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Are you taking Benadryl for a long time? Do you think you have developed a drug addiction? Or are you worried that your loved one might have a Benadryl addiction? In that case, you need to read this article further. Here we have discussed its signs and symptoms that will help you identify the problem.
What is Benadryl Addiction?
Although it may be difficult to believe, Benadryl has been linked to addiction problems. It is an over-the-counter allergy medication. Many people use Benadryl to treat insomnia and reduce anxiety because it can lower histamine activity in the body, which has a sedative effect.
After some time, the body needs additional medication to provide the intended effects. As a result, when someone stops taking Benadryl, they frequently have trouble falling asleep and may experience increased anxiety. There will also be other withdrawal effects from Benadryl.
Because taking more of the medicine is the only way to temporarily eliminate these symptoms, addiction to the drug may develop. While you can get addicted to Benadryl, it can only happen if you take it excessively.
Benadryl Dependence vs. Benadryl Addictions
It’s critical to distinguish between a Benadryl addiction and dependence. Strong cravings, obsession with obtaining the substance, and an inability to manage use are common characteristics of addiction. Overdosing on Benadryl as a result of addiction can be harmful to one’s health.
However, dependence is when a person’s body starts to rely on a particular amount of medication. Abuse of Benadryl leads to excessive use of the drug. If people abruptly stop using the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms like sadness, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia.
Symptoms of Benadryl Overdose or Abuse
Several signs help you identify if an individual is taking Benadryl excessively. These symptoms can vary from person to person and affect each person differently. Knowing the symptoms of Benadryl addiction is important to help your loved ones escape the addiction. Here we have mentioned some of the most common psychological, social, physical, and behavioral signs of Benadryl abuse.
Psychological Signs
Some psychological symptoms are as follows.
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Nightmares
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
Physical Signs
Here are some common physical symptoms of abuse.
- Inability to fall asleep until you consume the drug
- Low blood pressure
- Shivering
- Increased tolerance to the drug
- Increased anxiety when you don’t consume Benadryl
Behavioral Signs
Some behavioral signs of Benadryl addiction are:
- Don’t consider self-care
- Legal issues
- Financial issues
- Spend a great amount of time taking Benadryl
Social Signs
Benadryl addiction social signs are also quite noticeable, which are:
- Withdrawing from society
- Inability to enjoy activities or hobbies you once loved
- Trouble in most relationships
Side Effects of Benadryl Addiction
Benadryl substance abuse disorder has both short and long-term effects. It’s critical for you to know so that you can identify them in yourself and your loved ones. Several visible signs of a Benadryl overdose will help you know if someone has taken the substance.
Short-Term Side Effects
Here are some short-term side effects of Benadryl abuse.
- Thinking and memory impairments
- Rapid heartbeat
- Liver issues
- Difficulty urinating
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
Long-Term Side Effects
Some long-term side effects of Benadryl overdose are:
- Difficulties with coordination and cognition
- Trembling
- Withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations, and seizures
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Increased dementia risk
- Double vision
- Liver and kidney issues
Who Is Prone to a Benadryl Abuse?
Benadryl can be used to treat several illnesses; therefore, getting addicted to it might not be your main motivation for taking it. Those who take the drug to get rid of insomnia have more risk of developing addiction. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have a significant risk of developing an addiction to the drug when prescribed Benadryl to treat tremors and muscle spasms.
Schizophrenia patients can get addicted to Benadryl, as it helps them cope with the side effects of antipsychotic medication. Due to its capacity to completely and utterly relax users, anxious people commonly use Benadryl. This is the primary reason it turns into an addiction. This drug is very cheap and can be easily found. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to purchase it, which often results in drug abuse.
Treatment Options for Benadryl Addiction
While Benadryl addiction can impact a person’s mind and body, several treatment options exist to overcome this problem. Based on the organization you choose, your doctor will treat Benadryl addiction in different ways, including:
Residential Treatment Program
This program requires you to stay in the treatment facility for one to three months. This program works great for people who are dealing with severe addictions. If your doctor notices that you can’t stop taking Benadryl without the proper expert supervision, they will suggest you opt for this option.
Intensive Outpatient Program
This program is designed to split your treatment time between home life and drug treatment. Patients might need to live in the facility for six to eight hours daily but can return to their houses. Intensive outpatient treatment might act as a follow-up for residential care or primary treatment.
Outpatient Treatment
This treatment option for Benadryl addiction requires you to get a few therapies in a month. This is usually done as the final stage of the addiction treatment. Also, your doctor will suggest the right number of visits you need every month.
Benadryl Addiction Treatments Stages
Detox
Detox will be the first recovery phase if you have a Benadryl dependency. It helps your body to get rid of harmful toxins. There will be withdrawal symptoms, but the healthcare team will monitor the procedure to make you comfortable.
Medication
To lessen the effects of Benadryl withdrawal, use medication. Additionally, it can treat despair and anxiety, two underlying causes of diphenhydramine addiction.
Mental Health Therapy
People dependent on Benadryl will speak with a therapist as part of their treatment. A dual diagnosis approach will typically be established, treating both the addiction and the root of it at the same time.
Peer Support Groups
In this kind of group therapy, you get together with your peers to talk about common issues and realize many people are experiencing the same problem, making it easier for you to overcome the issue.
Treating Benadryl Addiction at New Hope Healthcare
If you need assistance with Benadryl addiction, New Hope Health can assist you. You may get the help you need to quit using Benadryl at New Hope Health, one of the premier treatment facilities you can find in Tennessee.
Benadryl addiction treatment program offered by New Hope Health is made to provide you with the resources you need to overcome addiction. Each client’s treatment plan is created specifically for them by professionals skilled at addressing any underlying conditions that might force them to depend on a drug.
Doing this will create fresh, healthy coping strategies and plans for addressing potential triggers. You can attain sobriety and receive the resources you need to maintain it with the help of the compassionate doctors offered at New Hope Health. Don’t wait, and contact New Hope Healthcare today at 865-800-0947
