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Benzo Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment in Denver, CO

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Benzo Addiction

Benzodiazepine (benzo) addiction is a chronic condition that often develops slowly through the use or misuse of prescribed medications. Prescription benzos like Xanax, Ativan, or Valium are effective when used as directed. However, long-term use or abuse carries the potential of physical dependence, brain damage, and increased risk of overdose. Understanding the early signs of benzo symptoms can save a life.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of benzodiazepine misuse, there is support for you. At Tree House Recovery CO, we offer personalized, outcome-based benzo addiction treatment in Denver, Colorado, to help restore your mental and physical health. Explore the symptoms, risks, and benzo addiction treatment that are available for you.

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What Is Benzodiazepine Addiction?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Clinicians often prescribe these medications for short-term relief of anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and seizures. Benzos enhance the effects of GABA, a brain chemical that reduces activity in the nervous system1, creating an intense feeling of relaxation and sedation. 

With regular use, the body builds a tolerance to the drug’s effects. Tolerance often means higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. Over time, this continual use can lead to benzodiazepine addiction. Addiction happens when an individual begins using benzos compulsively, often to avoid withdrawal or manage emotions.

Benzo abuse is a type of substance use disorder2, which is a person’s physical and mental dependency on a substance. Without treatment, the risk of addiction increases, as well as the risk of an overdose.

Common Benzodiazepine Prescriptions

Benzos calm the brain and nervous system, which is why these prescription drugs are often used to treat medical conditions like anxiety disorders or seizures.

Commonly prescribed benzos include:

  • Xanax (alprazolam)
  • Ativan (lorazepam)
  • Klonopin (clonazepam)
  • Valium (diazepam)
  • Librium (chlordiazepoxide)

Knowing the type of medications classified as a benzo is key to catching early misuse. Failing to recognize a medication as a benzo can put a person’s health, recovery, and life at risk. Whether you’re a clinician, family member, employer, or in treatment, this knowledge can empower informed decisions and help prevent unnecessary harm.

H3: Street Names for Benzos

Benzodiazepines are often sold or misused under street names that may be foreign to parents. Users usually use these slang terms to hide nonmedical use. If not identified, it can make life-threatening behaviors easy to miss. 

Common street names for Benzodiazepines include:

  • Zanies (Xanax)
  • Bars or Xanax Bars
  • Blues (Diazepam or Valium)
  • K-Pins (Klonopin)
  • Vallies (Valium)
  • Downers
  • Tranks

Knowing the slang associated with benzo abuse can help parents, partners, and friends spot early signs of misuse.

Causes and Risk Factors for Benzo Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction does not occur within 24 hours. In most cases, various factors come into play for benzodiazepine dependence. Some factors that increase a person’s risk for developing an addiction to benzos include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Mental health conditions
  • High doses or long-term prescriptions
  • Experiencing trauma or drug abuse in childhood
  • Poor management of stressors
  • Lacking healthy copy tools 
  • Peer pressure or influence 
  • Lack of knowledge of the risks of benzos 

Understanding the early indicators of benzo abuse can aid in preventing an addiction or overdose. At Tree House Recovery CO, we focus on the whole person and address the underlying issues that drive substance use. Our comprehensive care supports lasting change from the inside out.

Signs of Benzo Addiction: What to Look For

Benzodiazepine addiction often begins with subtle, easily overlooked warning signs. Signs may be behavioral, physical, or psychological, usually worsening over time. 

These indicators may vary depending on how long and heavily someone uses.

Behavioral Signs of Benzo Addiction

  • Secretive behavior or isolation.
  • Doctor shopping or prescription fraud.
  • Loss of interest in career, school, or family activities.
  • Abandoning daily responsibilities or hygiene routines.
  • Using benzos in unsafe situations (e.g., while driving).

