Benzo Addiction Can Happen At Any Age. Florida Retirees Are No Different

Understanding Benzo Addiction: Causes and Symptoms

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that can be prescribed for a variety of reasons. It’s a sedative often used to treat anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, restless leg syndrome, sleep disorders like insomnia, and seizures, and it’s also used to induce amnesia for medical procedures and to help ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These medications produce a calm feeling by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters in the brain while depressing the central nervous system. But they also carry the very real risk of benzo addiction, which can happen at any age.

Some of the most common benzodiazepines prescribed to treat mental health disorders and insomnia are: 

• Xanax (Alprazolam).
• Ativan (Lorazepam).
• Klonopin (Clonazepam).
• Valium (Diazepam).
• Librium (Chlordiazepoxide).
• Versed (Midazolam).
• Halcion (Triazolam).

Doctors usually prescribe these medications for short-term use, as tolerance, psychological and physical dependence, and benzo addiction can happen quickly. Unfortunately, due to over-prescription and under-regulation of benzodiazepines, along with the difficult and dangerous withdrawal symptoms that can occur when quitting, more seniors are becoming addicted and are finding it difficult to stop.

One of the most commonly affected groups is older women. Benzodiazepines were advertised to women specifically in the 1970s and are still widely prescribed to women over age 60. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in older age than men are, and up to 50% of all women in retirement age have been prescribed a benzodiazepine medication at least once in their lives, many without being fully informed of the risks.

Why Florida Retirees Are at Risk for Benzo Addiction

While addiction can affect people of any age, social group, or background, older adults may be more at risk for substance abuse because they’re facing so many difficult physical, emotional, and psychological realities in their day-to-day lives. Some factors that can lead to substance abuse, including benzo addiction, include:

• Feeling lonely or abandoned by family members.
• The death of friends and loved ones.
• Significant life changes like moving into assisted living.
• Having an undiagnosed mental health disorder like depression or anxiety.
• Having difficulty sleeping due to stress or illness.
• Living with chronic pain.
• Feeling bored or having difficulty finding purpose after retirement.

When older adults abuse drugs, they are also less likely to be properly diagnosed, as doctors can misinterpret symptoms like poor coordination and social withdrawal as cognitive decline or “just getting old.” Seniors may also be unable to afford specialized care and find themselves seeing doctors who don’t have the time to speak with them in-depth about the risks associated with their medications. 

Seniors who have realized they may have a substance abuse issue may also find it difficult to get help for reasons such as:

• Not being able to afford specialized addiction care.
• Feeling shame and stigma about their substance use.
• Lack of support from loved ones.
• They live far away from treatment centers and cannot drive themselves there.
• Not knowing where to turn.

If you or a loved one is having difficulties associated with Benzo addiction, you can always call WhiteSands Treatment for assistance. We understand the unique physical and mental health challenges seniors face today, and we can provide compassionate care within a safe and comfortable treatment center. 

The Impact of Benzo Addiction on Seniors’ Health

Abusing benzodiazepines is risky for anybody, but in seniors, it can come with additional health risks. Along with the risk of developing a benzo addiction, you may also see issues like:

• A dangerous risk of overdosing if benzos are taken with other prescription medications, drugs, or alcohol or if you accidentally mix up the timing or amount of your dosage.
• Worsening mental health conditions over time, as the drug use reduces your coping skills and changes your brain chemistry.
• A higher likelihood of injuries due to accidents, falling, or motor vehicle crashes 
• Worsening of underlying medical issues.
• Substance abuse can disguise the symptoms of serious conditions like Alzheimer’s or heart attacks, and you might not get the appropriate care you need in time.
• Experiencing unexpectedly strong side effects like cognitive impairment, slurred speech, memory loss, respiratory depression, and drowsiness.

As we age, our bodies are no longer able to metabolize drugs and alcohol the way it was when we were younger. This can increase the dangerous side effects of sedation, like shallow breathing while increasing the brain’s sensitivity to the drug, which can increase your potential for addiction. Several long-term effects of benzodiazepine addiction must be acknowledged when considering the risks of this kind of substance use disorder.

