Benzodiazepines are one of the most common prescriptions today. Millions of Americans benefit from taking benzodiazepines each year. Chances are, people are much more familiar with brand names rather than the generic category of benzodiazepines. A few examples of common benzodiazepines, or benzos for short, include Xanax and Valium. As helpful as these medications can be, they are also one of the most abused categories of prescription drugs.
In the case of benzos, drug abuse can occur when someone begins to use their prescription outside of the given guidelines. It can also look like someone taking benzos without a prescription. Any amount of benzo abuse is dangerous and could lead to issues like dependence or even addiction.
Call 844.904.3485 to learn more about benzo addiction treatment at Serenity Grove. We offer various addiction treatment options and customizable treatment plans in Athens, GA.
What Is Benzo Addiction?
Some estimates indicate that as much as 15% of the US population uses benzos. Despite that high rate, only 2% are estimated to have abused benzos for twelve months or longer. That is still a lot of people and a serious issue that needs solving. But it does mean that most people are able to take benzos without abusing the drug.
Perhaps the more concerning problem is that among those who abuse benzos, 80% also abuse another drug. Any amount of drug abuse is dangerous. Abusing multiple drugs simultaneously heightens the danger even more. So what is benzo addiction? Put simply, benzo addiction is when someone who has been abusing benzos finds themselves experiencing intense and urgent cravings to use benzos. Addiction tends to involve other factors as well, such as damage to health, relationships, or professional aspirations.
Medical professionals tend to point to environmental and genetic factors when looking at the causes of addiction. First, it is clear that genetics can leave someone more susceptible to addiction, even if genetics does not guarantee whether someone will or will not become addicted to a substance.
Second, environmental concerns, either on their own or in conjunction with genetics, play a role in someone’s likelihood of developing an addiction. Things like histories of trauma, mental health disorders, or high stress can all influence someone’s risk factor for addiction. Other risk factors include a family history of substance abuse and easy access to benzos.
Warning Signs of Benzo Addiction
Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs in the United States, but they can also be highly addictive. Knowing the warning signs of benzo addiction is important in order to get help and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Signs of a benzo addiction may include:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed or for longer periods than intended
- Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing use
- Spending an excessive amount of time trying to obtain the drug from different sources
- Struggling with relationships due to changes in behavior caused by benzo abuse
- Exhibiting dangerous behaviors such as driving while under the influence
- Feeling unable to cope without the drug
- Experiencing intense cravings or urges to use benzodiazepines
If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek professional help right away. Treatment for benzo addiction typically involves detoxing from the drug and then engaging in therapy, support groups, and other activities that can help an individual develop healthier coping mechanisms as they work towards long-term recovery.
How to Treat Benzo Addiction
The best way to address benzo addiction is through professional treatment and rehab services. Often, benzo addiction treatment revolves around medication management and the implementation of various therapies. Medication management is the process of prescribing and overseeing different medications that support a person’s recovery process.
For example, many people who abuse benzos end up struggling with their mental health. It thus becomes necessary to treat their mental health on the road to recovery from benzos. That might involve medications.
Therapy is the other component of most benzo addiction treatment plans. Therapy can be delivered in individual or group settings. Individual therapy is designed to foster a strong one-on-one bond between client and therapist. Many types of therapy focus on helping people identify the root causes of their addiction and learn coping mechanisms to avoid relapse.
Group therapy is similar to individual therapy, except that multiple people work with a single therapist at the same time. The group setting can be just as effective as individual therapy for producing results during recovery. A few different elements of group therapy include:
- Engaging in goal setting
- Developing coping mechanisms
- Resolving trauma
- Preventing relapse
- Improving interpersonal skills
Find Benzo Addiction Treatment Near You at Serenity Grove
Are you looking for benzo addiction treatment in Athens, Georgia? Contact Serenity Grove by calling 844.904.3485 or filling out our online form for information about the high-quality addiction treatment options in your area.
