The danger of “Benzos” lies in the fact that this substance has a profound effect on some very important aspects and functions associated with the brain and the nervous system, such as memory, emotional regulation, behavior, and even breathing.
For the body to function properly, the brain makes use of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that the brain uses to send signals to the central nervous system. The central nervous system, in turn, relays these signals to where they need to go to make the body function. Conversely, there is a particular neurotransmitter, known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, that blocks certain signals from the brain, causing a decrease in the activity of the central nervous system.
This blocking effect is particularly useful in helping a person to calm down, regulate breathing patterns, and manage emotions related to anxiety. Benzos amplify the natural effect of GABA, creating a greater sense of tranquility and calmness. The ability of benzos to induce this state of sedation makes it immensely useful in the treatment of anxiety-related conditions.
This sedative effect, however, also brings a range of sensations that are quite desirable for people who have difficulty in calming their thoughts and emotions. This is why many people develop a heavy dependence on benzos, which eventually becomes an addiction. The drawback to this is that once the body starts to develop a tolerance for benzos, the brain may no longer trigger the release of GABA on its own, as it now relies on benzos for the sedative effect.
Heavy dependence on anything that has a direct and potent effect on the central nervous system is highly dangerous. This is because potent substances often cause a chemical imbalance in the body, and these chemical imbalances could alter the normal processes of the body, not to mention cause damage by way of chemical toxicity.
In the case of benzos, the danger lies in the fact that this substance has a profound effect on some very important aspects and functions associated with the brain and the nervous system, such as memory, emotional regulation, behavior, and even breathing. Reports derived from treatment centers have helped in classifying the various effects of benzodiazepines on the central nervous system.
Short-term Effects:
Long-term Effects:
Being a substance that directly affects the central nervous system, it is to be expected that benzodiazepine dependence comes with significant withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms could include the following:
There are also more severe withdrawal symptoms that may include:
The withdrawal symptoms that occur once a person stops taking benzos could start in as early as 6 hours of the last dosage for short-acting benzodiazepines, and between 24 to 28 hours for long-acting benzos. These withdrawal symptoms could last from two to four weeks, although there are documented reports the symptoms could actually persist for far longer for those with severe addiction or an underlying mental health disorder.
Many may experience insomnia and anxiety during the first four days after any kind of benzodiazepine was taken. These symptoms could manifest during the first six to eight hours of the benzo withdrawal timeline. Those who used short-acting benzos could experience a worsening of the symptoms by the third day. Most people also report experiencing persistent nausea, increased heart rate, sweating, and cravings to take benzos again during this period. These initial symptoms have been noted to last anywhere between 7 to 10 days.
For those users of short-acting benzos, the acute symptoms typically begin to lessen or even fade away during this period. Those who were hooked on long-acting benzos, on the other hand, tend to experience a peak during this period followed by a decrease sometime around week 3 to 4 into the timeline.
Most people who are going through benzodiazepine withdrawal report utter exhaustion around day 15, accompanied by a gradual cessation of most of the symptoms. There are, however, instances where people severely addicted or dependent on benzodiazepines experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) once the initial symptoms subside.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms could include chronic insomnia, persistent anxiety, and depression which could stretch out for months or even years. People who go through post-acute withdrawal symptoms are also usually those who stay the longest in therapy to help them deal with what they are going through.
Treatment is just another step in the journey to a better and healthier future. We here at Jaywalker make a point to help people understand how our programs mirror the journey of life. Some parts of the journey might be more difficult than others, but when people realize that each step they take is progress, they gain a deeper understanding of the healing process, and how even these difficulties become easier to get over as they continue to move forward.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
