Call Us

(949) 763-3440

Text Us

(949) 763-3440

Covered?

Verify Now

Contact

Send Us a Message

Benzonatate Dangers for Respiratory Issues: Why Self-Medicating Can Lead to Addiction

Table of Contents

Introduction to Benzonatate and Its Uses

Benzonatate is a medication that many people might have heard of, especially if they’ve struggled with a nagging cough. It’s a prescription drug, and it’s supposed to help calm down that tickle in your throat that just won’t quit. Doctors often prescribe benzonatate as a respiratory medication, specifically a cough suppressant. Think of it as a little helper that quiets the cough reflex in your body, offering much-needed relief when you’re dealing with a bad cold, the flu, or bronchitis. When you’re coughing non-stop, it can be exhausting and even painful. Benzonatate can make a real difference in helping you feel better and get some rest. It works by numbing the stretch receptors in your airways, which in turn reduces the urge to cough. This makes it useful for managing various respiratory conditions. It’s important to remember that benzonatate doesn’t treat the underlying illness, it just eases the symptom of coughing. But what if this helpful medication turns into something harmful?

Understanding the Risks of Self-Medicating with Benzonatate

Now, while benzonatate is designed to ease discomfort, it’s not without its dangers, particularly if you start using it without talking to a doctor. This is what we call self-medicating, and it can be really risky. The biggest danger of self-medicating is not knowing exactly how much of the medication your body needs. Taking too much, or combining it with other drugs, can lead to serious benzontate side effects. We’re talking about things like dizziness, confusion, nausea, and even hallucinations. In some cases, the effects of taking too much can be very severe and can have long-term health consequences. Another huge concern is the potential for overdose dangers. Taking more than your doctor prescribes is very unsafe. This is particularly dangerous if you start to think benzonatate is the solution to other problems or is a fun way to feel good, instead of using it for its intended purpose. These symptoms can be terrifying, especially if you’re alone or have no one around who knows what is happening. It’s not always a good idea to treat respiratory issues with medication without consulting a doctor. You could be masking a bigger issue that needs proper attention, or might end up taking a medication that actually makes your symptoms worse.

The Connection Between Benzonatate and Addiction

Here’s where the story takes a turn. While benzonatate isn’t a typical drug of abuse, it still has the potential to lead to dependency and benzontate addiction. How does this happen? Well, sometimes when people take medications that make them feel good, they might start taking more than they should, or using them more often than they should, and this might lead them to believe that their problems will be resolved with this medication. If someone starts using benzonatate to relax or to feel different in any way, or tries to use it to escape from difficulties or emotional struggles, this is how the road to addiction begins. They could start to feel like they need the drug to feel okay, or even just normal. This is drug dependency in action. Signs of addiction can include things like running out of your prescription quickly, needing larger and larger doses to get the same feeling, and feeling withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop. If you notice that you’re spending a lot of time thinking about benzonatate, feeling like you must have it, or struggling to cut back even when you want to, these could be red flags. It’s vital to understand that even medications meant to help can become a problem if used incorrectly. If this sounds familiar or like it is happening to someone you care about, know that there is help available. It’s not a sign of weakness to admit that you are struggling.

Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance

Asana Recovery works with most PPO plans, covering up to 100%. See if your insurance can help fund your journey. Click below to get a free quote. 

Find Your First Step in Recovery, Supported by Shared Experience

We get it. Addiction recovery is tough. That’s why our programs are founded and staffed by people in recovery – people who truly understand.

The Importance of Professional Treatment for Respiratory Issues

If you are experiencing respiratory issues that are causing a persistent cough, it is important to seek medical advice and supervision. Instead of reaching for a pill, the best way to treat a problem is by actually understanding the problem, and this is why you need to see a doctor. A medical professional can properly diagnose what is causing your cough. Sometimes there are underlying issues causing the symptoms, or you might have a condition that cannot be solved with benzonatate. Getting the correct diagnosis allows your doctor to prescribe the right respiratory medication for your unique situation. They’ll know the correct dosage for you and how often you need to take it, which minimizes the risk of adverse effects. When you trust your health to healthcare professionals you are putting your wellbeing in the hands of someone who has the training to help you the best way possible, instead of self-medicating. Self-medicating is dangerous because you are taking matters into your own hands without truly knowing what your body needs. Relying on a doctor for medical care allows you to feel more in control of your health because you know you are taking the right steps to treat your illness.

Asana Recovery’s Approach to Treating Addiction

At Asana Recovery, we understand that addiction is a serious issue, whether it’s to a drug like benzonatate, alcohol, or any other substance. We offer compassionate and effective care tailored to your needs. We know that seeking help for an addiction is a big step, so our services are created to be as inclusive and supportive as possible. We provide different levels of care, including residential treatment, where you can live at our facility while you focus on recovery, and various outpatient services that give you flexibility while allowing you to continue working or go to school. Our approach is holistic which means we don’t just focus on the addiction itself; we also address the underlying mental health issues or emotional challenges that may be driving addictive behavior. We believe in individualized care, which means we create a unique treatment plan for each person, because we know that everyone is different and that what works for one person may not work for someone else. This might include therapy, medication, and other strategies to help you live a life that is free from the grip of addiction. If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, we’re here to help. To learn more about our services, please Contact Us today.

Integrating Therapy and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For many people struggling with addiction, medication can be a game changer. Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is an important tool that can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery. For benzonatate addiction, MAT may not be the first choice, but depending on the substance used alongside, and other factors, it could be essential to a good recovery. Often times, medications prescribed during treatment can greatly improve mood and minimize the urge to self-medicate. It’s important to understand that MAT isn’t a replacement for therapy; it’s something that works best when paired with a good therapy program. Therapy and MAT together provide a comprehensive approach, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. While the medications help with the physical withdrawal and cravings, the therapy can help you identify and work through the underlying causes of addiction. The end result is a more comprehensive healing experience.
To explore more about MAT, take a look at our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program.

