Benzodiazepine Addiction

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Commonly called benzos, benzodiazepines are a sedative medication helpful in treating certain mental health conditions, from generalized anxiety to official mental disorders like panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

However, benzodiazepines can also be used to treat other medical conditions such as:

• Seizures
• Insomnia
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Muscle tension

Benzodiazepines have largely replaced the need for prescribing barbiturates, a much older (and more addictive) antidepressant medication that is gradually being phased out.

How Do Benzodiazepines Work?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which means they slow down your breathing and heart rate.

More specifically, benzodiazepines are believed to work by enhancing a neurotransmitter called GABA-a (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which suppresses nerve activity. By targeting these brain receptors, benzodiazepines can create a calming effect on the body.

Benzodiazepines are so effective at suppressing the nervous system that they are one of the most popular anxiolytics (anxiety reducers) prescribed today.

Types of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. They work quickly and provide a sedating effect, which can help treat anxiety and other issues.

While benzodiazepines are similar, there are some variables in how each acts. Some last longer than others (e.g., Valium®), while others (e.g., Xanax®) may not last as long but take effect much faster.

Common benzodiazepines include:

• Diazepam (Valium®)
• Alprazolam (Xanax®)
• Lorazepam (Ativan®)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene®)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)

Benzodiazepine Abuse

Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and lead to physical dependence and even substance use disorder if taken longer than recommended by a doctor (or without a prescription.

The following behaviors qualify as benzodiazepine abuse:

• Taking benzodiazepines without a prescription
• Taking more benzodiazepines than recommended by your prescribing doctor
• Taking benzodiazepines to get high or for other purposes outside of your prescription
• Consuming benzodiazepines with other drugs (i.e., polysubstance abuse)
• Getting benzodiazepines from multiple doctors to take more than recommended

Benzodiazepine abuse doesn’t always lead to addiction. However, due to how quickly users can develop a physical dependence, individuals with prescriptions should still monitor their use of benzodiazepines to avoid patterns of abuse.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction can be challenging to identify, as its effects can sometimes be life-saving for those suffering from anxiety and depression, especially when symptoms can be crippling.

The following behaviors are warning signs to look out for if you suspect benzodiazepine abuse is occurring with a loved one or even yourself:

• Change in behavior and performance at work or school
• High drug tolerance (needing high doses to achieve the same effect)
• Intense cravings for the drug
• Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is reduced or stopped
• Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from the drug
• Prioritizing benzodiazepine above hobbies or responsibilities
• Experiencing benzodiazepine overdose

As a legal prescription drug frequently used for treating anxiety disorders, anyone from any walk of life can develop benzodiazepine addiction, prescription or not. Therefore, it’s critical to identify signs of abuse or addiction as soon as possible.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

With any drug use, symptoms of withdrawal usually occur after your body has become physically dependent on having the drug in its system pretty regularly.

For benzodiazepines, withdrawal symptoms can occur after a few weeks of prolonged use (depending on dosage, frequency, etc.)

Additionally, if you are abusing benzodiazepines and stop abruptly or “quit cold turkey,” you may experience an intense version of these withdrawal symptoms.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Lack of concentration
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Anxiety/panic attacks
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

Benzodiazepine Overdose

Thankfully, the number of benzodiazepine overdose deaths appears to be in decline. NIDA reports that 10,964 people died from a benzodiazepine prescription overdose.

However, this number is not insignificant: nearly 11,000 people are gone, and countless friends and family members mourn their loss.

The first step to preventing a benzodiazepine overdose is, of course, not to abuse the drug—including not taking more than directed or consuming benzos without a prescription.

Additionally, knowing the signs of a benzodiazepine overdose can allow you to intervene and get life-saving help to the victim. Since benzodiazepines cause respiratory depression (reduced breathing and heart rate), overdose victims may die from not getting enough oxygen.

In addition, combining benzos with other drugs—especially other depressants, like alcohol or opioids—can drastically increase the chances of fatal respiratory depression.

Signs of benzodiazepine overdose include:

• Confusion, delirium
• Extreme drowsiness, difficulty staying awake
• Irregular heart rate
• Physical impairment
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Shallow breathing
• Dizziness, vertigo
• Seizures
• Blueish tint to lips and/or fingernails
• Unconsciousness

Effects of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Most people experience sedation when using benzodiazepines. However, benzodiazepine abuse results in feelings of calm, marked drowsiness, and euphoria. Benzodiazepine abuse can also lower inhibitions and limit motor control, among other dangerous side effects.

Notably, some benzodiazepines work quicker or can last longer than others. For example, when used regularly, Xanax® acts quickly and can last up to 11–20 hours, whereas Valium® begins working in 30 to 60 minutes and can last 1–3 days.

Short-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Benzodiazepines work quickly, so someone abusing the drug may experience adverse side effects pretty soon after taking it.

Common short-term side effects of benzodiazepine abuse can include:

• Fatigue
• Anorexia
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Motor coordination issues
• Slurred speech
• Vertigo

Long-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Medically speaking, long-term use of benzodiazepines is less common and may require special approval from your prescribing doctor. Additionally, abusing benzodiazepines over a long period can result in much more severe side effects. 

Long-term benzodiazepine use and abuse can result in developing physical and psychological dependence, and getting off the drug can become dangerous without medical intervention.

The long-term side effects of benzodiazepines may include the following:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Mania
• Psychosis
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

Benzodiazepine Statistics

Benzodiazepine statistics have been widely recorded.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2022, around 3.7 million people (1.3% of the population ages 12+) misused prescription benzodiazepines in the last year. Adults ages 18-25 were the highest group who reported abusing benzodiazepines.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse also reports that data shows most misusers obtained benzodiazepines from friends or relatives, with only about 20% receiving them from their doctor.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

The road to recovery from benzodiazepine substance abuse is challenging, but it can be done.

As a commonly abused drug, there is no shortage of providers and treatment options available if you or a loved one is ready to find recovery. Every addict is different, so finding a program that fits your specific circumstances is essential.

Benzodiazepine Detox

If you’re planning on quitting benzodiazepines—especially if you have been using them long-term or abusing them—it’s highly recommended you seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can be fatal if not treated properly!

The safest way to quit benzodiazepines once you’ve become physically dependent is through medical detoxification. During medical detox, a doctor or licensed healthcare professional will often provide you with a taper schedule to allow you to wean yourself off the benzodiazepines slowly (and safely).

Benzodiazepine Rehab Programs

Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction treatment will vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the addiction.

Different treatment programs may be used to help beat benzodiazepine dependency effectively and for good. Most programs are broken into inpatient and outpatient programs; inpatient rehab offers the highest level of care but is also more expensive than outpatient rehab.

It’s worth noting that outpatient treatment is still sufficient for many individuals dealing with a benzodiazepine addiction. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which one best suits your situation.

Therapy and Counseling

In many cases, benzodiazepine addiction isn’t just physical—there is often a psychological dependency that develops during addiction.

Psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”) is a prevalent form of psychiatry used in treating many types of substance use disorders, including benzodiazepine addiction.

While working with your therapist, a person battling an addiction to benzodiazepines can learn to overcome difficult emotions, analyze the triggers and risk factors behind their addiction, and discover new coping strategies to help them avoid a relapse down the road.

Get Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction

If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine abuse or if you suspect you have developed an addiction, there are many treatment options available to you.

If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out the SAMHSA online treatment locator for free, confidential information about programs in your area. They also have a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-4357 that offers confidential information and referrals for nearby programs, from detox and rehab to therapy and support.