Benzodiazepine Addiction

Common Signs of Benzodiazepine Misuse

There are several signs or symptoms of benzodiazepine dependence or addiction — though not all may appear in each person. Medical and mental health professionals diagnose substance use disorders involving benzodiazepine use with a set of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). To meet criteria for such a diagnosis, a person must demonstrate at least 2 of the following signs of problematic benzodiazepine use over a year-long period:⁵

• Takes a larger amount of benzos over a longer period of time than they meant to.
• Wants to control use but cannot.
• Continually tries to get benzodiazepines, use the substance, or is recovering from using the substance.
• Cravings or strong urges to use benzos.
• Substance use gets in the way of duties at work, home, or school.
• Use of benzos even if it continues creating problems with loved ones, friends, or colleagues.
• Avoids social, occupational, or recreational activities due to benzodiazepine use.
• Uses benzos in situations where it can be dangerous.
• Continues taking benzodiazepines even though they know they are abusing the substance.
• Developing a tolerance to the substance, which leads to taking more to get the desired effect.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use.

Benzodiazepine Side Effects

Like nearly all prescription medications, even therapeutic use may be associated with certain side effects; however, the risk of side effects may be of increasing concern for those who are misusing or abusing these medications.

For example, extreme drowsiness can occur when benzodiazepines are taken in conjunction with other medications such as opioid pain medications. This can lead to severe complications such as overdose that leads to hospitalization, and even death.¹

Other benzodiazepine side effects can include:⁶

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness.
• Motor issues, including weakness, tremors, or unsteadiness.
• Slurred speech.
• Memory loss.
• Slowed breathing.
• Drop in blood pressure.
• Physiological dependence and associated withdrawal.
• Overdose.
• Death.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

The sudden decrease in or abrupt cessation of benzodiazepine use can result in the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms are wide-ranging, and can include:⁴

• Insomnia.
• Anxiety, panic attacks.
• Sweating.
• Headache.
• Racing pulse.
• Palpitations.
• Nausea.
• Irritability, restlessness, agitation.
• Perceptual distortions (e.g., hallucinations).
• Hand tremor.
• Seizures.

Elderly patients that are prescribed benzodiazepines or have developed a dependence to them may be at addition risk of experiencing confusion, disorientation, and delirium.⁴

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Detox

Benzodiazepine use can lead to the development of physiological dependence and a risk of severe and/or complicated withdrawal. Medical supervision and withdrawal management is commonly sought when a patient chooses to stop using benzodiazepines. The agreed upon approach is to taper use of the benzodiazepine down, instead of stopping using the substance abruptly.⁷

Tapering can take place over several weeks or even months and, in some cases, may be more easily achieved with long-acting benzos rather than short-acting ones (i.e., a longer-acting benzodiazepine may be first substituted for a shorter-acting one prior to initiating a taper). In some cases, outpatient detoxification is an appropriate approach, so long as the patient:⁷

• Does not have polysubstance dependence.
• Is committed to recovery and reliable in adhering to detox protocols.
• Has supportive loved ones to help monitor their progress.
• Is willing to check in in-person or over the phone with their doctor.

A gradual tapering is the key to managing benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal, although combining such a gradual dose reduction with psychological therapy and other behavioral interventions can be additionally beneficial.⁴

High-risk patients, such as those with underlying medical conditions or a history of seizures, might find more success in their recovery journey by attending an inpatient, medically-managed detox program.⁴

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

Detox, while important, is no substitute for longer-term rehabilitation efforts, which include therapy, counseling, education, skills training, aftercare planning, among other options.

These approaches to sobriety and recovery can be found at addiction treatment facilities dedicated to quality, evidence-based approaches to treatment. After detox, some may find that inpatient treatment—where they live on the grounds 24/7—is the right approach for their recovery journey. Others can work within the confines of outpatient therapy.

Recovery First Treatment Center offers a full continuum of care for benzodiazepine cessation, as well as for many other substances. Admissions Navigators are available day and night to answer your questions about inpatient addiction treatment in Florida or elsewhere in the United States at .

Are benzodiazepines addictive?

Benzodiazepines can be addictive, and their potential to lead to compulsive use may increase with longer-than-recommended periods of use or other methods of nonmedical misuse.⁴

What are benzodiazepines used for?

Benzodiazepines are used for the short-term treatment of anxiety, muscle tension, insomnia, seizures, and to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.¹

How long does it take to develop dependence on benzodiazepines?

Although there is no definitive answer to this—as different benzodiazepine drugs have somewhat different pharmacologic properties—there is evidence that should benzodiazepines be used beyond the short-term (i.e., 2-4 weeks) a person may be at increased risk of developing physiological dependence and patterns of problematic use.⁶