There’s many different categories for prescription pills. One of the more-important categories are benzos. In fact, these types of pills are some of the most popular in the U.S. However, they can also be very dangerous…
Benzos: How They Can Help & Hurt
How they help
Benzos (short for benzodiazepines) are a type of drug which helps with things like anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. They can even be helpful for those dealing with alcohol withdrawal. As a result of their potential usefulness, doctors tend to prescribe them at much higher rates than other prescription drugs.
The drugs work by altering the chemistry in the brain. When taken, the drug will bind with special neurons in the brain to help slow it down. This in turn will help a person experience less mental stress as their overactive brain begins to relax. While there’s nearly 2,000 different types of these drugs, just 15 have been FDA approved.
Abuse factors
Like many other prescription pills, benzos are highly addictive. In fact, many people don’t realize they’re potentially developing an addiction. Even when taken properly, long-term usage can cause serious changes in the brain, which can cause a dependence to form.
There’s also the fact that these drugs are widely available. It’s very easy for someone to get a prescription or find pills if they’re seeking a high. Additionally, these people tend to take the drug in very high doses or mix it with something like alcohol. This only further increases the dangers that they can bring.
Potential risks
Benzos can lead to a lot of issues when abused. Feelings of constant confusion or drowsiness are pretty common. So are issues with vision, standing up, and talking. A person’s heart and breathing rate also tend to slow down to dangerous levels, to the point where they could slip into a coma.
If you feel like you’re developing an addiction, it’s best to go see a doctor as soon as you can. That way, they can check your usage and if it might be best to quit. Furthermore, they can also provide you with resources that can help you with getting clean.
