Benzodiazepine Abuse & Addiction

There are more than 15 approved prescription benzodiazepine medications in the United States. These drugs are used to treat varieties of physical and psychological ailments. They are known for their muscle-relaxing and anxiety-relieving characteristics.

Benzodiazepines can serve many functions in the body because they are central nervous system depressants. Benzodiazepines have useful medical properties and are usually a fairly safe treatment for anxiety, although they can have harmful side effects. The calming properties that make them important medical tools make them highly addictive as well.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that affect the central nervous system to ease the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions. Overall, benzodiazepines are similar in how they affect the brain, though the different types contain different potencies, durations of actions and receptor site attractions. This explains why some benzodiazepines work better than others in the treatment of particular conditions.

Commonly prescribed medications within the benzodiazepines drug category include Valium and Xanax. They are some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications in the United States. When people who do not hold prescriptions take these drugs for their sedating and calming effects, the use turns into abuse.

Physicians may prescribe a benzodiazepine for the following medical conditions:

Anxiety
Insomnia
Alcohol withdrawal
Seizure control
Muscle relaxation
Inducing amnesia for uncomfortable procedures

Benzodiazepines have also been used as date rape, or memory-impairing, drugs. They have the ability to distinctly impair and even eliminate functions that would allow an individual to resist sexual aggression or assault. The drug is usually added to alcohol-containing drinks in powder or liquid forms and can be hard to taste.

Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?

Benzodiazepines are addictive and commonly abused. This is partly associated with the toxic effects that they produce and the fact they are so easily available. These are medications that have been chronically abused and have led to numerous cases of emergency hospitalization due to intentional or accidental drug overdose. When combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines can be dangerous, and even lethal.

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Most benzodiazepine medications usually start working quickly, providing almost immediate relief from panic or anxiety symptoms. Some are better sleep aids, or muscle relaxants, while others are used prior to a medical procedure for their sedative effects.

Benzodiazepines have many medical and recreational uses. Benzodiazepines are considered Schedule IV drugs under the Controlled Substances Act by the Drug Enforcement Agency due to their therapeutic value and estimated potential for abuse and addiction.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Abuse

At normal, prescribed doses, benzodiazepines relieve anxiety and sleep problems for individuals who have diagnosed medical conditions. They are usually well-tolerated medications with a few side effects like drowsiness or dizzy feelings. These side effects may be much more pronounced with increased doses.

Signs and symptoms of abuse of benzodiazepines may include the following:

Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Lack of coordination
Difficulty breathing
Confusion
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Weakness

Signs of chronic drug abuse may be comprised of changes in appearance and behaviors that disrupt relationships and work performance. In children, noticeable changes may include abrupt mood swings or deterioration of school performance. Abuse of benzodiazepines can lead to the following symptoms:

Anxiety
Insomnia
Anorexia
Headaches
Weakness

Despite their many helpful uses, benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction in Orlando

Intentional abuse of prescription benzodiazepines is generally uncommon in the general population. However, people with a history of drug abuse are at the greatest risk for seeking benzodiazepines to experience a high.

For some people, benzodiazepines are rarely the sole drug of abuse and many people will often combine the medication with alcohol or illicit drugs such as opioids to increase the effect. Valium and Xanax are among the most popular benzodiazepines due to their fast-acting abilities.

People who misuse benzodiazepines have a higher risk for developing dementia, an illness affecting the brain that causes gradual memory loss. Dementia also causes long-term issues such as language and motor skills problems. There are many dangers of benzodiazepine addiction including fatal cases of overdose.

Benzodiazepine Abuse Facts and Statistics in Florida

One of the most frightening Xanax abuse statistics is that its use in treatment centers has increased by 79 percent due to benzo abuse since 2002. Xanax is the most frequently abused benzodiazepine in Florida as well as the United States.