Benzodiazepine Addiction

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Commonly called benzos, these drugs are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. They are useful in treating anxiety and panic disorder and other conditions such as seizures, depression, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, muscle tension, and pre-surgery sedation.

Benzodiazepines are believed to work by enhancing a neurotransmitter called GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), which suppresses nerve activity. It is hypothesized that conditions like anxiety result from an overactive nervous system.

Benzodiazepines are so effective at enhancing this suppression of the nervous system, they are one of the most popular anxiolytics (anxiety reducers).

Types of Benzodiazepines

Common benzodiazepines include:

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

Effects of Benzodiazepine Use

While no two people will react to a drug the same, most report some level of sedation. Some benzos work quicker or can last longer than others, depending on the particular drug.

For example, drugs like Xanax® are short-acting and can last up to 11–20 hours, while drugs like Valium® begin working in 30 to 60 minutes and can last 1–3 days.

Despite this variation, most benzodiazepines feature the same side effects.

Short Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepines

The main short-term side effects of benzodiazepines may include:

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

Long-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepines

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

• Anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Mania
• Psychosis
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction

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.

Even if taken as prescribed, there is still the risk of dependence. It is vital to monitor your use of benzodiazepines, as symptoms of addiction can be difficult to spot immediately—especially if you develop a tolerance to these medications.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for polysubstance abuse to occur in which abusers mix benzodiazepines with other drugs, such as opioids and stimulants. While these combinations can be dangerous, using alcohol with benzos can be especially dangerous and, in some cases, fatal.

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)
• Strong 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 over activities you previously enjoyed
• 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. This is why it’s critical to identify these signs as soon as possible.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

As is the case with most drug use, quitting a benzodiazepine can come with some brutal consequences. If you stop abruptly or “quit cold turkey,” you may experience an intense version of withdrawal symptoms.

These symptoms may include:

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

Long-term use can determine for how long and to what severity these symptoms occur, so you should be honest with your healthcare provider so they can ensure you’re safely weaned off the drug.

Benzodiazepine Overdose

Signs of benzodiazepine overdose include:

• Excessive sweating
• Dilated pupils
• Irregular heart rate
• Delirium
• Shallow breathing
• Suicidal ideation
• Coma
• Death

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 works with your specific circumstances is important.

Benzodiazepine Detox

If you’re planning on quitting benzodiazepines, it’s highly recommended you taper off the drug under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure your safety during the process, as some withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous.

Benzodiazepine Treatment 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. Options range from inpatient rehab programs to partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient programs. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine which one best suits your situation.

Benzodiazepine Statistics

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2019, around 92 million prescription benzodiazepines were released into the United States, and 16% of opioid-related overdoses also involved benzodiazepines the same year.

Among people who misuse benzodiazepines, the majority (46.3%) take them to relax or relieve tension, followed by help with sleep (22.4%). A small amount (5.7%) reported taking them for experimentation, while 11.8% took them because they felt addicted or hooked on them.

—National Institute on Drug Abuse

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 statistics have been widely recorded.

Support for Friends and Family Members

Coping with a benzodiazepine addict can be heartbreaking and frustrating. Balancing the worry for your loved one and living your regular life can eat you up. This is why it’s so important to find the safety and treatment your loved one needs, so you can offer love and support through recovery.