Over 40 million adults struggle with anxiety every day. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders for people age 18 and over. Unfortunately, less than 20% of those with anxiety will seek out treatment. There are a number of anti-anxiety drugs on the market. The average person doesn’t know what many of them are or what they do. One such drug is benzodiazepine or benzos. What are benzos, and why are they so addictive? Many times, benzo addiction leads to the need for a benzo detox center for help.
What Are Benzos?
Benzos are a type of psychiatric medication that can act as a short-term solution for a much more serious problem. It’s important to note that benzos aren’t ideal for long-term relief. As of 2017, there are more than 15 government-approved benzos on the market.
There are several mental health conditions for which benzos can provide temporary relief. Some of these include:
- Social anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Generalized anxiety disorder
In general, these drugs have anticonvulsant, hypnotic, and muscle-relaxing properties. Unfortunately, these properties are only active for a short period of time after taking the drug. For relief, people have to take them periodically. They can’t keep taking benzos indefinitely, however, because the drugs are extremely addictive.
Why Are Benzos So Addictive?
Now that you know just what benzos are, it is important to know why they are addictive. To put it simply, benzos are addictive for the same reason as other drugs such as heroin which requires a heroin detox program. They stimulate the brain in a rewarding way. Benzos cause dopamine levels in the brain to surge abruptly. This increase in dopamine levels is what makes benzos so addictive. Since the drugs only last for a short amount of time, the user has very little choice but to take it over and over again. A tolerance develops over time, eventually requiring higher doses to get the same effects.
What Are Benzos’ Side Effects?
Just like any drug that interacts with the brain, benzos have many side effects. Some of the most common include trembling, depression, confusion, and dizziness.
People have to keep in mind that the side effects increase the longer people use the drugs. They also have a higher chance of developing side effects with high doses. If these issues appear, people should talk to their doctors right away.
Addiction is yet another side effect of taking benzos. However, just like other side effects, addiction doesn’t occur in everyone. Some people are more likely to develop addiction than others. Family history and mental health play a role in determining the chances of developing an addiction.
It is important to keep track of your intake of the drug and consult your doctor about adjusting your prescription. Self-medicating by taking more than instructed can be dangerous to your health.
Don’t Let Benzo Addiction Ruin your LIfe
What are benzos? Benzos are drugs that have legitimate medical uses but can cause a lot of problems if taken long-term or not as the doctor orders. If you suffer from benzo addiction, turn to Serenity House Detox & Recovery to kickstart your recovery. Some of the programs we offer include:
- Men’s detox program
- Women’s detox program
- Xanax detox program
- Residential detox center
- Meth detox program
- Opiate detox program
- Opioid detox program
Do not let benzos control your life any longer. Reach out to our expert staff to see how we can help you. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866.516.8356 for more information about how to start a drug-free life. Do not wait to get the help that you or a loved one needs. Reach out today.
