Benzodiazepines (benzos) are prescription drugs that are commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. However, they can also be abused, leading to addiction and other health problems. Here are some signs that someone may be abusing benzos:
Changes in behavior: Benzo abuse can cause changes in behavior, such as becoming more withdrawn or secretive, or engaging in risky or impulsive behavior.
Physical symptoms: Benzo abuse can cause physical symptoms, such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and impaired coordination.
Mood changes: Benzo abuse can cause changes in mood, such as increased anxiety, irritability, or aggression.
Doctor shopping: Abusers may try to obtain multiple prescriptions from different doctors or go to different pharmacies to avoid suspicion.
Mixing with other substances: Abusers may mix benzos with alcohol or other drugs to intensify the effects.
Increasing tolerance: Abusers may need to take higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effect.
Withdrawal symptoms: Stopping benzo use suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures.
If you suspect someone is abusing benzos, it’s important to talk to them about your concerns and encourage them to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist.