Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines slow the nervous system and are used to treat anxiety, seizures, and pain.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, often called benzos, are central nervous system depressants that slow activity in the brain and body. Because of this effect, they may be prescribed to help manage anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and certain other medical concerns. In some cases, they may also be used for short-term sedation or related medical purposes.
Although benzodiazepines have been used for decades and can serve a valid medical purpose, they also carry a risk of dependence and addiction. Since these medications are available by prescription, misuse can happen when they are taken more often, in higher doses, or in ways other than directed. Over time, this can increase the risk of tolerance, withdrawal, and substance use concerns.
Benzodiazepines have an instant calming effect on the brain and body. Taking them while in a state of panic will result in a rapid release of feel-good chemicals, and total mind and body relaxation. If other therapies for alleviating discomfort are not introduced early on, benzo users may come to believe that they cannot function without them.
Benzo addiction treatment at Recovery Bay Center offers medically necessary interventions for safely weaning the body off these drugs. It also provides alternative strategies for managing anxiety-related mental health disorders and general sleep disorders. When you complete our benzo addiction rehab at Recovery Bay Center’s substance abuse treatment center, you can safely eliminate your physical reliance on benzos.
Benzodiazepines Addiction + Effects On The Brain
Although benzos are prescribed with the intention of improving a person’s condition and life quality, prolonged use frequently causes more harm than good. When people run out of these medications or attempt to abstain from them, the withdrawal symptoms are severe. In fact, stopping benzo use suddenly can lead to cognitive difficulties, memory loss, shaking, sweating, and even death. Without medically assisted detox or an appropriate weaning program, benzo detox is always a dangerous and incredibly painful process.
So why are benzos addictive, and why does the body respond so strongly when they are no longer present? According to research, benzos create the physical and neurological conditions for addiction much in the same way that opioids, alcohol, and the popular club drug GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) do.
The very characteristics that make benzos so effective for alleviating pain and producing a sense of calm are the same characteristics that make them habit-forming. These drugs incite a neurological reaction known as a dopamine surge.
Dopamine is a feel-good chemical that the brain’s cells naturally produce. With even short-term benzo use, dramatic surges in dopamine release cause people to feel calmer and more relaxed than they would if working to alleviate anxiety and stress in other ways. Moreover, repeated dopamine surges caused by repeated benzo use actually wear dopamine-producing cells out.
Commonly Misused Benzodiazepines
Often used for treating insomnia, panic attacks, anxiety, and seizures, benzodiazepines are both highly effective and highly addictive. In fact, approximately one-third of all benzodiazepine users will develop a physical dependence on these products shortly after starting them.
Although benzos are only legally available by prescription, many benzo users maintain their supplies by purchasing them illicitly. This is frequently the case even for people whose benzo use was started due to benzodiazepine prescriptions. The two most prevalent benzos on the illegal market are Xanax (Alprazolam) and Klonopin (Clonazepam). Other benzodiazepine drugs include:
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Ativan (Lorzepam)
- Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)
- Serax (Oxazepam)
- Doral (Quazepam)
- Tranxene (Clorazepate)
Can You Overdose on Benzodiazepines?
Yes, benzodiazepine overdose is possible because these medications slow activity in the central nervous system. This depressant effect can also impact vital body functions, including breathing and heart rate. When breathing becomes dangerously slow, the brain may not receive enough oxygen. Warning signs such as bluish lips or fingernails may point to a potentially life-threatening overdose.
Overdose risk can increase when benzodiazepines are used with alcohol, opioids, or other medications that also slow the nervous system. Prescribed dosage limits help doctors manage the amount needed for a medical benefit while reducing serious risks. However, combining benzos with other depressants can make the effects harder to predict. Even a dose that once felt “safe” may become dangerous when alcohol or other substances are involved.
Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Misuse
Though benzodiazepines can induce sought-after feelings of relaxation and calm, they also have some unpleasant side effects. These may be especially pronounced when they are misused because that creates a build-up of the drug in the body. These side effects may include:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
- Trouble coordinating movements
- Slurred speech
- Tremors Vertigo
- Erratic behavior
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Slowed reflexes
- Euphoria
- Overdose
Dual Diagnosis in Benzodiazepines Addiction Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is a very important part of rehab for many benzo users. This is an element of addiction treatment that looks at both substance use disorder and any possible co-occurring mental health disorders or other comorbidities.
In dual diagnosis treatment, patients receive:
- Clear and accurate diagnoses of their underlying conditions
- Access to alternative, non-habit-forming anxiety medications
- Training in the use of natural stress management techniques
- Access to therapeutic activities and skill-building workshops
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for encouraging a positive, proactive approach to anxiety management
With dual diagnosis treatment, rehab centers like Recovery Bay can set the stage for long-term success in benzo recovery.
Withdrawal Risks
Long-term benzodiazepine use can lead to withdrawal because the body may gradually adapt to the medication. Over time, the same dose may become less effective, which can lead to tolerance. This means a person may need a higher dose to feel the same medical effect.
Tolerance and withdrawal often occur together. When the medication is reduced or stopped, the body may react with uncomfortable or potentially serious symptoms.
Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Racing heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Tremors or seizures
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Benzodiazepine FAQs
What does effective benzodiazepine treatment look like?
Benzodiazepine addiction can develop for different reasons, and the level of dependence can vary from person to person. For that reason, effective treatment should be personalized to everyone’s needs. Care often includes physical, emotional, and mental health support, with guidance from therapists and other treatment professionals.
I was prescribed benzodiazepine by a doctor. Can I still become addicted?
Yes. Addiction can happen even when a medication was originally prescribed by a doctor. A person may develop dependence even after taking the medication as directed. If you notice strong cravings, loss of control, or other warning signs, speak with your health care provider about safer next steps.
Is benzodiazepine detox necessary?
Detox is often an important first step because the body needs to clear the substance safely. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be uncomfortable and may require medical supervision. A monitored detox setting can help manage symptoms and support a safer transition into ongoing treatment.