What Are the Causes of Benzo Abuse?
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, are a type of medication prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. Though they are effective when used as prescribed, benzos are also highly addictive. When abused, benzos can cause serious health problems. Understanding the causes of benzo abuse can help you know when it’s time to reach out for benzo addiction treatment.
What Is Benzo Abuse?
Benzo abuse occurs when someone takes more of the drug than prescribed or takes it for reasons other than those prescribed. For example, people might abuse benzos to get high or to self-medicate for anxiety or insomnia. Benzo abuse can lead to addiction and cause serious health problems like organ damage, memory loss, and seizures.
Symptoms of Benzo Abuse
The symptoms of benzo abuse vary depending on the individual and the severity of their abuse. However, there are some common symptoms that people who abuse benzos may experience. These include:
- Acting out of character or becoming more aggressive than usual
- Slurred speech or difficulty talking
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions
- Memory problems or blackouts
- Anxiety or paranoia
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Benzo abuse can quickly spiral out of control and lead to addiction.
Common Causes of Benzo Abuse
There are many factors that can contribute to someone abusing benzos. Here are three of the most common causes:
Stressful Life Events
Major life changes like getting divorced, losing a job, or experiencing the death of a loved one can be extremely stressful. People might turn to benzos in an effort to cope with these difficult situations.
Instead of numbing the pain with benzos, it’s important to seek out healthy coping mechanisms like therapy or exercise. These methods can help you deal with stress in a healthy way and prevent benzo abuse. If you’re struggling to build healthy coping skills, a benzo addiction treatment program can help.
Mental Health Concerns
Anxiety and depression are two mental health disorders that often co-occur with substance use disorders. People who suffer from these conditions might misuse benzos in an attempt to self-medicate.
It can be challenging to cope with mental health concerns and substance use disorders at the same time, but dual diagnosis treatment can help.
Sleeping Problems or Anxiety
While these are the reasons why people are prescribed benzos, they can be contributing factors to abuse. People with chronic anxiety or insomnia might start to abuse benzos in an attempt to get relief from their symptoms.
Without addressing these underlying issues, it can be difficult to break the cycle of benzo abuse. Finding ways to sleep and to cope with anxiety in a healthy way is essential for recovery.
Risk Factors for Benzo Abuse
There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk for benzo abuse. These include:
- A history of substance abuse
- A family history of substance abuse
- A personal history of mental health disorders
- Stressful life events
- Problems with sleep or anxiety
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to be aware of the potential for benzo abuse. If you start to misuse benzos, seek help as soon as possible.
Contact Tree House Recovery Today to Learn More
If you’re struggling with benzo abuse, know that you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this problem every day. However, there is help available if you’re willing to seek it out. Treatment centers like Tree House Recovery offer programs specifically designed for people struggling with benzo addiction. With the help of our experienced staff, you can build strength both physically and emotionally. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop healthy coping skills and build a foundation for long-term recovery.
Contact us at 910.812.1728 or reach out online today to get started.