The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Recovery

One powerful form of therapy that we use is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. It is a type of therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts and feelings can influence their behavior. In the context of addiction, CBT helps people identify patterns of thinking that might lead to substance use. It helps you understand what your triggers are and helps you create healthy coping mechanisms for when you get triggered. Through CBT, you learn to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more positive ones, which can be very effective in helping you manage triggers and cravings. It’s about building new habits and a new way of thinking about life. Many people who have gone through CBT have had amazing results. They are now able to deal with the triggers that they used to self-medicate without reverting back to drug or alcohol use. There are some great success stories that come from CBT that show how effective it is. CBT is an excellent therapy for people battling addiction because it provides them with the tools to live a happier life that is free from substance abuse. To learn more, visit our page about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

If you are looking for a balance between getting good care and also being able to live your life, an intensive outpatient program, or IOP could be the perfect fit. IOPs are designed to give structure and support to people who need help without taking them out of their daily routines. In an IOP treatment, you go to our facility for a few hours several days per week, where you engage in therapy, group sessions, and other activities to promote recovery. The great thing about IOP benefits is that they provide structure and support without requiring a full commitment to residential treatment. This kind of flexibility allows people to continue working, go to school, and keep up with personal obligations, all while addressing their addiction in a structured manner. This is a very popular choice for many people and could be the right option for you. The support you receive during an IOP can be life changing, and allow you to have more control over your life. To learn more about our outpatient services, take a look at this page on Outpatient Services. We also offer a Virtual IOP option for more convenience.

Couples Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Addiction can be extremely hard on a relationship. It impacts not only the person struggling with addiction, but the family and friends that love them as well. This is why we believe in the power of couples therapy, where both the person with the addiction and their partner can come together to heal. Couples therapy helps you improve your communication and heal from any past hurts. When a loved one is struggling with addiction, the other partner may feel neglected, ignored or hurt, which can strain the relationship to its limits. During couples therapy, you and your partner can work through these issues and re-establish trust. In some cases, one partner will not understand what the other is going through, and this form of therapy will help you both see things from a new perspective. It’s also a place where the couple can set healthy boundaries and build healthier coping mechanisms for difficult situations. This can make a huge difference in creating a safe and supportive environment for long-term sobriety. By including your partner in the process, you are setting yourselves up for the best chance of recovery. To see if couples therapy is the right fit, visit our page on couples treatment.

Encouraging Contact and Insurance Verification

Taking the first step towards recovery can be difficult, but we’re here to make it as smooth as possible for you. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, or you are experiencing respiratory issues that lead you to self-medicate, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are here to answer any questions you might have, and to help guide you in the best way possible. You can reach our team through our contact form on our website, or by calling us. We are ready to help you begin your journey. At Asana Recovery we try to make the financial part of treatment less confusing and stressful. We know that cost can be a major concern when seeking help for addiction. That’s why we offer insurance verification. This way, you can know what is covered by your plan and what your out-of-pocket costs might be. You can simply go to our website and submit your insurance information to see if our services are covered.
You can find our Insurance Verification form on our website. If you don’t have insurance, we have several payment options to make treatment more affordable, which you can explore on our Private Pay and Payment Options page. You can Contact Us to discuss your unique situation and begin the process of healing.

Conclusion and Call to Action

To recap, self-medicating with medications like benzonatate can be really dangerous, and it can often lead to addiction. While it’s designed to relieve coughing, it can also be misused, which can lead to a whole other set of problems. At Asana Recovery, we want you to know that there is hope. There is no shame in admitting you are struggling, or in asking for help, and it’s a sign of strength to take the first steps towards a healthier life. If you or someone you know is battling addiction or self-medicating with benzonatate, please don’t wait to seek help. Professional help is crucial to long term healing, and can help you identify the root causes of addiction, and create healthier coping mechanisms. Reach out to us today to take your first step towards recovery, and we will make it as easy as possible. Take a look at our many programs and services, and explore which one might be right for you. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
We invite you to Contact Asana Recovery or to begin the process by completing our verify insurance form. We are here to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier, and addiction-free life.

Take the first step

Take your first step towards lasting recovery. At Asana, we offer effective, insurance-covered treatment for addiction and mental health, guided by experts who understand because they’ve been there. Start your healing today.

Meet the Book That’s
Changing Lives

This book has helped so many men and women; and we want to give it you for FREE. Get signed up today and discover how to unlock the grip of addiction and get back to living your best life.

In this book, you’ll discover…

— The Most Common Misconceptions About Addiction and Rehab

 

— Why Rock Bottom is a Myth and What You Can Do About It

 

–The Steps to Healing From Trauma, Both Mentally and Emotionally

 

–And much more!

Meet the Book That’s
Changing Lives

Asana Recovery - Premier Addiction Treatment Center In Orange County-Recovery Starts Here - Aasana Recovery - Original_Page_01 1(1)

Verify Insurance for Free

You could save up to 100% of your treatment using your Insurance.

We are in-network with Cigna Insurance.
We are in-network with BlueCross BlueShield Insurance.
We are in-network with Magellan Health Insurance.
We are in-network with Aetna Insurance.
We are in-network with Anthem Insurance.
We are in-network with Beacon Health Options Insurance.

We're Here to Help

Take the first step toward a better future—call us today!