Recognizing that a loved one is suffering from benzo dependence is an unpleasant ordeal. They might have started taking benzos per a doctor’s prescription, but lately, it seems to be affecting them in worrisome ways. When you want the best for someone, watching them grapple with substance abuse is difficult enough as is—but broaching the subject of recovery can be even harder.

Despite the discomfort it might cause, getting yourself or your loved one on the path to sobriety as quickly as possible is the best course of action. At California Centers for Recovery, our approach to treating substance use disorder puts the client first. Their growth is our focus, and with a variety of therapies at their disposal, individuals can overcome their substance use disorder in meaningful, long-lasting ways. Don’t wait another day. Call our team at 877.328.5682 or visit us online now to learn more about our benzo addiction treatment program in Los Angeles, California.

Know the Most Common Benzo Side Effects

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, or seizure disorders. They are highly effective in their role but pose an additional risk that doctors try to mitigate by prescribing smaller doses for shorter periods of time. Benzos have a high addiction potential, meaning that they have certain properties that lead patients to abuse the drug recreationally.

If you are concerned about recognizing benzodiazepine dependence in someone else, there are signs you should be on the lookout for. The listed side effects of benzodiazepines tend to become more severe if the drug is being misused. Knowing the side effects of benzo use can be vital knowledge in identifying the potential development of benzo dependence.

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• Poor balance
• Memory issues
• Weakness

To avoid benzo dependence, staying within the prescription guidelines is always the safest practice. However, this can’t always be assured—especially if you aren’t the one taking the medication.

Other Ways to Recognize Benzo Dependence

The heightened side effects aren’t the only sign of benzo misuse. Other signs of benzo dependence manage to show themselves behaviorally, mentally, or physically depending on the individual. Additionally, these signs correlate more strongly with substance use disorder rather than an adverse effect of taking the medication as intended. Be aware of each of these signs as they could be indicative of a benzo addiction:

Withdrawal Symptoms

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include many of the issues benzos are meant to treat, like worsening anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Other withdrawal symptoms include sweating, nausea, and hallucinations.

Increased Tolerance

After a long enough period of time, the body can grow accustomed to the presence of benzos. Because of this, the daily allotment of benzos becomes less effective, making higher intake necessary for the same effect.

Continued Use After Prescription Ends

Individuals can continue using benzos after their prescription ends, so long as they have it refilled at the same place. Pharmacists will be aware of the risk of dependence and reserve the right to stop refilling whenever they deem it necessary. However, “doctor shopping” is a practice used to source as many legitimate prescriptions as possible by visiting different doctors. This is an especially strong sign of benzo dependence.

Illegal Acquisition of Drugs

While doctor shopping is illegal, the distribution of drugs obtained this way can incur even more charges. Individuals who buy benzos secondhand don’t just run the risk of legal action being taken. They can also find themselves in possession of fake or contaminated drugs—the health risks of which are completely indeterminable unless tested.

Benzo Addiction Treatment at California Centers for Recovery

If someone you care about is struggling with benzo dependence, there is help available at California Centers for Recovery. Our team is dedicated to getting our clients back on their feet by using a combination of holistic and evidence-based therapies. Our philosophy is that our clients’ comfort factors directly into their success, which is why our Los Angeles-based treatment center puts luxury and quality of care on center stage.

Don’t hesitate any longer. Reach out to our team at 877.328.5682 or contact us online today to learn about the benefits of professional treatment for benzo dependence.