Benzodiazepine Misuse

Benzodiazepine abuse is much harder to detect in someone, especially if they have been prescribed Xanax or Klonopin. When it comes to drugs like this, individuals may jump from doctor to doctor for new prescriptions. Other symptoms of benzo use include:

• Being unable to cut back on the dose
• Using opioids or alcohol alongside their medication even when warned about possible interactions
• Increased anxiety when benzos are not in their system
• Experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Benzodiazepine overdose is a critical condition that needs to be addressed immediately, especially since most people who overdose on benzos were also using opioids. Because both drugs cause sedation, using them at the same time can cause someone to become unconscious. Other overdose symptoms are slurred speech, confusion, impaired mental status, coma, respiratory depression, or death.

Clients may be prescribed SSRIs or non-addictive sleep aids in order to help treat conditions that may have led to the initial abuse. Other treatments that may be used in a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program are:

• Yoga. Practicing yoga on a routine basis can decrease overall stress and anxiety. It also improves mood and the mind-body connection.
• Meditation. This is another great way to reduce anxiety.
• Group Therapy. Meeting with other individuals who are struggling with the same types of substance abuse or mental illnesses can help a person not feel so alone during this process. Making meaningful connections and building relationships is a key factor for any person in recovery.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. CBT is a helpful evidence-based tool that addresses problem thoughts and emotions and how those then become problem behaviors. This type of therapy can rewire the brain and lead clients down a better avenue of thinking.