For most people who have fallen into the grip of addiction, it is likely the result of trying to mask some sort of emotional or physical pain with drugs or alcohol. And for those struggling with alcoholism, it is not uncommon to also suffer from insomnia, anxiety and depression as a result – thus the motivation to introduce Benzodiazepines (“benzos”) into the mix. In addition, many addicts use benzos in tandem with alcohol to simultaneously enhance the effects of both drugs.

However, it is key to remember that the abuse of alcohol or Benzodiazepines on their own can cause great harm, but when abused together the damaging effects are not only doubled – they can have life threatening effects.

What are Benzos and Why Are They So Widely Abused?

Simply put, Benzodiazepines (“benzos”) are considered to be sedatives and work to inhibit the activity of certain neurons in the brain, to create a calmingeffect on the central nervous system.The most familiar names of drugs in this category are Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam), and Klonopin (Clonazepam). Physicians most commonly prescribe these drugs to treat anxiety, as well as panic attacks, and seizure disorders. Because of their effectiveness in reducing both physical and emotional tension, benzos are highly addictive; often to the point of dependence. No doubt, the addiction to prescription drugs is a major part of the American drug epidemic, and Benzodiazepines are of the most frequently abused.

Why Are Benzos and Alcohol So Commonly Abused Together?

Often times people drink alcohol while taking other substances to enhance the effects of both drugs and experience feelings of intense relaxation, a greater high and even euphoria. To further increase the allure of co-mingling benzos and alcohol to an addict, is that these drugs produce a similar effect. A common mindset of a person with addictive behaviors is that – if some is good, more must be better. When it comes to combining alcohol and benzos, the effects are not only amplified, they are compounded – making the more is better a false, and potentially fatal concept.

What Makes The Alcohol Benzo Combination So Dangerous and Potentially Lethal?

It’s a fact, medical complications can arise when alcohol and benzos are introduced together. Each on their own have hazardous health repercussions, and when combined, the consequences can be deadly.  Some of the milder side effects of combining benzos and alcohol are irritability, slurred speech, confusion, aggression, depression, and short term memory loss. Combing alcohol and benzo has a synchronistic effect – in other words one makes the other more powerful. In addition, when abusing these drugs simultaneouslyusers often lose track of how much they have ingested – further increasing theirlethal potential.

Why Can’t An Alcoholic Abusing Benzos “Just Quit Cold Turkey”?

To “go cold turkey” means to quit the abuse of drugs or alcohol abruptly, and without medical intervention or professional assistance. It is a common misconception that one can stop using a drug as easily as they began the cycle of abusing it. This is absolutely not the case where benzodiazepines and alcohol are concerned. Just as abusing alcohol and benzos can bring on serious side effects, abruptly stopping that abuse can bring on an even more deadly stream of detox symptom that are hard for the body and mind to handle. Convulsions, seizures, psychosis, paranoia, mood swings, mania and elevated anxiety levels are but a few of the viscous reactions than can occur due to a “cold turkey” withdrawal.

Escape The Bondage of Benzo and Alcohol Abuse – New Life Can Start Today!

Millions of people will abuse some sort of prescription drug during the course of their lifetime. And, in truth, the FDA approval of a pharmaceutical drug does not mean users are safe from harm. The safest way to ensure the well-being of an addict during the withdrawal process is with a medically managed detox protocol. At New Life Spirit Recover, we’ve combined Christ-centered Treatment within the framework of a professional, clinical environment. We believe that in order to deal with addiction effectively, the addict must first deal with the underlying issues that have been driving their addictive behaviors. At New Life Spirit Recovery, we have result-proven programs in the area of substance abuse, codependency, and co-occurring disorders. Our programs deal with the deeply rooted issues that drive addictive behavior, not simply an attempt to fix external behaviors, so your new life can start today!

For more information, please call us at 866-543-3361