5 Benzos and Their Effects

Common Benzodiazepines and What They Do

Like many commonly abused drugs, the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines does have some legitimate medical usages. In fact, benzodiazepines are routinely prescribed to treat severe and potentially deadly mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Each of these mental health challenges can be life-altering and sometimes life-threatening, and benzodiazepines can help reduce the symptoms. But when abused, or used long-term, benzos can have serious side effects, including triggering a debilitating addiction leading to detox and rehab.

If you or someone you care about has been struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, it is vital to get them help as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the more likely you’ll be able to avoid becoming overwhelming addicted to this medication.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications designed to treat mental and emotional disorders. These drugs are routinely prescribed for conditions like major depression, and when used appropriately, they can be quite powerful allies in the quest for good mental health.

As with so many other prescription drugs, however, benzodiazepines do have a potential for addiction. And once that dependency sets in, it can be very difficult to break without professional help and guidance.

If you or someone you care about has been prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety, depression, panic disorder, or other mental health challenges, we encourage you to seek help immediately.

5 Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines come in various medication types, and each benzo can have different mechanisms of effectiveness, unique side effects, and different potentials for addiction. Here are five of the most commonly used benzodiazepines and their consequences:

1. Chlordiazepoxide, or Librium – Used for alcohol withdrawal and generalized anxiety
2. Alprazolam – Used for the treatment of panic disorder and anxiety
3. Flurazepam, or Dalmane – Used to treat insomnia
4. Diazepam – Used in the treatment of panic attacks and also to treat restless leg syndrome
5. Clonazepam – Used in the treatment of panic disorder and to treat seizures

Side Effects of Benzos

The benzodiazepine class of medications can have powerful benefits in treating various mental health challenges and in the treatment of insomnia and restless leg syndrome. But when misused, this class of drugs can have serious side effects, including:

• Excessive drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Problems with coordination, increasing the risk of falls
• Rebound depression
• An increase in anxiety
• Memory issues
• Changes in behavior
• Risk of addiction
• Delirium

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

In addition to these dangers, benzodiazepines can create toxic withdrawal symptoms when users try to quit on their own, including:

• Agitation
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Shortness of breath
• Flushing and heavy sweating
• Hallucinations
• Stomach and intestinal problems
• Muscle cramps
• Seizures

Each of these withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous on its own, but together they can even be life-threatening. If you are thinking about trying to stop benzodiazepine use on your own, do yourself a favor and call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab instead.

Detox and Rehabilitation Treatment for Benzo Addiction

When used in the correct settings and for the right reasons, benzodiazepines can positively impact the men and women who take them. By helping people take charge of their lives and control their panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, these medications can actually save lives, but there is another side to benzodiazepine use.

Addiction can be a common side effect of excessive benzodiazepine usage. If someone in your life has developed a dependency on the drug, it is essential to get them into treatment as soon as possible.

At WhiteSands, we offer some of the best benzodiazepine addiction treatment in the industry, with proven practices, quality protocols, and individual treatment methods custom-tailored to your needs. We have the training, the expertise, amenities and equipment needed to wean you off these dangerous drugs, so you can take a more natural approach to feel better. If you are ready to turn your life around or help a friend or family member in need, we encourage you to give us a call or visit our Florida locations today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.