Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are a class of prescription drugs typically used to treat health conditions including anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While benzos can be highly effective when used as prescribed, there is also a risk that the person taking the medication may become addicted to it, especially when the medication is misused or taken for a long period of time. If it is left untreated, benzo addiction can have many negative effects on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as on their relationships, their work, and their overall quality of life. Without receiving professional support, it can be difficult for a person to overcome a benzo addiction.
At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we provide treatment for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with prescription drug addiction, including benzodiazepine dependence. We are also equipped to treat co-occurring substance use disorders and additional mental health concerns as needed. We know that recovery is an extremely personal journey. At Turning Point Centers, our dedicated care team works closely with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can heal, grow, and build the foundation for lasting recovery and a brighter future.
Signs & Symptoms of Benzo Addiction
At Turning Point Centers in Utah, we know that recognizing the signs and symptoms of benzo addiction can be difficult, especially if the medication was originally prescribed to address a medical concern. However, certain physical, behavioral, and psychological signs may indicate that a person has developed a benzo addiction and needs to seek treatment. Signs of benzo addiction might include:
- Physical symptoms: People who are struggling with benzo addiction can often appear drowsy or fatigued. They may also slur their speech, have poor coordination, and struggle with memory problems. If they are experiencing benzo withdrawal symptoms, they may feel anxious and unable to sleep. Their physical withdrawal symptoms may also include sweating, tremors, or even seizures.
- Behavioral signs: A person who is struggling with a benzo addiction may increase their usage of the medication to an unsafe amount, which may cause changes in their behavior. They may begin neglecting their personal responsibilities at work, school, and home. They may also begin making risky or unsafe choices, such as driving under the influence or buying drugs from illegal sources. They may suddenly seem to behave in a secretive way as they try to hide the amount of benzos they are taking. They may also attempt to hide the different ways they are seeking additional benzo prescriptions, such as by “doctor shopping,” or visiting multiple doctors.
- Psychological symptoms: People who have an addiction to benzos may experience strong cravings or compulsions to use benzos. They may seem anxious, depressed, easily irritated, or emotionally unstable.
If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction, it may be time to seek professional support. Benzo addiction is treatable, and early intervention can lead to a healthier, more balanced life. At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we’re here to provide compassionate support and personalized care plans for people who are struggling with benzo addiction. Recovery is possible, and we’re committed to walking that journey with you or your loved one, every step of the way.
Potential Risk Factors for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzo addiction can develop for several reasons, and some factors may increase a person’s risk for struggling with an addiction. Possible risk factors for benzo addiction include:
- Long-term use or taking higher dosages than prescribed: Even when benzos are prescribed by a doctor, when a person takes them for a long time, they can develop a higher tolerance or dependence. This increases the likelihood of the person becoming addicted to benzos. When a person takes higher doses of benzos than they were prescribed, the risk for them developing dependence also goes up.
- Genetic and biological factors: Certain genetic factors or brain chemistry imbalances may make people more vulnerable to benzo addiction. People who have a personal or family history of drug or alcohol addiction are more likely to develop an addiction to benzos as well.
- Co-occurring mental health concerns: Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase a person’s reliance on benzos as they struggle to manage their symptoms, which can raise the person’s risk for developing a benzo addiction.
- Stressful events or life circumstances: Experiencing chronic stress, trauma, or major life changes may lead people to misuse benzos as a coping mechanism.
- Taking benzos with other substances: When a person combines benzos with other substances like alcohol, opioids, and stimulants, the combination can amplify the medication’s addictive potential and create serious health risks.
- Lack of awareness about the risks of benzo addiction: Some people may not fully understand benzos’ addictive potential, which can lead to their misuse or unintentional dependence on the medication.
While these factors can increase a person’s risk for suffering from a benzodiazepine addiction, early intervention can make a significant difference. If you are struggling with benzo misuse, Turning Point Centers in Utah can provide you with the tools and support to help you reclaim control of your life and achieve lasting recovery.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Statistics
According to the National Library of Medicine, 30.6 million adults (12.6% of the U.S. population) reported using benzodiazepines in the previous year, and 5.3 million of these adults (2.2% of the U.S. population) reported misusing them. About 80% of those who reported misusing benzos stated that they got the drugs from someone else and did not have a valid prescription for the medication.
Here at Turning Point Centers, we understand the extreme impact prescription drug addiction can have on a person’s life, but we also firmly believe in the power of recovery. Benzo addiction doesn’t have to define your life. Contact us today, and together we can create a personalized plan that can help you heal and move forward.
Potential Effects of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzo addiction can have serious effects on your health and well-being. Physically, long-term use can cause you to experience symptoms including constant fatigue, trouble with your memory and focus, and even problems with your balance and coordination. Over time, your body may build up a tolerance to benzos, meaning that you need higher doses of the medication to feel the same effects. This can pose serious health risks, including an increased chance of an accidental benzo overdose. Trying to quit taking benzos on your own can cause you to have intense withdrawal symptoms, like shaking, sweating, nausea, and, in severe cases, seizures.
