PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT

Comprehensive care and compassionate support to help individuals reclaim their lives from prescription drug addiction in Denver County.

Sometimes it may be difficult to determine if someone is addicted to prescription medication because a common misconception is that if prescribed by a doctor, it must be safe and ok to use. However certain types of prescribed medications have become notorious for producing user dependency and withdrawal. The ones we’ve heard about in the news, like opioids, are more easily identified. Yet there are many medications that are less well-known, that aren’t quite as easy to identify as the highly-addictive substances they are.

The other aspect of an unexpected prescription drug addiction can be when these substances are initially prescribed for a useful and legitimate reason. Perhaps an injury, or a medical condition occurs which requires stronger substances for a prolonged period of time. Even under doctors orders, it isn’t uncommon for addiction to develop under the radar, and it becomes evident after it’s too late to stop on your own.

Here are some indications that you may be addicted to prescription medication:

Continual increase in tolerance.
Developing a craving for the medication, a strong urge to use, or intense obsession around when it’s time to take the next dose.
Increasing dosage amount, or a longer duration of use than prescribed.

Unsuccessful efforts to discontinue use or cut down use (or causes withdrawal symptoms when doing so.)
Spending a lot of effort to obtain, use, or recover from prescription use.
Medication use in situations that are unsafe.

Use of medication results in (Recurrent prescription medication use results in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home)
Issues of physiological or psychological problems due to prescription use, and continuing to use it despite these problems.
Social or interpersonal issues due to prescription use.

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepine or “benzos,” are legal medications commonly prescribed to treat panic disorder, insomnia, anxiety, sleep disorder and more mental health disorders. Some of the mostly commonly misused benzos are Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin, although many more can be added to this list. These medications work by raising the amount of GABA in the brain. The primary result of increased GABA produces sedative and calming effects for the user. According to a 2020 study by SAMHSA, approximately 1.7%(4.8 million) Americans ages 12 and older misused Benzos in the previous year.

Benzodiazepine addiction is very common among people prescribed these drugs. Given the effects of these drugs, it’s incredibly normal for people to build a tolerance and require more of the substance to feel the same effects.

Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Along with other substance use disorders, there tend to be some common traits that would signify potential Benzodiazepine addiction. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

Blurred vision
Decreased decision making ability
Apathy of things that you once enjoyed doing
Inability to stop or decrease use
Combining benzos with other drugs or alcohol to achieve desired effects

Increased tolerance, need to take more than prescribed to feel the desired effects
Continued use despite negative consequences
Finding multiple doctors who would be willing to prescribe your medication

Hiding or lying about the extent of your use to others
Using benzos in situations that could result in physical harm to others
Strained family, friend and work relationships due to use

If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction to Benzos, our qualified clinical team can help today. Since withdrawal effects can be severe and even fatal, it’s important you reach out for proper treatment and support.

Call our team today to learn how we can help support you in your path to recovery.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment at True North Recovery Services

At True North Recovery Services, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care for benzodiazepine addiction, helping individuals reclaim their lives with personalized treatment plans and ongoing support.