Original article
Yes. In answering “are women more susceptible to benzo abuse,” it is important to separate individual risk from assumptions about gender. Any woman can develop problems with these medications. Learning the signs of benzodiazepine dependence or addiction and exploring benzodiazepine addiction treatment for women can clarify your choices.
Every year, benzodiazepines, or benzos, appear on the list of the most commonly prescribed medications in America. Unfortunately, these sedatives and tranquilizers also rank as some of the most frequently abused medications. Are women more susceptible to benzo abuse than men? Not in a biological sense, but research suggests that there are plenty of reasons why you might need a women’s benzo treatment program.
If you are suffering from benzo abuse or addiction, Women’s Recovery can help. We feature services designed specifically for women affected by all manner of substance problems. Our targeted benzo addiction treatment program will help you recover from even the most serious symptoms. We customize your options to meet the needs of your unique situation.
Women and Benzo Abuse
Today, benzo abuse is often known as benzo misuse. How can you tell if you’re misusing a benzodiazepine? If you have a prescription, you do this by exceeding your prescribed dose. In some cases, that may mean taking too much at once. In others, it may mean taking benzo more often than prescribed.
If you don’t have a prescription, any use of benzo is misuse. You also commit misuse when you take a benzodiazepine for non-medical reasons. In addition, you can misuse benzo by doing anything to speed up its effects on your system.
Some of the most well-known medications in the U.S. are benzos. The list of these medications includes:
- Valium, or diazepam
- Ativan, or lorazepam
- Klonopin, or clonazepam
- Xanax, or alprazolam
Almost 5 million Americans misuse or abuse a benzodiazepine medication each year. Hundreds of thousands of people in this category end up with a diagnosable problem.
Do Women Need Benzo treatment More Than Men?
Biologically speaking, women do not appear to be more susceptible to benzo abuse than men. In fact, research shows that percentage-wise, men may abuse these medications more often. However, women take benzos much more frequently than men. This means that, on a large scale, women have more opportunities to abuse them. It also means that significant numbers of women actually get addicted.
When Do You Need Benzo Addiction Treatment?
You can’t know for sure if benzo abuse has turned into addiction without an official diagnosis. Still, you may be able to detect some of the addiction’s telltale signs. Such signs include:
- Losing control over your use of benzos
- Developing powerful cravings for a benzo medication
- Needing to use higher and higher doses to feel any effects
- Creating a routine that revolves around your benzo use
- Making benzo use your preferred recreational activity
- Failing to stop when you know that benzos are harming your health
- Going into withdrawal when you stop taking a benzo
If you experience more than one of these issues in a year’s time, you need benzo treatment. You may also need treatment for non-addicted benzo abuse in certain circumstances.
Learn More About Women’s Benzo treatment at Women’s Recovery
Not sure if you have a benzo problem? Contact Women’s Recovery today. Our in-house experts can help you get a clearer picture of your situation. We’ll also explain your options for treatment if a problem is detected.
Have you received a diagnosis of benzo addiction? Women’s Recovery is a prime destination for effective treatment. Our women’s benzo treatment program offers some unique benefits. These benefits include targeted treatment for underlying issues found most often in women. They also include specific recovery options for mothers. In addition, you will benefit from a secure environment that allows you to focus on your recovery needs. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 833.754.0554 or fill out our online form.