What are the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol and Benzo Drug Abuse?
Does it seem like no matter what you do, you have cravings for alcohol and can’t stop? Do you try to only have one glass of wine at dinner, but it could turn into
three, four, or five? Are you worried about a loved one you believe drinks too much? Or, perhaps someone you know is addicted to Xanax or Valium, which are also referred to as Benzodiazepine tranquilizers used to reduce anxiety and insomnia?
No matter how much a person tries, they cannot quit drinking or using benzos. Alcoholism is a disease and chronic drug use affects not only the user but loved ones as well. High doses of benzodiazepines can produce serious side effects and acute toxicity.
Here are a few of the top signs and symptoms of alcohol and benzo abuse to be on the lookout for:
- Their tolerance becomes higher. They need to drink more to get the same effect or buzz. This is typically common as their intake increases. Same with benzos. One or two pills don’t give off the same effect so their intake is increased to multiple pills a day.
- Physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur like anxiety, redness or flushed complexion of the cheeks, weight loss, depression, feeling sick to their stomach, sweating and shakiness, etc. Symptoms of a chronic benzo user also include anxiety, elevate stress levels, weight loss or weight gain, drowsiness and confusion.
- For alcoholics, they may experience continued health problems like upset stomach, liver damage, memory loss, etc. In chronic benzo use, dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms like sudden coma and seizures when they are stopped abruptly.
- The person has given up other activities so they can use. This can also include reporting late to work or not getting involved in activities with friends or families that were once a usual occurrence.
If a friend or family member is showing any signs of alcohol or benzo abuse and be ready to support them in a path to a happier and sober life, Our alcohol and benzo addiction treatment programs may be able to help.