Signs of Benzo Addiction in Retirees

Some of the most common signs of prescription drug abuse that are apparent in older adults include:

• Taking their medications not as prescribed (more frequently, a higher dosage, etc.).
• Talking about their medications often.
• Acting defensive when the topic of their benzo use comes up.
• Losing interest in their hobbies and regular activities.
• Becoming socially isolated.
• Acting unusually sad or irritable.
• Changes in eating habits and activity levels.
• Acting confused or having memory problems.
• Unexplained bruises and body pains.
• Losing interest in personal hygiene and appearance.
• Seeing more than one doctor, and going to more than one pharmacy.
• Acting secretive about their medication or hiding when they take it.
• Keeping “extra” medication on their person or in places other than the pill bottle.

While these symptoms may not always indicate substance abuse, if you notice your loved one behaving in these ways, it may be a good idea to have a serious talk or keep a close eye on their actions. 

Effective Treatment Options for Benzo’s Addiction

Benzodiazepines are not a drug you can simply stop taking, especially if you’ve been taking them for longer than a few months, or have been taking high doses. To stop Benzo use, you’ll need to taper off the medication slowly, under a doctor’s supervision.

Stopping the medication is only part of an effective addiction treatment plan, as there are reasons behind the substance abuse that need to be addressed. While everybody is different, understanding the “why” behind drug use, healing underlying emotional pain, and having practical ways to deal with stress, pain, and difficult relationships can make all the difference in your long-term prognosis. A customized rehabilitation program can help you heal your body, mind, and spirit in tandem as you regain your sense of self and let your body heal.

The Importance of Detox in Benzo Addiction Recovery

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be difficult, painful, or even dangerous to your health if you don’t properly detox. The following are some common symptoms of mild benzo withdrawal:

• Cravings.
• Paranoia and anxiety.
• Heart palpitations.
• Excessive sweating.
• Muscle stiffness or spasms.
• Headaches.
• Nausea.
• Hand tremors.
• Dizziness.
• Blurred vision.
• Insomnia.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Changes in perception.

In some cases, individuals may experience more severe symptoms like:

• Seizures.
• Psychosis.
• Hallucinations.
• Rebound anxiety.
• Depression leads to suicidal thoughts.

For this reason, it’s always recommended to detox from benzodiazepines in a controlled environment, with medical supervision. At WhiteSands Treatment, we have inpatient detox programs in which a doctor will create a tapering-off schedule that will allow you to gradually decrease your dosage while ensuring you stay safe and comfortable and get the rest you need. 

Long-Term Recovery Strategies for Retirees

Stopping use and medical detox for alcohol and drug addiction are just the first steps in a full addiction treatment plan. Retirees can count on the team at WhiteSands Treatment to create a customized program that will suit their needs. Whether it’s a full-time inpatient program, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for treatment, or a part-time outpatient program, therapy, counseling, support groups, medication management, and holistic care can be integrated into the next few months or years of your life. You’ll gain community, and strong support, and always have somewhere to turn if you feel low or think about relapsing. 

Not only do the programs at WhiteSands Treatment not just focus on drug use, but we also incorporate a variety of healthy living programs and practical, fun treatments. You’ll find new ways to strengthen your body and increase mobility, express yourself artistically, meet other people with similar goals, and get high-quality medical and psychiatric care for as long as needed. 

Some care options we provide include:

• Medication and pain management support.
• Exercise and nutritional counseling.
• Holistic healing programs and alternative treatment options like meditation and yoga.
• Evidence-based individual, group, or family therapy options.
• Acute medical care if needed.
• Connections to community support groups and activities.
• Relapse prevention training and aftercare support.

How WhiteSands Treatment Can Help Florida Retirees Overcome Benzo Addiction

At WhiteSands Treatment, we provide comprehensive treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapies with physical health care and holistic practices. A typical inpatient stay at our luxury facility may have you in therapy for several hours per day, followed by a customized gym workout or a pool swim, with meditation, breathwork techniques, and stretching offered between sessions. Many seniors benefit from help dealing with other health issues like diabetes, chronic pain, depression, high blood pressure, and more. With our tailored treatment plans, you can not only stop using drugs to numb the pain but also improve your overall comfort and quality of life. We understand that a person who feels safe in a nonjudgmental environment is likelier to complete their treatment plan and continue toward recovery. Through our tailored treatment plans, we will do all we can to support your health as you heal your body and your mind with us. If you’re ready to get started or have any further questions regarding treatment for Benzo’s addiction, please call us today at 877-855-3470, or contact us. 

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.