Benzo Withdrawal: Signs You Are An Addict

What Are The Different Types of Benzos?

To begin, “benzo” is a short name, or nickname, for a pharmaceutical drug known as benzodiazepines. This class of drugs is primarily used for treating anxiety, and they are highly addictive if mistreated in any way. The downside to becoming addicted to benzos is that they do what is called a “paradoxical effect” on the addict, meaning that the symptoms are what the drug is intended to alleviate from the user. Such addictive symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, and extreme sweating.

There are many different names for benzos, but the following is a short list of some of the more common name brands:

• Xanax or Alprazolam
• Klonopin or Clonazepam
• Ativan or Lorazepam
• Valium or Diazepam

Every benzo can cause an addiction or dependency. Stopping “cold turkey” can be hazardous because of its withdrawal symptoms. Typical withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, and depressed feelings. For more intense addictions, stopping benzos suddenly could result in withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, muscle aches, pains, vomiting, and tremors. The dosage can be lowered slowly but should be done in a treatment facility where medical supervision is given.

When you or someone else is addicted to a benzo, a benzo withdrawal syndrome may sometimes occur. Benzo withdrawal syndrome is a specific classification of symptoms associated with the addiction. This part of the addiction can be terrifying and life-threatening, so we suggest contacting our office to speak with trained medical staff to help guide you through and toward a program that will help you ease out of this syndrome. A benzo withdrawal syndrome includes symptoms such as seizures, loss of control over muscles in the body, cognitive and neurological impairments, and confusion.