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Although benzodiazepines have a potential for abuse or addiction, not everyone who is prescribed them will develop one. In fact many people take them as prescribed and stop when they no longer need them. Others, however, can develop dependence or addiction, manifested in a variety of ways
Health professionals consider the following to be benzodiazepine addiction signs and symptoms especially when they exhibit at least 3 of the following behaviors for a 12 month period:
- Tolerance to the medication, to the extent that the patient needs to take more to achieve the same effects;
- Withdrawal begins when the medication is discontinued (taking other drugs to relieve symptoms)
- Taking higher and higher dosages against the doctor's prescription and when they aren't needed (i.e. to control pain)
- An inability to stop
- Preoccupation with acquiring more medication or another prescription
- A drastic change in habit or lifestyle, such as skipping social engagements or ignoring responsibilities
Other signs include:
- Memory impairment
- Drowsiness
- Loss of concentration and/or motor skills
- Slurred speech
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Related Resources
Benzo.org.uk: Benzodiazepine Symptoms
eMedicineHealth.com: Benzodiazepine Symptoms
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