Physical Signs of Benzo Addiction

  • Slurred speech and drowsiness.
  • Poor coordination and frequent accidents.
  • Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
  • Unsteady gait or muscle weakness.
  • Withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

Psychological Signs of Benzo Addiction

  • Confusion or memory problems.
  • Mood swings or irritability.
  • Increased anxiety or depression between doses.
  • Emotional detachment or lack of motivation.
  • Panic or distress when medication runs out.

Long-Term and Short-Term Effects of Benzo Misuse

Benzodiazepines are effective when used for the short term under medical supervision. But when misused or taken over time, severe health risks can increase. Recognizing health risks early is critical to preventing the progression of addiction. Early intervention increases the chances of preventing an overdose and a long-term recovery.

Short-Term Effects

  • Sedation or drowsiness
  • Memory problems
  • Slowed reaction time 
  • Coordination is impaired 
  • Poor decision-making or reduced alertness
  • Heighten the chances of falling or accidents 
  • Constipation and issues with bowel movements 
  • Confusion

Long-Term Effects

  • Profound lapses in memory 
  • Emotional numbness or blunted mood
  • Changes to brain structure and function
  • Physical dependence and painful withdrawal symptoms
  • Increased risk of overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or opioids
  • Decline in tasks at work, broken relationships, and isolation

How Do I Know If I Need Help for Benzo Addiction?

Benzo addiction doesn’t always begin with obvious and disruptive habits. For many users, it can start with a prescription. Some questions you can ask yourself or a loved one to understand if benzo addiction may be impacting life are:

  • Are you using more than prescribed, or more often than you intended?
  • Are you experiencing high levels of anxiety without the medication? 
  • Have you made multiple attempts to stop using without success? 

Medical professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for benzodiazepine use disorder to diagnose the severity. The sooner you seek help, the better your chances of lasting recovery. At Tree House Recovery CO, we offer judgment-free support and personalized treatment that meets you where you are.

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How to Talk to a Loved One About Benzo Addiction

Approaching a loved one about drug use can be difficult. But preparation helps you stay focused, calm, and compassionate. A thoughtful conversation can be the first step toward recovery.

Here are a few tips to help start the conversation with your loved one: 

  • Choose a quiet, private setting. Your loved one should feel safe and not judged.
  • Speak with care. Use calm, supportive language. Try: “I’ve noticed some changes and I’m concerned. I care about you.”
  • Set clear boundaries. Explain what behaviors you cannot accept while offering your continued support.
  • Recommend treatment, but do not pressure. Change takes time. Offer resources and remind them that help is ready when they are.
  • Cultivate a self-care routine. Supporting someone in recovery can be emotionally draining. Counseling and family support groups are available and helpful.

If you’re unsure how to begin this conversation, we can help. Tree House Recovery CO supports families impacted by benzodiazepines addiction and families through every step of the healing process. Call us today to learn how you can help your loved one start treatment for benzo addiction.

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Benzo Addiction Treatment in Denver, Colorado

At Tree House Recovery CO, we go beyond treating the physical symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction. We help people rebuild their lives from the inside out. Our addiction counselors take a whole-body approach to recovery, actively addressing the mental, physical, and emotional factors that fuel addiction. 

We offer a full spectrum of care, including:

Our Colorado Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a great outpatient treatment option for full-time professionals, students, or people maintaining daily schedules who need additional structure to support their recovery. Clients learn to regulate emotions, prevent relapse, and develop long-term recovery regimens beyond treatment.

Recovery at our Colorado treatment center happens within a strong community of clients who value and practice accountability. If you’re looking for the best benzo treatment in Denver, Colorado, Tree House Recovery CO is here to help. We provide the structure, education, and community needed to support lasting change.

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  1. Haefely W. Benzodiazepine interactions with GABA receptors. Neurosci Lett. 1984;47(3):201-206. doi:10.1016/0304-3940(84)90514-7
  2. Schmitz A. Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review. Ment Health Clin. 2016;6(3):120-126. Published 2016 May 6. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120