Beckley, WV – “Could you spot the signs of benzodiazepine addiction in a loved one?” local addiction recovery center, Hope for Tomorrow, opens their recent blog. They then set out to cover the signs of benzodiazepine addiction, saying, “Let’s go over the signs of benzodiazepine addiction, and provide some clarity for loved ones and people with a potential benzodiazepine use disorder.”
“Benzodiazepine use disorder can impact every area of a person’s life, from physical and mental health to their behavior and lifestyle. People using benzos outside their intended purpose usually show signs spanning every category,” the article shares. It then delves into the physical and psychological symptoms of benzodiazepine use disorder. Physical symptoms include weakness, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, and breathing problems. The psychological signs are anxiety, irritability, mood swings, memory problems, depression, and impaired judgment.
According to the blog, there are behavioral signs of benzodiazepine use disorders, and these can actually be the easiest to spot. Some potential behavioral changes could be fixating on having benzodiazepines on hand, visiting multiple doctors, obtaining benzodiazepines from other people, stealing and borrowing money, hiding their whereabouts, and more. “If your loved one exhibits these behaviors, especially if they’re paired with physical and psychological symptoms, it’s worth talking to them about their benzodiazepine use,” the article points out.
Hope for Tomorrow then stresses the importance of staying in contact with the prescriber of the benzodiazepine while taking them. The blog also shares that they're typically only meant to be taken on a short-term basis. Otherwise, experiencing withdrawal symptoms is likely.
“Even people who take benzodiazepines as prescribed can experience withdrawal,” the blog informs the reader. “Benzo withdrawal doesn’t necessarily indicate a benzodiazepine use disorder, and it can often be worked out between the patient and their doctor.” It urges anyone taking the medication not to stop taking it without contacting their doctor. According to the blog, they will likely wean the individual off of the benzodiazepine to reduce the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms. The blog does point out, however, that frequent signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal could also indicate an addiction. Those symptoms include aches and pains, confusion, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.
The blog touches on a significant fear of anyone involved with benzos next: the potential for overdose. “The longer someone takes benzodiazepines, the more likely it is they’ll build up a tolerance to it. This means the person needs to take more of the medication to experience its original effects. People with benzodiazepine use disorder are most likely to develop a tolerance,” it explains. Hope for Tomorrow warns that taking a higher dosage without consulting with a medical professional could lead to an overdose. They say that overdose is more likely for individuals who take other substances as well.
“Unfortunately, the signs of a benzo overdose aren’t clear cut – they can vary from person to person,” the article admits. It goes on to share potential signs of overdose anyway: lethargy, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, lack of coordination, and aggression.
Hope for Tomorrow then covers what someone should do if their loved one exhibits the signs of benzodiazepine use disorder. They say the most important thing to do is encourage them to seek treatment. “The help they need is here whenever they’re ready to accept it.”
Hope for Tomorrow has locations in Beckley and Point Pleasant, West Virginia. They offer substance use disorder treatment to everyone in need. This includes populations who might not be served elsewhere, such as veterans, pregnant women, people with other medical conditions, and couples seeking treatment together. Their staff is passionate about treating every individual with respect and empowering them to achieve lasting recovery. For more information, visit their website or call 877-679-8162.
“Treatment today for a brighter tomorrow.”
###
For more information about Hope For Tomorrow - Beckley, contact the company here:
Hope For Tomorrow - Beckley
Cristina Villalon
(304) 902-8532
beckley@myhopefortomorrow.com
198 George St
Beckley WV 25801
