Many doctors prescribe benzos to address addiction and other mental health conditions. In addition, those going through alcohol withdrawal may use the medication to help ease symptoms. COVID-19 has caused an increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for anxiety. In the meantime, the supply chain has been interrupted, and it is becoming more challenging to get the medication. This challenge has created a danger for many. Benzo addiction is one of the risks of taking these medications regularly. Psychiatric patients can’t just stop taking the medication without tapering off, preferably in a monitored situation. There are a few dangers that the benzo shortage is causing, and this is a significant concern for both medical personnel and patients. If you’re struggling with the effects of benzo addiction, contact our team today at 844.442.8673 to learn about our drug addiction treatment programs.
Psychiatric Concerns
Benzos have long been the go-to treatment for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. With the current benzo shortage, many psychiatric patients are becoming even more anxious. Their doctors are suggesting they start tapering off the medication to make it last longer. In turn, this suggestion is causing many patients to experience increased anxiety because they are afraid they can’t function without the medication. Many who have made progress are finding themselves sliding backward, feeling that they will lose all the progress they have made. Increased anxiety makes it more challenging to concentrate on other aspects of healing, creating a vicious circle.
Alcohol Withdrawal
The benzo shortage is also posing a danger to many who are seeking help for alcohol addiction. The medication itself can be addictive if taken for a long period of time. However, some people used it in the short term to help ease the withdrawal symptoms that accompany alcohol detox. Other drugs can act as substitutes, but they are less effective, and some are even more addictive than benzos. This situation means patients going through alcohol withdrawal either don’t get the extra help they need to navigate recovery successfully, or they end up trading one addiction for another.
Illegal Activity Poses a Great Danger
In addition, this shortage creates an opening for the illegal selling of benzos and other manufactured drugs that produce similar effects. Unfortunately, these street drugs pose the most significant danger of all. Many contain other drugs, such as fentanyl. A person buying the drugs off the street doesn’t know what they are buying and can quickly overdose or experience horrifying side effects. The substances aren’t regulated. Another complication that buyers face is the risk of being in legal trouble if the authorities catch them buying these drugs. The cost is higher than getting a prescription, and insurance doesn’t pay on the streets, so individuals also end up in financial trouble. All of these situations can end up increasing anxiety.
What Can Be Done
The safest thing that someone can do to avoid the biggest dangers of the benzo shortage is to get help in tapering off and eventually eliminating these drugs from their lives. Continued treatment for anxiety or other disorders that benzos are addressing can still be beneficial. The important thing is that you seek help getting through this rather than attempting withdrawal alone.
Why Should You Consider Benzo Addiction Treatment?
If you or a loved one is addicted to benzos, it’s essential to get help as soon as possible. The benzo shortage is only going to increase the risks and dangers associated with addiction. Withdrawal from benzos can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to have medical supervision when going through detox. For instance, the symptoms of benzo withdrawal can include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Tremors
- Seizures
With the help of a professional detox program, you can ease the symptoms of benzo withdrawal and get on the road to recovery. Afterward, you’ll need to address the underlying issues that led to addiction in the first place. In treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to do just that. You’ll also develop the skills you need to cope with stress and triggers so that you can avoid relapse in the future. If you or someone you love is addicted to benzos, don’t wait to get help. Consider treatment at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge today.
Contact Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
Now is the perfect time to seek help for a benzo addiction. We are here to help you get through whatever your addiction or mental health needs are and want you to know that you don’t have to suffer. We offer a range of services, such as:
- Detox services
- Inpatient addiction treatment
- Outpatient addiction treatment
- Faith-based treatment programs
Seeking treatment is one of the best ways you can show love for yourself. We believe in you. Will you believe in yourself and your ability to be drug-free? Contact us at 844.442.8673 if you or a loved one has become addicted to this drug or if you are seeking help withdrawing from alcohol.