Benzo addiction can also take a toll on your mental health, making symptoms of anxiety and depression worse and leading to feelings of sadness or helplessness. It can leave you feeling emotionally unstable, more irritable, or even disconnected from the people you care about. Many people who are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction begin to withdraw from their family and friends and fail to meet their responsibilities at work and home. Many also face financial problems as the cost of maintaining benzo addiction increases over time.
At our benzo addiction treatment center in Sandy, Utah, we understand how hard it can be to take the first step toward recovery. At Turning Point Centers, we offer a safe, supportive environment where you can begin your recovery journey. Through a combination of therapy, medical care (as needed), and a built-in support system, it is possible for you to rebuild your life and achieve lasting recovery. You don’t have to face benzo addiction alone. Reach out to Turning Point Centers today and let us help you take the first step.
Benefits of Treatment for Addiction to Benzos
Receiving professional treatment for benzodiazepine addiction can offer you a pathway to reclaiming your life. One of the most significant benefits of treatment is the ability to break free from the physical grip of addiction. With our expert guidance, you can reduce your dependence on benzodiazepines in a way that is safe and manageable, avoiding the distress and risks that can come from trying to tackle it alone.
Our treatment options can also provide you with a sense of renewed emotional balance. As you progress through benzo addiction treatment, you may experience improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of calm. Our counseling sessions can provide a supportive space for you to uncover and address the deeper causes of your struggles with addiction and help you adopt constructive coping mechanisms and tools to navigate life’s challenges, both now and in the future.
In addition to the physical and emotional improvements you may experience while receiving care at our Utah addiction treatment center, you can rebuild meaningful connections with those closest to you by receiving treatment. Treatment can also restore your ability to manage responsibilities at work, at home, and in other aspects of your life that may have been disrupted by addiction.
Most importantly, treatment can instill a renewed sense of optimism for the future. By tackling benzo addiction and developing skills to help you handle your unique triggers, you can establish a foundation for long-term recovery and a drug-free life. If you or someone you care about is ready to seek treatment for benzo addiction, our dedicated team at Turning Point Centers is here to provide unwavering support and guidance throughout your recovery journey.
Therapies & Treatments Used at Our Utah Benzo Addiction Treatment Center
At Turning Point Centers, we offer personalized treatment options designed to treat you as a whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Our team of behavioral health professionals is committed to providing compassionate care and creating a positive, healing environment. Treatment options we provide include:
- Individual and group counseling: In individual sessions, you can work one-on-one with a skilled counselor to explore what’s behind your struggles with addiction and develop tools to overcome challenges. Group therapy can provide a supportive space where you can share your story, connect with others who are facing similar concerns, and learn how to heal together.
- Family therapy: Addiction can impact your entire family. In our family therapy sessions, we can help you rebuild trust with your loved ones, repair your relationships, and create a more supportive home environment that better promotes your long-term recovery.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy can help you identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT gives you practical tools to help you manage your stress, deal with your triggers, and build healthier habits for the future.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): For some people, medication can help ease their withdrawal symptoms and reduce their cravings for benzos. If it’s the right choice for you, MAT can be part of your personalized treatment plan. But it’s always your decision whether to include medication as part of your treatment.
- Aftercare and relapse prevention: After treatment ends, our aftercare programs can keep you connected with sober living options, alumni support, and resources to help you maintain your progress over the long term.
- Holistic therapies: We believe in treating the whole person and not just their symptoms of benzo addiction. We offer holistic therapy options, including yoga, meditation, and art therapy. These activities can help you reduce stress, find balance, and improve your overall mental and physical health.
At Turning Point Centers in Utah, our care team is here and ready to support you every step of the way. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
Why Choose Our Benzo Addiction Treatment Center in Sandy, Utah
At Turning Point Centers, we understand how hard it can be to take the first step toward getting help for benzo addiction. That’s why we’re here to make the process as simple and supportive as possible. Our goal is to help you feel better, not just by treating the symptoms of benzo addiction but by focusing on your overall well-being.
We offer different kinds of treatment to match your individual needs. This includes therapy to work through the challenges you’re facing, medication if it’s needed to ease your cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and holistic options like fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness to help you feel stronger and more balanced as you work toward recovery.
Located in beautiful Sandy, Utah, Turning Point Centers is an ideal location to prioritize your recovery. Nestled in the serene Wasatch Mountains, our peaceful and luxurious facility is designed to give you a calm, safe space to focus on your healing journey without distractions.
We know that reaching out for help can be stressful, but it’s also an important step toward achieving freedom from benzo addiction on the path to a healthier future. If you are ready to learn more about our addiction treatment center in Sandy, Utah, our admissions team is here to answer any questions you may have. At Turning Point Centers, we know that recovery is possible, and we’re here to help you or your loved one get there.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.