Benzodiazepines are classified as sedative-hypnotic drugs that are generally used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Although they have been available since the 1960s, it is only in recent years that the drug often referred to as ‘benzos’ have replaced barbiturates as one of the most addictive sedatives being misused today.
Substance dependence and addiction is driven by the same factors of tolerance, withdrawal, and overwhelming cravings to use drugs or alcohol. Although initially a person may be prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety or they choose to use the drug recreationally, continued use ultimately leads to dependence and addiction. Addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable need to use substances that emanates from continued or sustained abuse. It is vital to remember that substance abuse is not a lifestyle choice but an illness that can be effectively treated for long-term recovery.
The main reason addiction develops is because the individual becomes tolerant to the effects of benzodiazepines. This means that they find themselves using more of the drug to get the desired effects. Tolerance is marked by worsening withdrawal symptoms when the person stops using which leads to them experiencing overwhelming cravings for benzos.
Once tolerance has developed and the person has fallen into a negative cycle of using to prevent withdrawal symptoms from emerging, they have a problem that requires treatment. There are numerous treatment paths for people who have been using and abusing benzodiazepines and so it is always important to remember that no-one is alone in their struggles. Many people with addiction issues become isolated from friends and family as they struggle alone. Reaching out for help is often the hardest step to take but in almost all cases, it leads to a much healthier life without benzodiazepine.
Once a person has become tolerant to benzodiazepines and they have started to use the drug to reduce withdrawal symptoms, Casa Recovery can help light the path to recovery. Every individual struggling with substance abuse has their own unique causes of their illness. Casa Recovery uncovers the underlying drivers of addiction so that patients are empowered to help themselves achieve sobriety. Don’t suffer alone if you have benzodiazepine addiction. Contact Casa Recovery today and start your journey towards long-term recovery from substance abuse today.