Doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines or benzos to treat mental health disorders. However, if misused, the highly addictive compounds in benzos can lead to a benzo use disorder. If you know a teen who needs the support of a benzo addiction treatment program, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 828.519.5047 to learn more.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzos are depressant medications that decrease activity in the nervous system. They are categorized as controlled substances in the U.S. and are only legally available through a doctor’s prescription. Benzos are controlled because they can have dangerous effects on a person’s physical and mental health, including addiction.
The human nervous system uses electrical and chemical signals to relay messages through the body. Neurotransmitters are the chemical signals. Benzodiazepines signal the brain to release a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) for the purpose of slowing brain activity.
A doctor may recommend benzos to treat anxiety, panic, and social anxiety disorders. Physicians will often prescribe them to treat seizures and insomnia. Benzos are available under many brand names. Some of the most common are Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium.
Signs of Benzo Abuse
If your teen has a prescription for benzos or you suspect they are using them illicitly, signs of benzo addiction may become apparent. Benzo abuse tends to develop slowly as tolerance to the medication increases. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes possible to miss the signs of misuse until the problem becomes more serious.
Some benzo addiction signs to watch for include:
- Appearing to be intoxicated by alcohol
- Difficulty meeting daily school or family responsibilities
- Fatigue and sleeping a lot
- Forgetfulness
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Increased reaction time and jumpiness
- Disinhibition
Is a teenage boy you know exhibiting benzo addiction signs? If so, they need an addiction treatment plan that is specifically developed to help youth overcome drug misuse and address related behaviors or co-occurring conditions.
Teens misusing benzos may also exhibit withdrawal symptoms between uses. These symptoms include but aren’t limited to:
- Profuse sweating
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Lack of appetite
In severe cases, the person may experience delusions, paranoia, or seizures as well.
If you are concerned that your teen may be obtaining benzos illegally, stealing someone else’s medication without permission, or misusing their own prescription, don’t hesitate to get help. Long-term benzo abuse can lead to cognitive problems, mental health concerns, organ damage, brain damage, and fatal overdose.
Getting Help After Noticing Signs of Benzo Addiction
Treatment for benzo use disorder begins with a medically supervised detox. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be physically and psychologically dangerous. Therefore, a step-down protocol is generally the safest process for withdrawal.
During step-down, it is necessary to monitor the client in a medical facility while slowly reducing the amount of benzos they take. This careful approach keeps your teen comfortable and safe. Studies have shown that reducing the discomforts of detox helps clients engage in therapies sooner and maintain a more positive outlook on recovery overall.
If your teenager needs the support of a benzo disorder program, make sure you find a specifically designed program that can properly meet the needs of adolescents.
Start Treatment for Benzo Addiction Now at Red Oak Recovery
Recognizing the signs of benzo addiction in your teenage son is distressing, but help is available. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers treatment for all types of substance use disorders, including benzo abuse.
We provide individualized treatment programs for each client, including options for equine therapy, family therapy, treatment for co-occurring conditions, and ongoing academic support. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 828.519.5047 if you’d like more information on benzo addiction signs and benzo addiction treatment.
