Akua Mind and Body

Benzos have a high addiction potential and carry dangerous withdrawal side effects, and as a result, many individuals become addicted to benzos.

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, November 23, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Benzodiazepines, also called “benzos” or “nerve pills,” are prescription medications used for brief-term durations to help treat specific anxiety disorders and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines have a high addiction potential and carry dangerous withdrawal side effects, and as a result, many individuals become addicted to benzodiazepines, even by accident. Benzodiazepine misuse includes taking benzodiazepines in unintended ways, such as taking someone else’s prescription, taking a higher or more frequent dose than prescribed, or taking these medications for other reasons than prescribed initially; for example, getting high. Thus, benzodiazepine misuse can potentially turn into an addiction. Addiction, which is formally referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), is defined by the inability to control the use of a particular substance (benzodiazepines) despite harmful consequences. In other words, benzodiazepine misuse turns into addiction when an individual compulsively misuses benzodiazepines and continues abusing this class of medications despite knowing its negative impact on their lives.

Benzodiazepine misuse also carries the risk of dependence. Over time, the body becomes so used to benzodiazepines that when the dose is cut down or stopped, the individual can experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms, specifically for benzodiazepines or alcohol, can be dangerous and even lethal and as a result, individuals are strongly encouraged to seek professional detox and treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal. Some of the common signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

● Anxiety.
● Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
● Depressed and/or irritable mood.
● Headaches.
● Trouble concentrating.
● Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there).
● Tremor (shakiness).
● Racing heart
● Seizures (potentially fatal).

- The brain on sleep aides

Sleeping pills should only be taken for a short time to alleviate temporary insomnia. Individuals may take them for jet lag during a long flight or drive, and they may need to continue taking them for a few days, then wean themselves off from them to return to their normal sleep patterns. If sleep medications are used longer than necessary (more than a few days), their addiction potential rapidly increases. Over time, the brain and body build up a tolerance to sleep aids, and as a result, the individual will need a higher dose to produce the same sleep restorative effects.

Individuals can become physically addicted to sleeping aids, a term that is known as physical dependence. This happens when individuals stop taking sleep medications and experience rebound insomnia, a sign of sleep medication withdrawal. Rebound insomnia occurs when the body becomes addicted to sleeping aids and cannot fall asleep without them. As a result, many individuals will continue to take sleep medications, and this vicious cycle repeats itself.

- Side effects of sleep medications

You may have heard of individuals who walk around the block, drive their car, or shop online while sleeping and have no recollection of these actions when they awaken from their sleep. These actions while sleeping are known as parasomnias and can also include sleepwalking and sleep eating. These parasomnias occur during non-REM sleep, which is the sleep stage that is directly affected by sleep medications. The following are additional side effects associated with sleep aid dependence:

● Dizziness
● Dreamless sleep
● Anxiety
● Hallucinations
● Lack of coordination
● Poor memory
● Lightheadedness

- The DANGERS of mixing sedative/hypnotics with alcohol.

Insomnia, anxiety, and alcohol misuse often go hand in hand. Many people with anxiety will self-medicate with alcohol. Many individuals who take sleeping pills for a better night’s rest will try to induce a deeper sleep by combining them with alcohol. Individuals with an alcohol use disorder are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder and more than likely will struggle with sleep. Although alcohol is known to induce sleep, it is also known to increase night-time awakenings, resulting in interrupted sleep, leaving the individual tired and groggy the following day. As a result, the individual may turn to sedative-hypnotics to alleviate their anxiety and promote better sleep.

Alcohol works on the same GABA receptors in the brain as sleeping medications and benzodiazepines, increasing the effects of both sedative-hypnotics and alcohol, meaning that the individual is at a higher risk of both a dangerous overdose and withdrawal. Reported rates of sleep problems among individuals who abuse alcohol vary but have been reported to range from 25-72%. However, this is when serious interactions can occur. Therefore, the FDA warns against taking sedative-hypnotics if you've consumed alcohol. Both drugs suppress the CNS, which controls breathing, heart rate, and brain function.

The labels on sleeping pills and benzodiazepines carry a warning about using alcohol while taking these medications as mixing sedative-hypnotics with alcohol can cause dangerous physical and cognitive impairment.

Akua Mind and Body is more than just a treatment center or residential facility; it’s a revitalizing retreat that provides holistic therapy programs for those who are in need of mental health treatment and substance use addiction. Akua’s integrative approach combines Eastern traditions with Western science to provide the highest quality of care combining physical, psychological, spiritual, and science-based approaches in detoxification, outpatient, and residential treatment. With facilities throughout the Sacramento Region, Los Angeles & Orange County Region, and San Diego Region, Akua aims to provide its clients with the best mental health and addiction treatment possible. Akua’s goal is to help patients build a solid foundation for healing so they can live happy and healthy lives in recovery.

Akua Mind and Body is recognized as one of the Best Addiction Treatment Centers in California with a reputable behavioral treatment facility. Learn more about all of our locations and programs throughout California on our website.

Andrea Dressler
Akua Mind and Body
+1 8884081110
info@akuamindbody.com
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