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Recovery is possible. Here, I'll write stories or talk about interesting things I've found on recovery or addiction.
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Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are often used as a sleep aid, but what starts as help sleeping can sometimes turn into a difficult dependency or even addiction. Benzodiazepines operate by changing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which then turn off areas of the brain, making sleep and relaxing far easier. However, if a dependence develops, it's likely many of the symptoms originally kept at bay by a benzodiazepine will return. The withdrawal can be severe, and without medical attention it can be extremely dangerous. The most important thing when wondering if you or someone you know is going through or may undergo a serious benzodiazepine withdrawal is to pay attention to symptoms, and be on the lookout for warning signs that a dependence has formed.
Dependence isn't always easy to spot, but its characterized by a few key things. First, drugs are always the priority, and users will spend great amounts of time and go great lengths for a high. Also, a tolerance has most likely formed, meaning that more of the drug is needed to combat the symptoms it was originally supposed to help minimize. Insomnia or anxiety may start creeping back, and if dosage is cut back completely, it's likely a severe withdrawal will begin. Not only will the user feel anxiety and be unable to sleep, but due to the abrupt change in brain chemistry from using the drug, the body will undergo far more symptoms before the withdrawal is over. Body pains are common, and can be virtually anywhere. Restlessness, anxiety, and panic attacks will continue, and are usually accompanied by confusion and derealization. Paranoia, headaches, mood swings, nausea, and mania have all been reported as well. Depending on how severe the addiction to benzodiazepines was, more serious side effects like seizures, delusions, violence, and psychosis may occur. As with any withdrawal from pill addiction, treatment is essential and can combat even the most serious side effects.
Treatment should almost always occur in a medical facility of some sort, and the more that facility is specialized towards benzodiazepine withdrawal, the better. Usually, the patient is well cared for and made comfortable during the experience and is given an assortment of different medications, each with a different intended effect. Common drugs administered include gabapentin, which negates many of the common symptoms of withdrawal such as nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and tremors. Some painkillers are given, and the patient is monitored around the clock to make sure their withdrawal process is as comfortable and easy as possible. The most important factor in benzodiazepine withdrawal is acting quickly. If you or someone you know may be struggling, get help as soon as possible. It's never too late to recover.
