Key Takeaways
- Benzo abuse often begins with a prescription but can lead to serious addiction
- Signs include physical symptoms, mood changes, and withdrawal from others
- Effective treatment for benzodiazepines abuse is available at 12 South Recovery
The Warning Signs You Can’t Afford to Miss
Have you noticed changes in someone close to you and wondered if something more serious might be going on? It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one become distant, foggy, or unlike themselves, especially when you’re unsure what’s behind it. Prescription drugs like benzodiazepines may appear safe because they’re prescribed by doctors, but that doesn’t make them risk-free. Benzodiazepines, often called “benzos”, are medications that can quickly lead to dependency if not taken exactly as prescribed. The risk becomes even higher with repeated use or increasing doses over time.
Doctors commonly prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders. You may recognize names like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, or Klonopin. While these medications are intended to bring relief, when misused, they can cause serious harm.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are medications that act to decrease activity within the brain and nervous system. Commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders, these medications can be effective and beneficial when followed exactly as intended by a physician. They can have negative health consequences when used incorrectly or if a person takes them for a longer duration than directed, thereby allowing them to develop a very large risk of dependence. Sometimes addiction can be insidious and subtle, or go unnoticed while dependency increases.
What Drugs Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines come in several forms and are known by various brand and generic names. They are primarily prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures. Despite their medical uses, misuse can lead to benzodiazepines addiction.
Some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax) – Typically used for anxiety and panic disorders
- Diazepam (Valium) – Often prescribed for muscle spasms and seizures
- Clonazepam (Klonopin) – Used for panic disorders and certain types of seizures
- Lorazepam (Ativan) – Frequently given for severe anxiety or sedation
These medications are highly effective for short-term relief. However, they are not intended for long-term use due to their addictive nature. Watching for misuse is essential, especially if a loved one has multiple prescriptions or shows signs of dependency.
1. Physical Changes and Slurred Speech
One of the first signs you might notice is a physical change in your loved one. They may appear overly tired, groggy, or frequently drowsy. Their speech might become slurred, and coordination may decline. These are signs that the drug is affecting the nervous system too strongly.
These symptoms often get brushed aside as signs of being overworked or emotionally drained. But when they become a regular part of your loved one’s behavior, it could point to something far more serious. Benzo abuse may be the underlying cause.
2. Increased Tolerance and Dependence
As the body acclimates to benzodiazepines, they may lose their calming effects at some point without an increase in the dose. If you find your loved one has started taking more than what is prescribed, it may indicate an increasing dependence on the medication. The added concern of using the medication outside of a healthcare provider’s supervision exacerbates this risk of dependence. This process may appear harmless initially, but can very quickly spiral into addiction if it goes unaddressed.
Addiction to benzodiazepine medications often develops so slowly and subtly that families are left unprepared when it becomes serious. You may pick up signs that your loved one is previously prescribed medication about to run out and is visiting the doctor earlier than expected in the prescribing time line. They may also begin to see doctor after doctor to get re-refills or similar prescriptions for the same medication. These behaviors are strong indicators that their use of the medication is extending beyond a legitimate and occasional need and prescribed medication regimen. Even if a loved one is unwilling to acknowledge there is a problem with their use of benzodiazepines, their behaviors clearly suggest that the use and abuse of the substance is inconsistent with their past controlled prescribed consumption and use pattern.
3. Mood Swings and Behavioral Shifts
Benzodiazepine abuse can quietly reshape a person’s emotional stability. You might notice your loved one becoming easily irritated, distant, or emotionally unpredictable. They could seem perfectly fine one day, then lash out or spiral into anxiety the next. These shifts can feel confusing and hurtful, but they’re often a sign that something deeper is going on.
These changes can quietly damage the trust and connection you once had with your loved one. These mood shifts are often blamed on everyday stress or emotional ups and downs. But when drug use is also involved, it signals that something more serious is going on and needs immediate attention.
4. Memory Problems and Cognitive Decline
Benzodiazepines can interfere with memory and slow down thinking over time. You might notice your loved one struggling to stay focused or frequently losing track of conversations. They could start forgetting important dates or missing appointments they once remembered easily. These lapses can be subtle at first but often grow more noticeable as the drug use continues.
This goes beyond occasional forgetfulness we all experience. It could be a signal that benzo abuse is beginning to change how their brain works. These changes may impact memory and thinking in ways that are hard to ignore.
5. Social Withdrawal and Avoidance
People struggling with benzodiazepines addiction may slowly begin to distance themselves from the people they care about. They might start skipping family gatherings, missing work or school, or spending more and more time alone. They often pull away because they’re trying to hide their substance use. Shame or fear of being judged can make them avoid the people who care most.
This is often their way of hiding the extent of their substance use, especially when shame or fear of judgment sets in. Over time, this isolation doesn’t just protect the addiction. It strengthens it and makes it harder for your loved one to ask for help or accept support.
What is the Addiction Rate for Benzodiazepines?
Studies have found that people who use benzodiazepines for an extended period may develop a strong physical reliance on them. Emotional dependence can also develop, making it harder for individuals to stop using the medication on their own. This dependence can take hold gradually and often goes unnoticed at first. The risk becomes even greater when these medications are taken alongside alcohol or opioids. Mixing substances can lead to serious complications and a much quicker slide into addiction.
Treatment for Benzodiazepines Addiction
Benzodiazepine abuse can feel overwhelming, but it is treatable with the right support. Recovery starts with acknowledging that something isn’t right and taking that first brave step to ask for help. At 12 South Recovery, we know how difficult this can be. That’s why we offer a full continuum of care to make the process more manageable and compassionate. We provide medical detox to help safely manage withdrawal. We also offer therapy to explore the root causes of addiction and long-term support to build a stable, healthy life. We work closely with each person to help them reclaim a sense of stability, confidence, and purpose. If someone you love is struggling, we’re here to help.
Start Healing with 12 South Recovery
If you’ve recognized these signs of benzo abuse in a loved one, don’t ignore them. Help is available. At 12 South Recovery, we support families and individuals affected by benzodiazepines addiction. Let us help your loved one find the support they need to break free from benzo abuse. Call 12 South Recovery Today!
