Benzodiazepine Misuse and Addiction
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that belong to a class of drugs known as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies benzodiazepines as Schedule IV substances under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating that these drugs have the potential for misuse and dependence.
When used as prescribed, benzodiazepines are generally safe for short-term use. However, individuals can develop a dependence on these medications, even when they are under a doctor’s supervision.
Many people take benzodiazepines for their intended purposes, but there are cases of misuse. Some individuals crush and snort the tablets, while others combine benzodiazepines with other substances such as opioids, cocaine, or alcohol. This mixing may be done to enhance the euphoric effects of opioids, manage the side effects of a cocaine binge, or amplify the effects of alcohol.
Different Types of Benzodiazepine Drugs
There are many different types of benzodiazepines, which can be classified as short-acting, as well as intermediate- and long-acting formulas.
Short-acting benzos include:
- Versed (midazolam).
- Halcion (triazolam).
Intermediate-acting benzos include:
- Xanax (alprazolam).
- Klonopin (clonazepam).
- Ativan (lorazepam).
- Serax (oxazepam).
- Resotril (temazepam).
Long-acting benzodiazepines include:
What Are Benzodiazepines Used For?
Benzodiazepines have many uses, but they are most often prescribed to treat:
- Anxiety.
- Panic disorders.
- Acute stress.
- Seizures.
- Muscle spasms.
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders.
- In preparation for anesthesia.
How Do Benzodiazepines Work?
Benzodiazepines work by interacting with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, which helps calm an over-excited nervous system. As a result, benzodiazepines are useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. The suppression of the central nervous system caused by benzodiazepines can lead to feelings of drowsiness, calmness, or sedation.
Are Benzos Addictive?
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are known to have potential for misuse. It’s important to understand that even when taken as prescribed, individuals can develop a physical dependence on these medications. Over time, the body may adapt to the effects of the drug, leading to a need for it to feel “normal,” which is referred to as physical dependence.
It’s crucial to distinguish between physical dependence and addiction. While they are related, physical dependence alone does not constitute addiction. Addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences.
Individuals who misuse other substances are particularly susceptible to developing issues with benzodiazepines. Both the use and misuse of these medications increase the risk of addiction. Misuse of benzodiazepines includes:
- Taking them in a manner not prescribed by a doctor.
- Using someone else’s medication.
- Taking benzodiazepines to achieve a high.
When someone takes a benzodiazepine, they may develop tolerance, meaning they require more frequent or larger doses to experience the same effects. Increased tolerance can lead to harmful patterns of use, further elevating the risk of addiction.
Long and Short-Term Side Effects of Benzo Use
As with any type of medication, there are side effects from using benzodiazepines, both short-term and long-term.
Short-Term Side Effects of Benzos
Short-term side effects of benzos include:
- Slurred speech.
- Dry mouth.
- Confusion.
- Low blood pressure.
- Dizziness.
- Light-headedness.
- Headache.
- Problems with concentration.
- Memory issues.
Long-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Use
When people use benzodiazepines long-term, whether as directed by a doctor or by misusing them, they can develop the following:
- Cognitive impairment has also been shown to occur in long-term benzo users and includes such aspects of cognition as memory, processing speed, using language, and attention. These cognitive deficits may persist long after a person quits using benzos.
- Sedation.
- Impaired psychomotor performance, which can result in motor vehicle accidents or an increased risk of falls and fractures in the elderly.
As mentioned previously, tolerance, physical dependence and addiction are other possible risks of long-term benzodiazepine use.
In addition, it is important to know that people can and do overdose on benzodiazepines. When a person overdoses on benzodiazepines, their breathing will slow, and the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain is reduced. This can result in a coma and, sometimes, brain damage.
It is fairly unusual for a person to fatally overdose on benzodiazepines alone, and most often, a fatal benzodiazepine overdose occurs when a person mixes CNS depressants with other drugs such as alcohol or opioids.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person is physically dependent on benzodiazepines, they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using benzos.
The severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and the withdrawal timeline depend on several factors including:
- The kind of benzodiazepine used.
- The dosage taken.
- Whether other substances are also being used.
- Co-occurring mental health disorders.
- The age of the person.
Withdrawal symptoms may begin within hours or days of last use and can last for weeks to several months.
Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can include:
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Psychomotor agitation.
- Seizures.
- Increased heart rate or sweating.
- Vomiting or nausea.
- Hand tremor.
- Hallucinations.
The course of benzo withdrawal can be unpredictable, and it is possible for seizures to happen without warning.
Given the severity of these potential outcomes of benzodiazepine withdrawal, it is never a good idea to try to get off benzodiazepine drugs on your own, and a medical detox with appropriate oversight and supervision is recommended.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
If you or your loved one is struggling with the use of benzodiazepines, help is available. There are effective ways to treat addiction, and various levels of care to meet your individual needs, including inpatient rehab and outpatient programs.
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction commonly includes a combination of behavioral therapies that address all aspects of a person’s addiction.
If you are looking for an outpatient or inpatient rehab facility in the Dallas metro area, call us today at . An admissions navigator at Greenhouse Treatment Center can answer any questions you have and help you start the admissions process.
Paying for rehab might be one of your biggest concerns, but oftentimes, your insurance coverage provides benefits for substance use disorder treatment. Our secure online form lets you instantly verify your insurance coverage.
Please remember, you are not alone. We’re here 24/7 to help you on your journey to recovery from benzodiazepine misuse.