Benzodiazepines

Benzos are a class of sedative drugs that include, most popularly, alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium). They work by depressing the central nervous system, and as a result can effectively treat anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, muscle tension, alcohol withdrawal, and can be used to prevent epileptic seizures.

Before building a dependency, abusers seek the calming, tranquilizing effects of benzodiazepines. However, along with this effect come a series of symptoms which can include slurred speech, muscle weakness, poor coordination, confusion, blurred vision, intense drowsiness, and confusion. When abusing powerful benzos, both mental and physical symptoms can develop within a short period of time and can range from minor to severe. As users build a dependency, they begin to experience more intense Valium or Xanax withdrawal symptoms that only discontinued use can assuage.  While quitting Xanax or Valium may seem like a challenging hurdle to overcome, it is not impossible. With the right treatment program supporting you, you’ll be able to conquer even the toughest addictions and live a life of sobriety and optimism.

Long-term use of benzos can lead to several troubling and unpleasant symptoms. By the point these symptoms have developed, users can generally be classified as having a physical dependence, which means that the brain requires the chemicals within the drug to regulate balance. If users stop taking it once they’ve developed a physical dependence, they generally enter benzodiazepine withdrawal and should seek benzodiazepine recovery.

Of the many long-term abuse symptoms, the following are the most common: anorexia, tremors, memory problems, and ironically anxiety and insomnia, which they are originally prescribed to treat.