Benzodiazepines — or ‘benzo’s’ as they’re commonly referred to — are a class of drug used for treating anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and panic disorders.
They suppress the central nervous system, stopping muscle contractions, and slowing down the mind — making them useful for people with severe anxiety.
They’re one of the most commonly abused classes of drugs available.
Most benzos are prescription medications — which leads many to believe they aren’t dangerous or addictive.
Unfortunately, they’re extremely addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.
After just a few weeks of benzodiazepine use, the body starts to resist it, forming what we call tolerance to the drug. If we stop taking the drug once we’ve begun forming tolerance, we experience bouts of severe anxiety and cravings for more of the drug — this is referred to as benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Over time, benzodiazepine abuse becomes increasingly worse — the drugs have less of an effect on the body, and the symptoms of not being on the drug become more unbearable.
Benzodiazepine withdrawals are considered one of the most painful forms of withdrawal. Often causing muscle tension, severe anxiety, and depression.
With time, and the careful watch of medical professionals, benzodiazepine addiction can be treated, and people can go on to live normal lives.