Two of the most commonly abused drugs are benzodiazepines (nicknamed “benzos”) and opiates. Addiction rates for both classes of drugs are on the rise. Notably, more than a quarter of opioid overdoses involve benzos as well. Users of both drugs overlap significantly, and drug addiction treatment programs are finding they are increasingly treating dual addictions.
If you or a loved one regularly takes both benzos and opioids, or one or the other, whether by prescription or otherwise, please reach out to TruHealing Centers. We have sites across the country and can help you leave benzos and opioids behind with our comprehensive drug addiction treatment programs.
Benzodiazepines vs. Opiates
Benzos are sedatives, also called tranquilizers. The non-therapeutic effects of benzos are relaxation of mind and body, slowing of the fight or flight response, and a calm, euphoric sense of wellbeing.
Common name brands of benzos include Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. These drugs are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia and can be used as muscle relaxants and in a medically supervised alcohol detox. Unfortunately, benzos are abused by a significant number of people who came to the drug through legitimate channels.
Opiates are traditionally prescribed for pain, though the high experienced by those who misuse this drug is an intense euphoria that floods the brain and body.
Opiates and opioids, which are synthetic versions of drugs originally derived from opium, are prescribed as morphine, OxyContin, fentanyl, codeine, and others. The most available non-prescription opiate is heroin. Those who become addicted often, though not always, encountered an opiate via prescription for chronic or acute pain, as after an injury or surgery. Others use opiates to mask symptoms of mental health challenges or endure painful life circumstances such as poverty or abuse.
Risk of Benzo Addiction
A duration of two months of taking benzos like Xanax or Valium holds a significant risk of addiction. Benzos interact within the brain’s GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system. This system, or pathway, within the brain operates by inhibiting the action of other neurotransmitters and thus muffling the reactivity of the body to stimuli. By slowing the heart rate, relaxing the muscles, and calming the emotions, benzos reduce anxiety and panic responses and create a sense of relaxation and calm.
Addiction to benzos means that:
- The body and brain tolerate the original dose, making a higher dose necessary to achieve the effects.
- The drug becomes a requirement for normal functioning.
- Without the drug, a state of constant anxiety or panic cannot be managed without its reintroduction.
- The user has seemingly no control over its use.
- Cessation or withholding of the drug leads quickly to withdrawal symptoms.
Risk of Opiate Addiction
Similar to benzos, opiates are highly addictive. Users can become psychologically addicted quickly, longing to return to the sense of wellbeing and euphoria that they experienced the first time. Opiates flood the brain’s opioid receptors, eventually interfering with their natural purpose: to process the body’s neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dopamine that block pain and create good feelings. The brain becomes dependent on the opiate to do the job of its now-unavailable neurotransmitters. Without the drug, pain cannot be tolerated, and pleasure cannot be experienced.
Addiction to an opiate means that:
- The body and brain become tolerant and then dependent on the opiate, leading to higher and higher doses.
- The drug is soon necessary to replace normal brain functions which have been disabled.
- The opiate user cannot control cravings.
- Cessation or withholding of the drug leads quickly to withdrawal symptoms.
Overcome Addiction with Treatment at TruHealing Centers
Find out what you want to know about benzo addiction, opiate addiction, or a dual addiction to both. Learn what is involved in addiction treatment for these and other substances. TruHealing Centers provide caring, evidence-based treatment for benzo and opiate addictions and many others at all of our treatment facilities. Reach out today by filling out our online form or dialing [Direct].
