Recognizing a Benzo Overdose

Effective benzo addiction treatment not only requires a medical detox; it also needs to provide the client with a comprehensive approach to aftercare, which includes attention to the underlying causes of substance abuse. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we are committed to your successful long-term sobriety and preventing future benzo overdose by addressing your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Contact our team today at 833.551.2304 about benzo addiction treatment in Florida.

What Are the Symptoms of a Benzo Abuse Problem?

Dependencies on benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” often begin with a legitimate medical prescription from a licensed practitioner. However, they can also start when a person attempts to self-medicate a pain problem or begins experimenting with benzos for recreational use. Common varieties include Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Librium (chlorodiazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Clonazepam (Klonopin).

When used as directed, most individuals can cycle on and off the drugs to manage a temporary problem. However, if taken too long, in too large or frequent a dose, or if an alternative treatment plan has not been implemented, benign use can easily spiral into a pattern of problematic abuse.

Prolonged benzo abuse can result in actual physiological changes to the brain, resulting in compromised functioning. Other symptoms of a benzo abuse problem include:

• Overwhelming cravings and the inability to stop taking benzos
• Hoarding of pills
• Visiting multiple medical doctors to obtain separate prescriptions or buying additional doses from illicit vendors
• Accelerated cognitive decline
• Poor physical coordination
• Requiring the use of benzos to sleep or as the sole means to alleviate physical or psychological distress
• Mixing benzos with other drugs or alcohol to enhance potency

What to Do if Benzo Abuse Leads to Overdose

It is especially dangerous to mix benzos with other depressants such as alcohol, as the whole respiration system will slow down in response. This can also happen when a large number of pills are taken, even if by accident.

Benzo overdose can be a life-or-death medical emergency. If you or a loved one displays any of the following signs or symptoms after using benzos, call 911 immediately:

• Abnormally slow or labored breathing (If breathing stops entirely, CPR should be performed as a last resort)
• Blue fingertips or lips due to lack of oxygen in the blood
• Blurred vision
• Complaints of excessive fatigue (Do your best to keep the individual on their feet, moving and talking)
• Clumsiness and/or movements that resemble severe inebriation
• Slurred or incoherent speech
• Light-headedness (Make sure to support the individual, as there is a high risk of fainting)
• Unconsciousness

Make sure to remain on the line as long as you can and follow directives precisely and promptly. When on the phone with emergency medical personnel, cite as many facts as you know or can safely guess about the individual, including their gender, height, weight, location, whether or not the medication was prescribed, the likely method of abuse (injection, orally, etc.), any other visible injuries, and variety of drug you believe was taken, along with any other drugs or alcohol.

If untreated, the lack of oxygen to the blood and physical injury caused by the user’s disorientation can result in catastrophic health conditions such as brain injury or even death.

Benzo Addiction Treatment at Gulf Breeze Recovery

At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we take a comprehensive approach to benzo addiction treatment. We understand that successful recovery requires personalized care and support for each person’s unique needs. Our team of experienced professionals provides the highest quality of care in our state-of-the-art facility.

Our treatment program is tailored to individual needs and includes therapies such as individual and group counseling, alternative therapies, family support services, and aftercare. We also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help treat the underlying causes of benzo addiction.

We understand that recovery from benzo addiction can be difficult, but with our team of compassionate professionals by your side, you can take back control of your life. Our evidence-based treatments, combined with individualized care and support, give you the best chance at a full and lasting recovery.

At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we help people reclaim their lives from benzo addiction. Moreover, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can begin their journey of healing and transformation.

Learn More About Benzo Addiction Treatment at Gulf Breeze Recovery

Many individuals who struggle with a benzo abuse problem find it difficult or impossible to quit independently. Quitting cold turkey may even be dangerous for those with a chronic problem. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, you will be monitored 24/7 through your detox and given a multifaceted plan to actively work towards recovery. Call our team today at 833.551.2304 to make the first critical step towards obtaining the help you need.