At North Port Behavioral Health in North Port, Florida, we provide inpatient programming for adults age 18 and older who have mental health concerns and co-occurring benzodiazepine addictions. We recognize that receiving mental health and benzodiazepine addiction treatment is a deeply personal journey, and we will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs.
Signs & Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines, more commonly known as benzos, are a class of medications that are prescribed for people who struggle with health concerns such as anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders. If a person misuses their medication or takes it for prolonged periods, an addiction can develop. Recognizing the signs of benzo addiction is essential for seeking timely treatment and avoiding serious health consequences.
The following are common signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
Behavioral signs of benzodiazepine addiction can include:
- Needing to take more of the drug to achieve the same effects
- Visiting multiple healthcare providers, or “doctor shopping,” to obtain prescriptions
- Taking the drug in ways other than prescribed
- Prioritizing obtaining and using the drug over responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, tremors, or anxiety when not taking the drug
If you experience any of these symptoms, you are not alone. Benzo addiction is treatable with the right support and guidance. North Port Behavioral Health, located near Sarasota, is a benzo addiction treatment center that can provide you with high-quality mental health and addiction treatment. We offer compassionate, evidence-based care to help patients achieve recovery from addiction and reclaim their lives.
Causes of & Risk Factors for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction often develops due to a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding the causes and risk factors can help you identify if you or a loved one may be at risk for developing a benzo addiction.
Benzodiazepine medications contain a chemical that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Over time, your brain may become dependent on benzodiazepines to achieve these states, leading to tolerance and physical dependence.
People who have a family history of substance use disorders may have a higher risk for developing benzodiazepine addiction. Additionally, individuals who have mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be more susceptible if they take benzos to manage their symptoms.
Misusing benzodiazepines, such as taking higher doses than prescribed, using them recreationally, or combining them with alcohol or other drugs, greatly increases your chances of developing an addiction. Environmental factors, including ongoing stress, experiencing a traumatic event, and having consistent access to benzodiazepines in your home, can increase your risk for misuse. However, these factors, although impactful, do not guarantee that you will have an addiction to benzos.
If you are experiencing symptoms of benzo addiction, the compassionate staff at our benzo addiction treatment center in North Port, Florida, can support you throughout your recovery journey.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Statistics
Benzodiazepines are widely used in the United States, according to data from the National Library of Medicine. More than 12.6% of adults, or 30.6 million people, reported using benzodiazepines in the past year. Of these people, 10.4% used the medication as prescribed, while 2.2% misused it.
Research also finds that age affects how people use benzodiazepines. Adults ages 50-64 have the highest prescribed use at 12.9%. However, misuse is most common among young adults ages 18-25, with a misuse rate of 5.2%. The most common way people misuse benzodiazepines is by taking them without a prescription.
At our Florida benzodiazepine addiction treatment center, we are committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment where patients feel safe to share their experiences. Our team’s goal is to educate and empower patients throughout their treatment journey, helping them build the skills they need to heal. We approach every patient with understanding as they work toward lasting recovery from benzo addiction.
Potential Effects of Untreated Benzodiazepine Addiction
Untreated benzodiazepine addiction can have severe consequences, affecting your physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. Over time, the continued misuse of benzodiazepines can lead you to have health problems, including memory impairment, confusion, liver damage, respiratory concerns, and a weakened immune system. You also have an increased risk for being involved in an accident due to impaired motor coordination and judgment.
Mental health concerns are common among people who have an untreated benzodiazepine addiction. Prolonged benzo misuse can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, as your brain becomes dependent on the drug to regulate your emotions. Many people also experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, paranoia, and hallucinations, when they attempt to stop or reduce benzo use without medical supervision.
Addiction can also strain your relationships with your loved ones and lead to social isolation. People who have a benzo addiction may prioritize drug use over personal and professional responsibilities, resulting in job loss, financial instability, or legal troubles.
The risk for overdose significantly increases over time if benzodiazepine addiction is untreated, especially when the drug is combined with other substances, like alcohol or opioids. Overdose can lead to respiratory depression, a coma, or death.
At North Port Behavioral Health, we understand the devastating effects of untreated benzodiazepine addiction. Our Florida benzo addiction treatment center provides comprehensive care to help patients learn how to manage their symptoms and rebuild their lives.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in North Port, Florida
At our benzo addiction treatment center, we provide tailored treatment for people who are suffering from mental health concerns and co-occurring benzodiazepine addictions. The staff at North Port Behavioral Health specializes in treating people who have mental health concerns such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis
- Self-injury and suicidal thoughts
North Port Behavioral Health provides inpatient care for adults age 18 and older. At the time of admission, patients are assessed to determine whether they have any medical needs. Depending on the type of medical care a person needs, our medical doctors and nurse practitioners may be able to assist them. After being admitted to our benzo addiction treatment center, patients can continue to receive medical care on an as-needed basis. Medication management services are also available for patients if they are part of their treatment plan.
Your treatment plan may include modalities such as:
- Motivational interviewing, which empowers people to make positive changes and build confidence
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people recognize and change harmful thoughts and behaviors
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotion regulation and coping skills
- 12-Step programming, which fosters accountability, peer support, and a structured path to recovery from addiction
Led by master’s-level clinicians, registered nurses, and mental health technicians, group therapy sessions are held daily and focus on topics such as managing the effects of trauma, building self-esteem, learning healthy coping skills, and creating healthy boundaries. Family therapy sessions are also available at our benzo addiction treatment center as needed to help family members heal as a unit and support the patient on their recovery journey.
A well-rounded team of professionals, including medical doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, dietitians, and recreational therapists, works together to provide holistic care to help each patient change their life for the better.
Our Florida benzo addiction treatment center offers a safe, supportive environment for patients who have mental health concerns and co-occurring benzodiazepine addictions. Our intake coordinators are available 24/7 to help you determine if benzodiazepine addiction treatment at North Port Behavioral Health is right for you or a loved one.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at North Port Behavioral Health.