It’s possible to become addicted to benzodiazepines without realizing it. Here are five benzodiazepine addiction symptoms to look for if you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to benzodiazepines:
1 Withdrawal
If you are addicted to benzodiazepines and attempt to stop taking them, you will probably experience some or all of these symptoms:• Extreme anxiety
• Irritability
• Tremors
• Restlessness
• Depression
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Abdominal Pain
• Slightly elevated heart rate and blood pressure
Seek medical attention if you experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal. Severe cases of withdrawal can cause seizures, and this can be life-threatening. Delirium and confusion can occur during severe benzodiazepine withdrawal. The delirium and confusion that can occur during benzodiazepine withdrawal are similar to delirium tremens. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to seek emergency medical attention.
In some cases, withdrawal begins a few hours after your last use of the drug. In other cases, it can take a few days for the withdrawal symptoms to begin. The length of time that it takes for benzodiazepine withdrawal to begin depends on the specific type of benzodiazepine that you were using. In most cases, the symptoms are at their worst 24-72 hours after having last used benzodiazepines. In some cases, withdrawal only lasts for a few days, but low-level symptoms can last for several months.Withdrawal is especially likely to occur and will be especially serious if you have stopped using benzodiazepines abruptly. However, withdrawal can occur even if you taper your dose gradually.2 Craving Benzodiazepines
If you are addicted to benzodiazepines, you might find that you are constantly thinking about the drug. This can prevent you from being able to stop taking the drug. In addition, this symptom of addiction can cause you to spend large amounts of money on obtaining the drug. In some cases, an individual who is suffering from benzodiazepine addiction may neglect their responsibilities to have more time to abuse benzodiazepines, although there are some healthier alternatives to benzo’s, for example, cannabidiol can be used as a pain killer.In serious cases of addiction, an individual may steal to get money for benzodiazepines. They could even steal from family members and/or friends.3 Developing A Tolerance
You might find that the dose of benzodiazepines that you used to take no longer has an effect on you or has less of an effect that it did in the past. As a result of your tolerance to the drug, you might begin taking higher doses of benzodiazepines, and this can be extremely dangerous. A tolerance to benzodiazepines can develop quickly for some users. As a result of the increased tolerance, some individuals begin using multiple types of benzodiazepines.While many people take benzodiazepines to relieve anxiety, there isn’t much evidence that benzodiazepines reduce anxiety for more than a few months. In fact, benzodiazepines are thought to increase anxiety if they are used for longer than this. An individual who is using benzodiazepines might start developing a tolerance within 2-3 weeks.4 Reckless Behavior and Other Symptoms Of Intoxication
Benzodiazepines can produce effects that share some similarities with alcohol intoxication. As a result, an individual might feel less inhibited when they are under the influence of benzodiazepines. This can lead to significant changes in a user’s personality. For instance, an individual who is typically easygoing may become aggressive and hostile. In addition, benzodiazepine use can cause rapid shifts in one’s emotional state, such as crying spells.This can also lead to accidents. People who are addicted to benzodiazepines are prone to blackouts. During the blackout, an individual is likely to engage in reckless behavior. Furthermore, benzodiazepine intoxication can cause memory problems even when a blackout is not occurring.5 Relapse
If you attempt to quit using benzodiazepines and are unable to do so, this is a very strong sign that you have become addicted. If you relapse on benzodiazepines, it is extremely important to seek medical advice. In most cases, the relapse turns into an addiction that is just as serious as the first time you used.
