BENZO (Benzodiazepine) is a class of prescription drugs used for the treatment of neurological and psychological diseases and disorders. The most common usage for the neurological disorder treatment is an epileptic seizure. Psychological disorder treatments can be for insomnia and anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, the treatments, unfortunately, resulted in side effects like Benzo withdrawal symptoms related to physical and psychological problems.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms included burning skin, back pain, breathing problem, and blurry vision as the physical side effects. Some of the critical psychological side effects were related to depression, anxiety, and fear.
Forms of BENZO- FDA Approved Drugs
BENZO has many forms of medical preparations and brand names. Some o the most commonly used ones are
- Valium – It is an antidepressant that also acts as a sedative and healer of depression-related symptoms. It can also be useful for healing the panic attack syndromes.
- Librium – It supposed to be a powerful antidote for overcoming physiological alcohol withdrawal symptoms like craving.
- Trilam – It is supposed to be a sedative used for overcoming insomnia (sleepless condition)
BENZO Addiction – Probable Causes and Visible Symptoms
How is it possible for an antidote to many disorders to become a cause of addiction? The primary cause has been contributed to the creation of a euphoric feeling in the mind and body of the patient who consumes the prescription drug.
Dopamine Bonding – Irresistible Attraction
Medically speaking, the molecular bonding between Benzodiazepine like XANAX and dopamine in the human brain is stated to be very strong. According to neurologists, it could be as compulsive as the bonding between dopamine neurotransmitters and cocaine drug molecules.
Once the brain neurotransmitters get addicted to the drug, the craving can start almost immediately within a few dosages of BENZO. The duration of conversion from medication to addiction is still unknown to the medical world. Even the neurologists can only predict that at some point in time the transformation with Benzo withdrawal brain damage may occur without the realization of the patient.
Effects of Benzo on Mind and Body – Healing to Hallucinations
According to neurologists, Benzo could heal the feelings and anxiety and depression to a considerable level when used within the prescription dosage and duration. Experiments and practical experience have shown sufficient proof for Benzo being an antidote to insomnia and panic attacks.
However, experience with recovering patients has also shown the darker side of Benzo. Many of them have been using it as a substitute for narcotic drugs and alcohol. It could be due to the elusive feeling of euphoria that is more deceptive than the narcotic banned drugs and alcohol.
Hallucinations are stated to be the direct effect of addiction in the brain. serotonin and acetylcholine are stated to be the other neurotransmitters that are present in the body and the brain of the Benzo consumer. They too have stronger bonding with the Benzo molecules.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal – Physical Craving and Mental Obsession
Benzo can create a huge impact on the neurotransmitters that ultimately end up in physical craving. When the concentration of Benzo decreases in the blood, it can cause shivering, nervousness, loss of appetite, and result in other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. There is also a possibility of increase in Benzo withdrawal blood sugar levels. The patient may be driven by an uncontrollable urge to “use” whenever he gets a chance.
Physical craving can gradually convert into a mental obsession within a short period. But it is still not possible for neurologists and doctors to determine when the Benzodiazepine withdrawal can turn into a mental obsession.
The combination of craving and obsession can drive an individual to the “rock bottom” of depression and discontentment, restlessness, and irritation. He may pull himself out of contact with the family, friends, and community members. Some of the other withdrawal symptoms could be
- Unusual loss or gain of body weight
- Loss of interest in life
- Never-ending depression attacks
- Loneliness and self-pity
The only time during which the patient may appear to be “somewhat normal” could be when the next dosage of Benzo enters his body.
Chronic Withdrawal Symptoms –Driven by Dilemma
At some point in addiction, the patient’s body may reach a breaking point and develop a deep sense of allergy for the Benzo drug. The doctors may warn that one more dosage of the drug could mean death or insanity. But the mind is now obsessed with the euphoria and hallucinations.
Soon, the addict may reach a point of no return. One part of his mind fears a life without the drug and the other part is occupied by the fear of death if the drug goes into his body. Now, he can’t imagine his life with the drug or without it. He will wish for the end so he can be free from the eternal dilemma.
Benzo Withdrawal Treatments –Hope is Still Alive
Treatment for Benzo withdrawal has to be in two stages, namely the elimination of physical craving and removal of mental obsession.
Detox Treatments – Elimination of Benzo Toxic
Months and years of Benzo addiction can convert the human body from the muscles to the nervous system and liver into a toxic waste bin. Organ failure is one of the constant sources of fear that could grip the mind of addicts.
Detox can be in the form of IVs, capsules, and treatments. Typically the Detox could last between five and fifteen days, depending on the physical and medical conditions of the patient (read like an addict in treatment) and the duration and intensity of addiction.
Body Healing – Normalization of Health
The patient may have to go through a brief stay in the rehab center for recovery of his lost health and healing of deteriorating medical condition. Food and nutrition care can restore his health to a reasonably good level within a specified time.
Overcoming Mental Obsession – it is a Lifelong Process
Sober life without addiction can appear to be like a mirage, especially when the mental obsession refuses to subside. The mind of a recovering addict who is in the Benzo withdrawal process could be highly sensitive to anything and everything in life. Powerlessness over addition and unmanageability of life can push the addict back into relapse at any point in time. However, there is a way out of Benzodiazepine withdrawal problems.
Recovery Program – One day at a time
The recovery program from Benzo withdrawal can keep the patient away from the obsession with the psychological Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms like relapse one day at a time.