Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are psychoactive drugs generally prescribed for anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms. They are essentially tranquilizers, and commonly prescribed varieties include Valium, Ativan, and Ambien. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and thus have a sedative, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), and/or anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect when taken. Because of these strong effects they have on the body, they carry with them an increased risk for dependency and addiction.
Benzodiazepines Rehab Salt Lake City
The Mental Effects of Benzodiazepines
As previously stated, benzos work by targeting the neurotransmitter GABA. This neurotransmitter is responsible for transmitting signals to reduce neuronal excitability, or in other words, to calm things down in the body. When an individual is experiencing anxiety, muscle spasms, or a seizure, this means that the neurons in the brain are overactive, and benzo introduced to the body can work to calm the body by enhancing the effects of GABA. Benzos contain chemicals that mimic body-calming neurotransmitters, and when coupled with the naturally occurring GABA in the body, more transmitters are sending out signals to slow down cells in the body, effectively reducing the brain’s output of excitatory transmitters.
Benzodiazepine Dependency
As with all addictive substances, chronic abuse of benzos results in increased tolerance. This means that the GABA in the produced in the body becomes less effective over time, and the body requires higher and higher doses of the benzo to achieve the same effects it had upon first use. These increased doses, in turn, can easily lead to dependency, meaning that the body experiences significant withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the benzo. Regular benzo users are also prone to negative side effects accompanying use, even without suddenly discontinuing use and thus exposing themselves to potential withdrawal symptoms. These side effects include anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, weakness, and headaches.
Getting Benzo Addiction Treatment
If you struggle with benzodiazepine abuse or know somebody who does, please reach out for help as soon as you can. At Liberty Recovery, our programs (including benzodiazepine rehab) are designed to reduce relapse and increase outcomes. For example, our staff helps each patient develop a 5-year intensive plan to maintain recovery. Don’t wait. If you need help, give Liberty a call today!