With this in mind, most of the time someone experiences a benzodiazepine overdose, they have taken other substances along with it. In this case, respiratory depression may be involved. In severe cases, it may lead to hypotension, comas, seizures, or organ failure.
Only medical professionals can reverse a benzodiazepine overdose. So, if someone you know is experiencing one, remain calm and call 911 immediately. Do not be afraid to call for help, as Florida’s Good Samaritan Law protects you and your loved one from criminal charges in the event you are trying to get help for an overdose. Tell the operator all the information that you know, as this can give them a better understanding of how they can help. While waiting, stay with the person and try to keep them awake. If they are unconscious, lay them on their side to prevent choking.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
The existence of withdrawal symptoms can be a sign that someone has a benzodiazepine use disorder. These symptoms occur when the person is not taking the substance or taking less than their usual dose. Typically, these symptoms begin within the first 24 hours and may last for a few days to several weeks, depending on factors such as the type of benzo or the amount taken.
For most people, withdrawal is very uncomfortable, but it is not life-threatening. Still, it is essential to attend a medical detox center if someone is deciding to stop taking the substance due to their benzo use disorder. Professionals can make symptoms more manageable during detox and intervene if complications occur.
There are many symptoms that someone might have in association with their benzodiazepine use disorder withdrawal. Everyone is different, so they might have a different combination than another person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Hallucinations
- Disrupted sleep
- Sensitivity to light
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Muscle cramps
Intervention: How to Help a Loved One With A Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
If you suspect a loved one might have a benzo use disorder, setting aside time to discuss your concerns is essential. Remain calm as you explain to your loved one the signs you see in them and how they impact their lives. Please encourage them to get help for their condition. Be aware that this conversation may have to happen more than once. People may often resist getting help, and some may not know they need treatment.
To start, plan a time when they might be open to this conversation and make a plan on what you want to say to them. During your meeting, take the time to communicate your boundaries. Do not threaten them or try to force them into treatment. Instead, calmly explain that adjustments to your relationship with them might need to be made.
In addition to this, do not enable them to continue. Instead, you can offer to drive them to a rehab location. During the meeting, you can also suggest rehabs they can attend or offer to help them find ones that will fit their needs. Most importantly, understand that they need to want to participate in their recovery actively. You can’t force them to recover successfully; treatment works best when they are involved.
Find Benzo Addiction Treatment in Madeira Beach, FL
Benzodiazepine rehab can be a life-changing experience for many individuals. During treatment, you will be greeted by passionate, trauma-informed staff members who are dedicated to guiding you through this journey. You will learn numerous skills in accelerated resolution therapy (ART) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that you can lean on during stressful moments to make recovery manageable.
At Tranquil Shores, we understand that work can’t always wait for you to recover from a benzodiazepine use disorder. This is why we allow you to keep and use your electronics while in treatment. For more information, call us at 727-391-7001 for the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.
FAQs About Benzo Addiction Signs
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is addicted to benzos?
If you suspect your loved one has a benzo use disorder, remain calm and discuss with them your concerns. Address any signs you notice in them and how they are impacting their life. Please encourage them to get help and establish your boundaries. Do not threaten or enable them. Instead, offer to help them go to an appointment or research rehabs.
