Benzodiazepines, often referred to as benzos, are a type of medication physicians generally prescribe for their sedative effects.
Insomnia and certain mental health concerns are among the conditions that often lead people to begin using prescription benzodiazepines. But raising the level of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which is how benzos work to calm people, can also lead to addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Benzo addiction, otherwise known as benzodiazepine use disorder, can have a tremendously negative impact on a person’s life. Fortunately, this condition is treatable. If you receive treatment at a professional benzodiazepine addiction treatment place like Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, you can stop any negative effects in their tracks and make steady progress toward a life free of addiction.
Signs & Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Abusing or becoming addicted to benzos can lead a person to display a number of troubling signs and symptoms. Some of these include:
- Attempting to steal benzos prescribed to someone else
- Lying or being deceptive about benzo use
- Using benzos in combination with alcohol or other drugs
- Driving under the influence of benzos
- Withdrawal
- Displaying drastic shifts in mood
- Blurred vision, lightheadedness and dizziness
- Visiting more than one doctor in an effort to receive multiple prescriptions
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle weakness
- Impaired memory
- An unusual lack of inhibition
Any of these symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction may mean that you need to seek professional intervention. At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, we offer complimentary assessments to help you determine if our benzo addiction treatment place is the right recovery environment for you.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Statistics
Benzo use has become more common in the past quarter century. From 1996-2013, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the number of adults who filled a benzodiazepine prescription increased by 67%.
The following are some additional statistics about benzo use in America:
- From 2003-2013, the annual number of people in the United States who entered treatment for benzo abuse or addiction increased by 109%, according to a 2020 study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- A 2018 NIDA report found that 12.5% of the U.S. population used a benzo during the previous year.
- Among those who received a benzo prescription, about 17% misused the medication.
- Approximately 2% of people who used benzos for any reason became addicted.
Potential Benzodiazepine Addiction Effects
There are social, emotional and physical ramifications for any person who continues to misuse benzos without receiving proper professional treatment.
Some of these negative effects may include:
- Physical injuries due to benzo impairment
- Onset or worsening of mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation
- Loss of personal support system
- Strained relationships with loved ones
- Breathing troubles or additional medical complications
- Legal problems
- Academic difficulty
- Inability to find or maintain a career
Some of these complications can be life-threatening without a benzodiazepine addiction treatment plan. By exploring treatment options at a professional treatment place like Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, you can address your symptoms and move on from the pain of your past toward a healthier future free of addiction.
The Benefits of Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
It’s important to find a comprehensive benzo addiction treatment center that can address all your needs instead of simply treating your symptoms.
As is the case with many substance use disorders, benzo addiction can leave you feeling overwhelmed and isolated. It can seem like there’s no escape. But at our inpatient benzo addiction treatment place, you’ll benefit both from the expert clinicians who have your best interests in mind and your fellow patients who can offer a sense of fellowship and camaraderie.
You aren’t alone on this journey toward recovery. By fully committing to receiving treatment in an environment of dignity and respect, you can regain hope and take control of your physical and emotional well-being.
Why Choose Our Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Center
Everyone who struggles with benzodiazepine addiction has a unique story, and they deserve to receive treatment that reflects those experiences. That’s why it’s important to find a benzo addiction treatment place that provides personalized care.
Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital provides individualized inpatient treatment for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with benzo addiction. Our expert staff delivers acute care that allows patients who are in crisis to achieve stability and start functioning at a higher level.
You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that reflects your strengths and goals, and you’ll have access to 24-hour nursing care throughout your time with us. We’ll adjust your treatment plan based on your progress, and when your time with us is complete, you’ll be set up to thrive and lead a healthier, happier life free of addiction.
Therapies Used in Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Once you arrive at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, you’ll complete a thorough assessment that will help our staff create a benzo addiction treatment plan that is unique to you. We’ll consider any previous treatment you’ve had, your medical history and the goals you have for your time with us.
From there, you’re ready to start your recovery journey. Depending on your personal needs, your treatment plan may include:
- Family sessions
- Individual therapy
- Medication management
- Group therapy
- Experiential therapy
You’ll engage in the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to get the most beneficial results.
Once you’ve completed treatment, we’ll provide you with a detailed discharge plan that contains community resources, access to ongoing support and any additional information you’ll need to maintain your progress.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital.