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Overcoming an Addiction To Benzos: The Effects, Risks, and Recovery Path of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Written by
On August 11, 2024

Benzodiazepine (benzo) addiction is a growing concern in various regions. These powerful prescription medications, commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, can become dangerously habit-forming when misused or taken for extended periods. As the opioid crisis continues to dominate headlines, the quieter but serious impact of benzodiazepine dependence has been steadily rising.

Ikon recognizes the critical need for effective treatment of addiction and dual diagnosis issues, including benzo addiction. With a commitment to evidence-based practices and personalized care, Ikon offers comprehensive programs designed to address the complex nature of benzodiazepine dependence.

Key Points:

  • Benzodiazepines (benzos) are psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, but have a high potential for dependence and addiction if used long-term.
  • Benzo addiction can develop even with prescribed use, leading to misuse, increased dosages, and dangerous combinations with other substances, significantly raising overdose risks.
  • Long-term substance abuse can cause cognitive impairments, memory issues, increased accident risks, and severe withdrawal symptoms, necessitating professional medical supervision for cessation.
  • Addressing benzo addiction requires a comprehensive approach including medical detox, therapy, support groups, and treatment for underlying mental health issues.
  • In case of a benzo overdose, it’s crucial to call emergency services, monitor the person’s condition, provide information to responders, and consider discussing treatment options afterward.

What Are Benzos?

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures.[1] These medications work by enhancing the effect of neurotransmitters in the brain to promote relaxation. Benzos are central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow down brain function and can produce a calming effect on both the mind and body.[2]

Developed in the 1950s, benzodiazepines quickly became popular due to their effectiveness in managing anxiety and their perceived safety compared to older sedatives.[3] They are typically prescribed for short-term use due to their potential for dependence and addiction. Benzos come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids, and are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances in the United States due to their potential for abuse.[4]

While effective in treating acute anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep issues, benzos also find use in medical settings for purposes such as sedation before surgery, treating alcohol withdrawal, and managing certain types of epilepsy. However, their ability to induce relaxation and reduce inhibitions has led to misuse and recreational use, contributing to the growing concern about benzo addiction.

Benzo Addiction and Abuse

Benzodiazepine addiction and abuse can develop even when these medications are taken as prescribed, particularly if used for extended periods. The addictive potential of benzos stems from their ability to produce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and sedation, which can lead users to crave these effects and increase their dosage over time.[5]

Abuse of benzodiazepines often begins with someone taking higher doses than prescribed, using the medication more frequently than directed, or obtaining benzos without a prescription. Some people may combine benzos with other substances like alcohol or opioids to enhance their effects, a dangerous practice that significantly increases the risk of overdose and other severe health complications.

Long-term benzo abuse can lead to various health issues, including cognitive impairment, memory problems, increased risk of accidents, and paradoxical reactions where the drug causes increased anxiety or agitation.[6] Additionally, abrupt cessation of benzos after prolonged use can result in severe withdrawal symptoms, potentially including seizures, which is why professional medical supervision is crucial for those seeking to stop using these drugs.

Addressing Benzo addiction often requires a comprehensive approach, including medical detoxification, therapy, and support groups. Treatment plans may need to address both the addiction itself and any underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to the initial use of benzos.

Addiction Treatment by Substance

Benzo Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category
Depressant
Commercial & Street Names
Benzos, downers, nerve pills, tranks
DEA Schedule
Schedule IV
Administration
Ingestion, snorting

What Should I Do if Someone is Overdosing on Benzos?

If you suspect someone is overdosing on benzodiazepines, it’s crucial to act quickly and calmly.

Call emergency services immediately

Dial 911 or your local emergency number. Benzo overdoses can be life-threatening, especially if mixed with other substances.

Stay with the person

Do not leave them alone. Monitor their breathing and consciousness.

Provide information to emergency responders

If possible, inform them about the type and amount of benzos taken and any other substances involved.

Perform CPR if necessary

If the person stops breathing or loses pulse and if you’re trained, begin CPR.

Keep the person awake and upright

If the person is conscious, try to keep them awake and sitting up to help maintain breathing.

Do not induce vomiting

This can lead to choking or aspiration.

Collect any remaining drugs or pill bottles

These can help emergency responders identify the substance and dosage.

Turn them on their side if unconscious

This position can prevent choking if they vomit.

It’s important to note that combining benzos with other depressants like alcohol or opioids significantly increases overdose risk. In these cases, additional interventions may be necessary.[7]
After the immediate crisis, consider discussing treatment options with the individual to address potential addiction or misuse issues.

How Can I Access Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment?

If you or a loved one are struggling, then accessing treatment for benzodiazepine addiction is an important step in the healing process.

  • Consult a healthcare provider: Speak with a primary care physician or a mental health professional. They can assess your situation and provide referrals to specialized addiction treatment services.
  • Contact addiction treatment centers: Contact local addiction treatment facilities or counseling centers that specialize in substance use disorders. Many offer free initial consultations to discuss treatment options.
  • Use online resources: SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) and their online treatment locator can help you find treatment facilities.
  • Check your insurance coverage: Contact your insurance provider to understand what types of addiction treatment are covered under your plan.

Effective treatment for benzodiazepine addiction typically involves a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of your health and well-being. A full spectrum of care is crucial because addiction is a complex issue that affects multiple areas of a person’s life. This approach may include medical detoxification, inpatient or outpatient treatment, individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and ongoing aftercare support.

By offering a range of services, treatment providers can design your care to your unique needs, addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological, social, and lifestyle factors that contribute to substance use. This holistic approach increases the chances of successful long-term recovery.

Contact Us: Ikon Recovery Center

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction To Benzos

What are the withdrawal symptoms of benzo addiction?

Benzo withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, sweating, nausea, headaches, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the type of benzo used, dosage, duration of use, and physiology.

Is it dangerous to quit benzos cold turkey?

Yes, quitting benzos abruptly can be extremely dangerous. Sudden cessation of benzos can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including potentially life-threatening seizures. It’s crucial to taper off benzos under medical supervision or at an addiction treatment center to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.

How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal last?

Benzo withdrawal duration varies but typically follows this timeline:

  • Acute withdrawal: 5-28 days
  • Protracted withdrawal: Can last several months to years.

Some people may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where milder symptoms persist for months or even years after stopping use – which is why it’s important to engage with a benzo rehab or benzo detox center for safety.

How long does benzo addiction treatment typically last?

The duration of benzo addiction treatment varies depending on your needs. Treatment length depends on factors such as addiction severity, co-occurring disorders, and personal progress in recovery.

Is it possible to use benzos safely after recovering from addiction?

It’s generally not recommended for individuals with a history of addiction to benzos to use these medications again, even with a prescription. The risk of relapse is high, and alternative treatments for anxiety or sleep issues should be explored. In rare cases where benzo use is deemed necessary by a medical professional, it should be closely monitored and time-limited, with a clear plan to prevent addiction relapse.

Sources

[1] Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Benzodiazepines. Www.dea.gov. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/benzodiazepines#:~:text=What%20are%20Benzodiazepines%3F on July 26, 2024

[2] Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2023, January 10). Benzodiazepines – ADF – Alcohol & Drug Foundation. ADF – Alcohol & Drug Foundation. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/benzodiazepines/ on July 26, 2024

[3] Wick, J. Y. (2013). The history of benzodiazepines. The Consultant Pharmacist : The Journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, 28(9), 538–548. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24007886/ on July 26, 2024

[4] DEA Office of Diversion Control. (2013). BENZODIAZEPINES (Street Names: Benzos, Downers, Nerve Pills, Tranks). https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/benzo.pdf on July 26, 2024

[5] Schmitz, A. (2016). Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review. Mental Health Clinician, 6(3), 120–126. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007645/ on July 26, 2024

[6] Johnson, B., & Streltzer, J. (2013). Risks Associated with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use. American Family Physician, 88(4), 224–225. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0815/p224.html on July 26, 2024

[7] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, November 7). Benzodiazepines and Opioids. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids on July 26, 2024