Benzodiazepine Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem throughout America. While they can be beneficial when used as prescribed, benzodiazepines are a highly addictive class of drugs. It’s essential that people are able to recognize the signs of a benzodiazepine addiction so that they can seek help when it is needed.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous depressants. Currently, there are over 15 different FDA-approved medications that fit in this class. While doctors prescribe these medications to treat various forms of anxiety, benzodiazepines are also highly addictive.

Signs of a Benzodiazepine Addiction

• Physical dependence: Developing a benzodiazepine dependence is one of several signs of an addiction. As individuals use this type of medication for a period of weeks or months, they often become accustomed to its effects. This requires them to take more of the drug on an increasingly frequent basis to experience the same effects.
• Secretive behaviors: Those experiencing addictions often try to hide their behavior from others. Denial of the existence of a problem in the face of evidence is another frequent sign of drug abuse.
• Seeking multiple doctors: When someone suffers from a physical dependence on a substance, the thought of being without it can produce major anxiety. Therefore, someone experiencing a benzodiazepine addiction may seek treatment from several different doctors so they can be sure they don’t run out of medication.
• Depression and withdrawal: Those struggling with addiction often withdraw from their family and friends. They also frequently lose interest in hobbies that were once very important to them. These symptoms can be a direct result of the medication they’re abusing. Alternatively, they can be a manifestation of accompanying depression.

Steps to Recovering from a Benzodiazepine Addiction

There are several steps a person can take to break free from the dangerous cycle of addiction. Consider the following three steps as a starting point for positive change.

• Acceptance of a problem: The first step in ending your addiction is recognizing that the problem exists. After all, there’s no motivation to make positive changes if you continue to deny the problem.
• Making your goals public: The next step toward recovery often involves setting specific goals and making them known to others. By making your goals publicly known to family and friends, they can provide valuable support when you face challenges.
• Replacing negative actions and associations: If you’re going to make long-term behavioral changes, it’s vital to replace self-defeating actions with positive ones. Additionally, you should avoid people who encourage you to engage in dangerous or risky behaviors.

Why is Seeking Professional Treatment Important?

For most people suffering from prescription painkiller abuse and benzodiazepine misuse, outside help is the best way to end the vicious cycle of addiction. Whether you suffer from a painkiller addiction or a problem with any other substance, it’s never a sign of weakness to seek professional drug and alcohol addiction treatment in order to overcome the problem.

About Serenity Lodge

Serenity Lodge is a spiritually-focused substance abuse treatment center located in California. Nestled on 22 acres of serene countryside, our facility specializes in helping Men find the perfect escape from everyday life so that true healing can begin.

Along with proven addiction therapy approaches, we offer an array of amenities to help Clients get the most out of their rehab experience. Some of them include:

• Meditation
• Fitness therapy and nutritional, prepared meals
• Professional recording studio
• 12-person sauna
• Racquetball

If you’re struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, there’s hope for a better life. Call Serenity Lodge today at (855) 932-4045 to find out how we can help you get started on the road to recovery.