Electronic Health Reporter

Anyone can become addicted to benzodiazepines, or benzos, and like any addiction, it can be a difficult thing to overcome but it is possible. Knowing the fine line between dependence and addiction can help you determine the next best steps to take. Like Xanax, Benzos are prescribed by doctors to treat patients with anxiety and panic disorders, however, it’s common that people start abusing the drug, eventually leading to a full-blown addiction. If you think you or a loved one may have a problem or beginning to develop a problem, there is help available.

Signs of a problem

If taken in large doses, Xanax and Benzos, can be quite dangerous, especially when combined with other drugs and/or alcohol. Some warning signs to look for include missing school or work, impaired coordination, weakness, legal consequences, slurred speech, delirium, and excessive sleeping. Although the intended purpose was good, to relieve anxiety, any time you take more than the prescribed amount of a medication, especially benzos, you put yourself at risk of becoming addicted.

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawing from drug addiction can be difficult and terrifying. Some of the most common symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include anger and aggression, hallucinations, panic attacks, cold or flu-like symptoms, tremors, depression, cravings, and flushing and/or sweating. It’s important to note that there are dangers in quitting this medication cold turkey because the absence of the drug can shock your system. Quitting without any professional help can increase your symptoms and possibly lead to other health issues. Whether you’re helping a loved one overcome their addiction or yourself, it’s recommended to seek professional help.

Finding a rehabilitation center

The key to a successful recovery, is finding a rehab center that is the right fit for you. Research a few different locations, talk to their staff and learn about their treatment programs.

Some rehabilitation centers will not use any form of medications to relieve the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. If you’re looking to be medicated, you do need to contact them ahead of time to see if that’s an option. You should compare different facilities and determine the cost, type of treatments available, if they have any beds available, and what else they have to offer. 

Staying clean

Getting clean is a challenge you can and will overcome. When that process is over, the next thing to focus on is staying that way. One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is to join a support group. Support groups help you go through the steps to changing your life and staying clean. You should find someone you trust to confide in and consider getting a sponsor.

Staying clean means changing your entire lifestyle and avoiding anything that may trigger a relapse. This means you’ll need to change who you hang out with because if you’re with anyone that’s still using, you may end up going back to your old lifestyle.

Work on taking care of yourself and forgiving yourself for any mistakes you have made in the past. Don’t look in the past anymore, instead, focus on the bright future that awaits you.