There’s a thin line when you are using or abusing a drug. The same is true when you’re under the influence of benzodiazepine. These are powerful sedatives that can depress your breathing and brain activity.
Are you interested to know what are the symptoms that you need to go to rehab for benzodiazepine addiction? In this article, we are going to find out about it, and the benefits of rehab.
Common Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Abuse
This drug is known for its strong hypnotic and sedative effects. If you take too much of it, there’s a chance that you can go into a coma or die. The addiction rate for this substance is also high, that’s why it is controlled and prescribed when needed.
Once you gain dependence and tolerance from the drug, you will observe the following signs:
- You tend to take higher volumes than what’s prescribed by your doctor.
- You don’t feel well if you can’t take the drug.
- Spending so much time thinking about and using the drug even when it’s not yet time to take it.
- You experience serious withdrawal symptoms if you don’t take benzodiazepine.
- You find alternative medicines to feel the same sensation when you’re taking benzodiazepines.
- The body is feeling weak and you cannot speak well
- You cannot focus and you feel dizzy most of the time
- Depressed breathing
Once you experience any of these signs, it means you need to consult a doctor or addiction specialist. They can help you better understand your condition and the best way to treat it.
What Happens if You Continue to Abuse Benzodiazepine?
Tolerance of this drug is dangerous and can lead to death. This is the ultimate consequence of abusing this substance. But other than that, here are some notable symptoms if you continue abusing the drug:
- Uncontrolled body shaking
- Loss of appetite or anorexia
- Frequent headaches
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Short-term memory loss
- Loss of muscle control
There are times when a person developing tolerance and dependence on the drug tends to consume other substances like alcohol and illicit drugs. This happens due to the craving of the person to experience the same euphoric feeling as the first time taking the drug.
When you tend to consume other substances together with Benzodiazepine, that calls for rehab treatment. Inpatient rehab is the best route to recovery since the patient will have 24/7 medical assistance from trained professionals.
The withdrawal symptoms from extreme addiction are painful and life-threatening. The reason why you need to have a medically-supervised detox and treatment service.
What are Behavioral Symptoms that Tells You Need Rehab
When a person develops an addiction to a drug, he tends to deviate from a healthy life. Good behavior is disrupted since the brain can no longer function well due to the influence of a substance.
It’s obvious if a person is addicted to the drug because his normal habits will be different and unhealthy. Here are some of the behavioral signs you can spot for Benzodiazepine abuse:
- Moving away from friends, family, and loved ones since the person prioritizes one’s craving for the drug.
- The person ensures he has enough supply of the drug.
- The person tends to do illegal things to get money to buy the drug.
- Exhibits risky behaviors like drunk driving, unsafe sex, and using other illicit substances.
- Being discreet of one’s action of acquiring and using the drug from his friends and family.
- A sudden shift in mood, and being irritable on most occasions.
When you experience two or three of these behavioral disorders, it might be time to consult a doctor. Denial of weakness is one common barrier to recovery. You can resolve that by letting a professional help you understand your condition.
What are Tips to Avoid Benzodiazepine Dependence?
Substance use disorder is sometimes invisible to an individual, especially if they use that as an escape from reality. They will tend to deny their condition unless they slowly realize that they need help.
Even though addiction is inevitable, there are still ways for you to reduce the risk of being addicted to the drug.
- Stay within your prescribed dose
- Don’t take other drugs that are not prescribed by your doctor
- Never go to self-medication
- Avoid being with peers who drinks and use drugs
- Develop new skills and hobbies that will divert you from taking the drug
When you are with good friends and family, you will be far from abusing any substances. Peer pressure and life problems are the two main reasons why a person abuses drugs or drinks. But this is not the solution to your problems, you need to stay on track and keep yourself healthy while dealing with life.
What’s the First Step to Recovery?
Accepting one’s weakness is the first step, and everything else will follow. When you’re open to the fact that you are dependent on the substance, you are more open to intervention and counseling. This is the first step to your recovery path from addiction.
After that, you need to find a reliable rehab center to enroll for treatment. Once you’re enrolled, their counselor will assess your condition, and that will be the basis of their medical services.
Undergoing rehab is a challenging route, yet for your sake, it will be worthwhile. Always remember your reasons for going into rehab and this will help you keep moving forward.
Start Your Treatment Today
Once you spot early signs of addiction, it’s best to consult an addiction specialist right away. Don’t let your situation linger longer, otherwise, it can lead to other health problems, which can complicate your condition.
Get moral support from your friends and loved ones. They want the best for you, and enrolling in rehab is your best chance of getting your healthy life back.