If you’ve ever been prescribed a pill to calm your nerves, it was likely a benzodiazepine. Doctors often prescribe these drugs for the relief of anxiety and panic disorders. Despite their short-term effectiveness, regular use can cause dependence. Some people may become physically reliant even when taking their medication exactly as prescribed. Here are some early signs of benzo addiction you should watch for.
What Are Benzodiazepines, and How Do They Work?
Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic drugs that initially gained popularity among medical professionals as “safer” alternatives to barbiturates. These drugs enhance the effect of the brain’s GABA neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, calming the central nervous system. Thanks to their efficiency and relatively fast-acting time, benzos are among the most prevalent psychiatric drugs in the country.
An estimated 1 in 20 Americans receives a benzodiazepine prescription each year. Some of the most commonly used types include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) and clonazepam (Klonopin). As these medications are highly effective in quickly relieving symptoms, doctors prescribe them for anxiety disorders, insomnia and even muscle spasms. In clinical settings, they’re used to manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and sometimes offered to patients before medical procedures.
While effective for short-term use, benzodiazepines carry a risk of dependence and addiction, mainly when taken over prolonged periods.
How Addictive Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzos are fast-acting, which is partly why they’re so effective at calming the mind during episodes of stress and anxiety. However, that’s also why individuals who rely on these medications to reduce their anxiety are at risk of developing dependency. Over time, your body gets used to having these drugs, which makes you need higher doses to feel the same calming effect. Once tolerance sets in, you may start feeling the need to use more than your doctor prescribed.
Short-acting benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), tend to wear off faster, encouraging some people to take more frequent doses. Even long-acting options, like Valium (diazepam) or Klonopin (clonazepam), carry risks if they’re taken for too long or at high doses.
People with a history of substance abuse face a higher risk of misusing benzodiazepines. Around 27% of individuals with alcohol abuse disorder have also misused benzos. The length of treatment is another risk factor. Typically, benzodiazepines are used for short-term symptom relief. The longer someone continues taking them, the greater the risk of becoming addicted. Even if you use them as prescribed, you can still become physically dependent.
Initial Behavioral and Physical Signs of Benzo Addiction
Like with most addictions, benzo dependence can happen gradually, without the individual realizing it. Recognizing and addressing the early signs may help prevent the issue from becoming unmanageable.
- Increasing dosage. The prescribed dose may no longer provide the same relief, leading individuals to take more than directed or use the medication more often than prescribed. This may be a sign they’ve developed a tolerance.
- Obsessing over medication. Individuals may start thinking about when to take their next dose, feeling anxious when running low or planning how to obtain more. Some may visit multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions and may exaggerate symptoms to ensure they get the medication they want.
- Avoiding friends and family. People starting to become addicted may withdraw from social activities, hobbies and relationships.
- Experiencing physical health symptoms. Prolonged use of benzodiazepines may cause headaches and gastrointestinal issues.
- Developing memory problems. Long-term use can lead to memory, concentration and cognitive function difficulties.
- Ignoring responsibilities. As addiction sets in, individuals may start neglecting work, school or family obligations. Those struggling with substance abuse may frequently be late for work or call in sick. They may begin to miss deadlines or forget about prior commitments.
Risks of Ignoring Early Dependence Symptoms
Not taking these signs of dependence seriously could negatively impact your health and increase the chances of withdrawal complications. If you’re worried you may have developed a dependency on your medication, speak to your doctor before attempting to discontinue use.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines is uncomfortable and can also be dangerous. Abruptly stopping these drugs can cause intense physical and mental symptoms. The higher the dose, the more risky it is to stop. You may experience rapid heartbeat, seizures, nausea and extreme anxiety.
Another significant risk is the potential for overdose. When mixed with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, benzodiazepines can slow down breathing and heart rate. An accidental overdose may result in coma or death.
Additionally, untreated dependence can worsen existing mental health conditions. Similarly to most other drug addictions, as the condition escalates, you may experience drug cravings and emotional instability. Over time, your body may struggle to function without the medication, intensifying the condition you wanted to treat in the first place.
Seeking Help for Benzodiazepine Dependence
Benzodiazepines work by slowing down certain brain activities, which helps people feel calmer and more relaxed. Over time, your body becomes used to their effects. Physical dependence means your brain and body have adapted to the drugs, so it’s hard to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Recognizing the warning signs of addiction makes it easier to get the help you need.
Individuals who’ve been using the drugs long-term or taking higher doses are more likely to experience severe symptoms, such as seizures and hallucinations. In more severe cases, withdrawal from benzos can be fatal. That’s why you should always speak to your doctor before attempting to discontinue your medication.
Your provider can evaluate your situation and recommend a suitable treatment plan. More often than not, benzodiazepine detox involves a tapering schedule. Instead of abrupt discontinuation, your provider might slowly lower your dose, allowing your body to adjust and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. The taper might extend over several weeks or even months.
Getting the Right Support
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, don’t wait. The team at Sunlight Recovery offers inpatient and outpatient programs to help you recover. Contact us today. We’re ready to listen at any time, day or night.
