Benzo Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Resources

While benzos can do a lot of good for certain conditions, like anxiety, they can also be very harmful when misused. When these drugs are misused, they can lead to a variety of consequences.

Benzo Addiction and Abuse

Most people only realize they have a dependence on benzos when they try to stop taking the medication and experience adverse effects or can’t manage daily life without it. Benzos are intended to be beneficial for mental health conditions but due to their positive effects can lead to misuse and addiction.

Signs of Addiction to Benzos

While benzos aren’t as addictive as other drugs like opioids, they still have the potential for abuse. Those who are addicted may be secretive about their use of benzos. They may use them only when they’re alone and may hide the pill bottles.

They may try to get prescriptions from different doctors so they don’t run out. Others may experience withdrawal symptoms like mood changes, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty remembering things.

Effects of Benzo Abuse

Benzo abuse can make a person feel tired all the time. They may become depressed and not feel like themselves. They may also find that the pills are no longer able to help them get relief from anxiety or insomnia after a while. This leads to taking larger doses to get the same effect, which can be dangerous.

Dangers of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use

Before people agree to benzo addiction treatment, they often hit rock-bottom. They may experience many of the long-term effects of benzo use, such as cognitive decline, depression, suicidal thoughts, and body pain. Chronic fatigue, confusion, and slurred speech are also common risks, as is damage to the internal organs.

Common Brand Name Benzodiazepines

Xanax®

Xanax®, like all benzos, is a Schedule IV drug. It has important medical uses, and the potential for addiction is relatively low compared to other drugs, though still significant. Though it is primarily used to treat anxiety, some doctors will prescribe Xanax® to insomniacs as well.

Common names for this drug include xanies, bars, handlebars, and xans. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, and headaches.

Valium®

The most common side effects of Valium® include shaky hands, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. Some people may also experience dry mouth and stomach trouble. Common street names include blues, French blues, vals, and candy. Valium® is primarily an anxiety medication, though some doctors use it to treat seizures.

Klonopin®

Klonopin® is prescribed to treat panic disorders and seizures. It is a powerful benzodiazepine and can cause side effects such as joint pain, muscle weakness, increased saliva production, and dizziness. People who misuse this drug may call it super Valium®, k-bars, and downers.

Can You Overdose on Benzos?

Yes, it is easy to overdose on benzos when you take too many or mix them with other substances. Since benzos relax the nervous system, they are especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol, which is also a depressant. This can lead to a coma or cause a person’s heart to stop. Flumazenil is a drug commonly used to reverse benzo overdose.[3]

Signs and Symptoms of Stimulant Overdose

Someone who has overdosed on benzos will likely be unconscious. Their respiration may be very shallow, and they may have a weak heartbeat. It may be impossible to wake them up even if you shake them or yell.

What to do if you suspect someone is overdosing on Benzos:

A person’s heart could easily stop when they overdose. This is why it is necessary to call 911 and make sure the ambulance arrives as soon as possible. The paramedics can ensure that the person gets the treatment they need to recover.

How Are Benzos Taken?

Most benzos are pills and, when taken as prescribed, are swallowed whole. This allows the drug to safely diffuse into your bloodstream over several hours. This slow release drastically reduces the risk of addiction.

However, some people misuse the drug by chewing the pills or dissolving and injecting them. Some may snort them through the nose for an instant effect. These routes make addiction more likely.

Mixing Benzos with Other Drugs

Negative interactions can occur when you mix benzos with other depressants or alcohol. This can cause someone to go into a coma, faint, or die. In more severe cases, it can also cause the heart to stop.

Benzo Addiction Treatment

Treatment for Benzo addiction involves multiple levels of intervention and therapy, from detox to full-time treatment and outpatient programs. The treatment timeline for each patient will vary depending on the severity of their disorder and the presence of any underlying mental health conditions. In many cases, health insurance, medicaid, or medicare, will cover much of the cost of addiction treatment.

Therapies Used in Stimulant Addiction Treatment

Here are a few of the most common therapy options that are used to treat benzo addictions:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Yoga Therapy
• Muay Thai (Movement + Therapy)
• Music Therapy

Dual Diagnosis for Co-Occurring Disorders

Benzo addiction can often lead to mental health problems, such as depression or a relapse in anxiety. In fact, most people are introduced to Benzos because they have anxiety, insomnia, or seizure disorders.

Benzos can initially help with all of these conditions, but when an addiction forms and the person becomes more tolerant, the medication may become less effective. It’s important to address the initial mental health conditions like anxiety with dual diagnosis treatment while pursuing substance use disorder interventions.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Management and Treatment

Going to a Benzo detox center is a great way to get started with a clean slate. The detox process takes between a few days and up to three weeks for most people. The withdrawal symptoms get easier as you continue treatment and develop healthy coping skills.

Drugs Used in Benzo Withdrawal Management

Flumazenil and buspirone can be beneficial for helping patients through benzo withdrawal. Detoxing can be painful, but these medications can help reduce cravings, body pain, and other symptoms to make the process much more tolerable.

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