Benzodiazepine abuse and addiction are a widespread public health problem across the US, affecting around 5.3 million adults each year [1]. These medications are often prescribed for anxiety, chronic pain, and other medical conditions.
They provide a calming effect, slowing down activity in the central nervous system and increasing neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for relaxation and euphoria. Although they can provide short-term relief under psychiatric supervision, their euphoric effects also make them appealing to people for recreational use.
Read on to understand how benzodiazepines work in the brain, the prevalence of abuse, and treatments to support people recovering from benzodiazepine addiction.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos” are a class of tranquilizers most commonly prescribed for chronic anxiety. They act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants and can treat various other conditions as well, such as insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures [1].
They work by increasing and enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. This receptor is responsible for slowing down the nervous system and is what causes a sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle-relaxing effect [2].
Alcohol is also a GABA antagonist, which is why its effects on the body are similar to that of someone with benzodiazepine addiction. This also explains why benzodiazepines (at monitored and controlled doses) are sometimes used during the detox process from alcohol to alleviate cravings and manage withdrawal pain.
Common benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Chlordiazpoxide (Librium)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Warning Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of benzodiazepine abuse if you believe you or a loved one are struggling. Sometimes, benzodiazepine addictions are overlooked, especially if they are prescribed. However, if one begins to abuse them recreationally, takes more than the recommended amount, or needs higher doses to feel the same effects—this could point to a sign of addiction.
Warning signs of benzodiazepine addiction include:
- Taking more than prescribed
- Taking it recreationally or without medical supervision
- Obtaining benzodiazepines illegally or off the street
- “Doctor shopping” (going from doctor to doctor to obtain more prescriptions)
- Spending a large amount of time thinking of or talking about benzodiazepines
- Needing higher doses to achieve the same effect
- Lying, stealing, manipulating, or hurting others to get benzodiazepines
Physical Effects of Benzodiazepine Abuse
- Impairment of motor skills similar to alcohol intoxication
- Slurred speech
- Inability to focus
- Difficulty with daily functioning
- Excessive drowsiness
- Headaches or migraines
- Gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea)
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Loss of coordination/balance
- Increased risk of dementia and permanent cognitive deficits
Rates of Benzodiazepine Abuse
Around 30 million Americans are prescribed benzodiazepines each year. Of these, about 2% go on to develop an addiction (around 5 million adults). According to the American Journal of Public Health, prescriptions for benzodiazepines have increased by 67% since the mid-1990s [3].
As the rates of anxiety increase, so do prescriptions for benzodiazepines and their potential for misuse. After the COVID-19 pandemic, benzo prescriptions increased by 2% [4]. The rates of youth 12 and older who abuse benzodiazepines are also on the rise. This is particularly frightening because many of these teens are thought to be abusing the drug recreationally or buying benzos from the street, which could contain other harmful substances such as opioids.
This steady increase has sparked a conversation among mental health providers to explore alternative medication for treating anxiety that doesn’t include the risk of addiction, such as with benzos.
Benzodiazepines Overdose & Death Rates
Research from the CDC reports that in 2021, benzodiazepines contributed to over 12,000 overdose deaths [5]. Many of these overdoses were from recreational use of the drug, especially when paired with other substances such as alcohol, cocaine, or opioids.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Abuse
The recovery process from benzodiazepine abuse requires a comprehensive approach that usually involves a combination of detox, residential rehab, ongoing therapy, medication management, and a supportive network of loved ones.
Below, we have outlined what one can typically expect when entering a treatment program for benzodiazepine addiction:
Detox
The detox process for benzodiazepines should be done under medical supervision. When withdrawing from benzos, one may feel extreme discomfort and even painful symptoms that can sometimes be life-threatening.
The time it takes to detox from benzos looks different for each person and is based on several factors such as duration of use, frequency of use, if they are abusing other drugs simultaneously, and if they have co-occurring mental health disorders.
The kind of benzodiazepine one is abusing can also play a role in the withdrawal process. For example, Diazepam (Valium) has a longer half-life than Lorazepam (Ativan), which can make it harder to detox from.
In addition to cravings for the drug, some of the symptoms one might experience during benzodiazepine withdrawal include:
- Increased anxiety
- Racing heart
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Irritability or aggression
- Depression
- Nausea
- Chills & flu-like symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- In severe cases, seizures
Residential Treatment
Most users who struggle with a benzodiazepine addiction will need ongoing treatment after detox to ensure they don’t relapse. Many people who struggle with benzo abuse have underlying mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, or trauma [1].
Residential treatment helps break the underlying cycles of addiction that drive people to abuse benzos in the first place. During residential treatment for benzodiazepine abuse, individuals can expect to participate in:
- Individual therapies such as CBT, DBT, and trauma therapy focus on helping patients break negative thought patterns, set goals for recovery, and build positive coping skills to manage stress or cravings.
- Group therapy is a key principle in residential treatment that fosters a sense of connection among recovering individuals. This can help with feelings of isolation and provides them with a space to share their experiences and learn new insights from others in treatment.
- Medication Management under the supervision of psychiatric care may be used for those in recovery who struggle with co-occurring mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
- Ongoing Support from family, friends, peer recovery groups, and sponsors is important for a smooth transition from residential treatment back to daily life. Surrounding yourself with people who support your sobriety is essential for managing triggers, cravings, and preventing relapse.
Addiction Detox and Residential Treatment in Michigan
Rushton Recovery understands the complex nature of benzodiazepine addiction. We prioritize your well-being, safety, and comfort during treatment. Our detox and residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward sobriety.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your substance abuse. Let our team help you get clean, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery.
Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States. 2019. National Library of Medicine.
[2] GABA receptors in brain development, function, and injury. 2014. National Library of Medicine.
[3] The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review*. 2019. National Library of Medicine.
[4] The COVID-19 pandemic and the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related drugs. 2024. National Library of Medicine.
[5] Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States 2002–2022. 2024. CDC.