The main application of benzodiazepines, or benzos, is to quickly relieve anxiety or induce sleep. Unfortunately, this rapid action results in overdoses being sudden and harder to treat. Knowing the most common benzo overdose symptoms can be life-saving knowledge, even for individuals who take benzodiazepines in correct doses. If you find yourself tasked with ensuring the safety of another during an overdose incident, remember the signs of a benzo overdose and act decisively.
People with a benzo addiction are at risk of overdose staggeringly higher than those on prescription doses. The process of ending a benzo addiction on one’s own is not only difficult but also risky and highly uncomfortable. At California Centers for Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment plans to keep our clients safe, healthy, and happy. If you or someone you love struggles with benzo addiction, don’t risk the damage an overdose can cause. Call us at 877.328.5682 today or reach out online to begin benzo detox in California.
What Are Benzos?
Anxiety and panic disorders have become more diligently diagnosed and treated over the years, with medications that can meaningfully reduce the discomfort of stress or other symptoms. Benzodiazepines are a common part of that treatment process and are most often prescribed with anxiety/panic treatment in mind. Potentially recognizable examples of benzos include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Chlozdiazepoxide (Librium)
- Diazepam (Valium)
Each medication differs in composition, but all benzos generally achieve the same thing: a reduction in brain activity. This is a natural fit for anxiety/panic disorders, which often heighten brain activity to unstable levels, or for winding down for sleep at night. However, this effect can be desirable in and of itself, causing many who receive prescriptions to continue usage for recreational purposes.
The Dangers of Benzo Abuse
Forming a benzo addiction is fairly common, and some addictions may be more dangerous than others. Most prescription medication has some level of clearance to minimize the dangers of overdosing, but illicit benzos manufactured for purely recreational purposes have no such quality control. Oftentimes, these drugs are cut with other, more addictive substances to improve the desired effects.
As a result, benzo overdose signs can differ person-to-person depending on the kind of benzos they’ve ingested. Even if the symptoms don’t line up perfectly, your response should always be one of caution. Keep watch for these signs, and don’t hesitate to call for medical attention as soon as you suspect an overdose.
- Dry eyes, mouth
- Feelings of lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Yellowing of the eyes, skin
Benzodiazepine overdoses are not usually lethal on their own. In combination with other substances, however, benzo-related overdose deaths have been continually rising for decades. Alcohol, barbiturates, opioids, and depressants are the most common substances used in conjunction with benzos. Their combined use may result in coma, seizure, or in many cases, death.
A Luxury Approach to Benzo Detox at California Centers for Recovery
Nothing is worth putting yourself at risk of a benzo overdose. At California Centers for Recovery, we can help you reorient your life toward sobriety. Our treatment center, located in the South Bay Area, is outfitted with the services required to make recovery comfortable and safe. In addition to our luxury housing, our staff is equipped to attend to and support your journey from beginning to end.
Work with us to create a detox plan that suits your individual needs. Making the choice to remove benzos from your life is hard, requiring dedication and time. Our mission is to match our commitment with yours. Reach out to our team today by calling 877.328.5682 or by filling out our online form.