Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Modesto

Tranquilizer Abuse Treatment & Rehab

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Benzodiazepines, also known simply as “benzos,” are a group of drugs classified as tranquilizers. These medications are used to treat a variety of health conditions, including anxiety disorders and sleep disorders, and are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. Most people know benzodiazepines by their brand names, such as Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Klonopin, and Ativan.

Unfortunately, benzodiazepines have a high risk of misuse and abuse. Over time, people who take these medications can build a tolerance, which can then lead to dependency and addiction.

If you are struggling to control your benzodiazepine use, or if someone you care about is exhibiting signs of drug abuse or addiction, there is hope. Seeking help can be difficult but admitting that you are struggling is an important first step. At The Lakes Treatment Center, we understand what it’s like, because we’ve been where you are now. At our residential drug rehab center, we provide a variety of customizable addiction treatment programs to help you on the path to recovery.

If you would like to learn more about our benzodiazepine addiction treatments in Modesto and the nearby areas, call (209) 309-3573 or reach out online. We offer free and private consultations.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and related conditions. When taken, they affect the body’s central nervous system and produce a sedating, calming sensation that can be extremely effective for managing anxiety-related disorders and other mental and physical health concerns.

However, benzos also produce a mild euphoria, causing some people to misuse or abuse these medications in order to experience this effect.

Identifying Benzodiazepine Misuse & Abuse

Like other forms of prescription drug abuse, it can be difficult to tell when benzodiazepine use has gotten out of control. These medications are typically prescribed to treat legitimate health conditions, making it hard to detect when you or someone you care about has begun to misuse or abuse benzos.

That being said, some of the warning signs of benzodiazepine misuse and abuse include:

• Taking a higher dose than prescribed
• Taking benzodiazepines for longer than prescribed
• Building a “back-up” supply
• Taking someone else’s prescribed medication
• “Borrowing” or stealing someone else’s medication
• Requesting early refills
• Seeing multiple doctors to obtain several prescriptions
• Lying about a health condition to obtain an unnecessary prescription
• Forging a prescription
• Buying benzodiazepines from someone else
• Lying about drug use
• Becoming increasingly more secretive
• Experiencing problems at home, work, or school
• Spending significant time thinking about, obtaining, or taking benzos
• Experiencing cravings and/or withdrawals when not using benzodiazepines

As an individual continues taking benzodiazepines, they can develop a tolerance, causing them to need more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects. This, in turn, is a slippery slope to dependency and addiction.

Negative Health Effects Associated with Benzo Abuse

Benzodiazepines are associated with numerous negative health effects. In the short-term, a person who stops taking benzos may experience anxiety, confusion, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, irritability, and forgetfulness.

Meanwhile, some of the long-term health effects of prolonged benzodiazepine abuse include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor cognitive function
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Lack of coordination
• Falls
• Slowed reactions
• Reduced inhibition
• Dementia

In some cases, benzodiazepine use can lead to fatal overdose. The risk is much higher when benzos are used along with other substances, such as alcohol or various drugs/medications. Seek Help Now to get started.