Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs typically used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Though they are effective in the short term, benzodiazepines can be addictive and dangerous when used for long periods. Continue reading below to learn more about the side effects and risks associated with long-term benzodiazepine use.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. They are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States and are used to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Some examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Benzodiazepines increase the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, a chemical in the brain that helps you feel calm and relaxed. Benzodiazepines are typically only meant for short-term use because they can be addictive and cause dangerous side effects when used for long periods.
Effects Of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Addiction.
Long-term benzodiazepine addiction can lead to serious physical health problems, including cognitive impairment, liver damage, brain damage, and death. Long-term Benzodiazepine use can have the same effects on the body as long-term alcohol abuse.
Benzodiazepines are also associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, and car accidents. In addition, people who take benzodiazepines have a significantly increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident compared to those who don’t take these drugs.
In addition to the physical dangers of long-term benzodiazepine addiction, there are also psychological dangers to consider. People who abuse benzodiazepines for long periods can develop tolerance to the drugs, which means they need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect.
This can lead to anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Long-term benzodiazepine abuse can also cause memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making skills.
Side effects of long-term Benzodiazepine addiction can be difficult to manage, but there are addiction treatment options that can help you overcome your addiction and lead a healthier and happier life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with long-term benzodiazepine abuse, seek professional help as soon as possible. Detox centers and rehab programs like ours offered at Findlay® Recovery Center are specially designed to treat addiction to these dangerous drugs. With the support and guidance of our expert treatment team, you can achieve long-term recovery from Benzodiazepine addiction.
Reasons To Receive Treatment.
There are many reasons why long-term benzodiazepine addiction should be addressed and treated. They include the following:
- It can result in withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable, intense, and lengthy in duration. This is particularly true when the drug is stopped abruptly without being slowly tapered off over time.
- It can have a negative impact on numerous aspects of a person’s life, including their health, relationships, and career.
- If left untreated, it can lead to other psychological or physical addictions, such as alcohol or opioid addiction.
- It has been linked to serious medical conditions such as heart disease and cancer, as well as an increased suicide risk.
- The effects of long-term benzodiazepine addiction can still be reversed if the person receives treatment and gets the support they need to address their substance use issues.
Seeking help with long-term benzodiazepine addiction is important in order to prevent these negative consequences from occurring. There are many evidence-based treatments available, including behavioral therapies and medication-assisted therapy, that can help you successfully achieve recovery.
Treatment At Findlay Recovery Center Is Best.
Long-term benzodiazepine addiction is a long and complicated process that can have serious effects on your well-being. In order to ensure the best possible recovery outcome, it’s essential that you seek treatment from a reputable facility like Findlay Recovery Center.
Our team of experienced professionals understands the dangers associated with prolonged benzodiazepine abuse and the challenges that individuals and their families often face during treatment. In addition, we know how debilitating this disease can be, which is why we provide each of our patients with the individualized support and therapy they need to get well again.
Seeking help for your Benzodiazepine addiction is the first step toward recovery. Unfortunately, many individuals who struggle with long-term Benzodiazepine addiction are reluctant to seek treatment for fear of the unknown or because they feel that it won’t make a difference anyways.
While some people aren’t sure about entering rehab facilities like ours, others avoid treatment programs altogether out of concern for how their benzodiazepine addiction will impact their family, career, or social life. At Findlay Recovery Center, we understand that your benzodiazepine addiction is a serious condition, and we also know that the repercussions of long-term Benzodiazepine addiction can have serious consequences on your well-being and your future. The good news is that drug treatment facilities like ours are available to help you get better.
