Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed medications used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and insomnia. While effective for short-term relief, they carry a high risk of tolerance and dependence when used over extended periods or at high doses. This can lead to addiction, where individuals feel compelled to continue using the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms, often escalating their dosage over time. Benzodiazepine misuse is a growing issue in the United States, with millions of prescriptions filled annually and a significant overlap with other substance use, such as alcohol and opioids.
Addiction can develop through a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Risk increases when there is poor medical supervision, underlying mental health conditions, or access to high-potency medications like Xanax. Symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction include mood swings, risky behavior, memory problems, and physical weakness. Many individuals may not realize they’re becoming dependent until they attempt to stop and experience intense withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction should be medically supervised due to the potential severity of withdrawal. The safest approach begins with a professional detox program followed by a structured treatment plan that may include inpatient or outpatient rehab, counseling, and aftercare support. A successful recovery plan should address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction while providing long-term strategies to prevent relapse.
It is recommended that anybody suffering from benzodiazepine addiction get professional help. However, this might be difficult since individuals are unsure of what to look for. Not every treatment center is the same, and treatment programs might differ from one to the next. To guarantee an effective treatment program, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care and provide patients with a wide selection of treatment options.
Approximately 8.6 percent of the American population needs treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. However, only a small number of these people actually receive treatment. Whether it’s due to shame, the assumption that their substance use isn’t “that bad,” or any other reason, many people put off seeking professional treatment until their addiction has significantly impacted their lives.
Consider the following signs if you are in a place where you think you may need treatment but are unsure. This list may motivate you to see a counselor sooner rather than later.
In the early stages of usage, benzos can be quite useful, particularly in treating symptoms of insomnia. When benzodiazepines are taken for longer periods of time or at higher doses, they can become very addictive.
Before addiction takes hold, a person will develop tolerance to benzos. This implies they begin taking a higher dose than was initially prescribed in order to achieve the same benefit with a lower dose.
Tolerance can progress to dependency when a person begins to rely on benzodiazepine because they experience physical and psychological disturbances without it.
Following are some of the common physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction:
Even though benzodiazepines are a prescription medicine with medical benefits, benzo abuse is becoming increasingly common. According to research, benzos are addictive in the same way as opiates and marijuana are. These medications trigger a change in the brain that raises dopamine levels, a hormone that makes you happy. Long-term benzodiazepine use is rewarding since the dopamine boost puts you in a good mood.
According to addiction specialists, persons who take high amounts of benzos develop physical dependence more quickly. Long-term usage of stronger benzos, such as Xanax, can also raise your risk of benzo addiction. When you take benzos, you run the risk of developing a psychological dependence and needing higher doses to attain the desired effects.
According to studies, 80 percent of benzo users also use other drugs, most often opiates like heroin. Alcohol and benzodiazepine misuse commonly occur together. People who abuse other drugs prefer benzos because they help manage withdrawal symptoms and even improve the euphoria associated with other substances. Furthermore, persons who misuse benzos usually get the drugs through a prescription, either their own or someone else’s.
Anyone, regardless of background, social rank, or beliefs, can develop an addiction. It might be difficult to comprehend why some people are more vulnerable than others. Regardless of their moral code or upbringing, There are several factors that might increase a person’s chance of becoming a benzo addict. These factors include:
In high-stress situations, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure can all rise, leading to heightened anxiety. Benzodiazepines aim to alleviate anxiety by suppressing the actions of the central nervous system that hinder the physical and emotional effects of stress. Both mental and physical benzodiazepine side effects can result from the body slowing down.
Side effects from benzodiazepines can be quick and might occur after only a short duration of usage. The adverse effects of benzodiazepines are related to dose, the kind of benzodiazepine used, and the duration of usage. Benzodiazepine usage and addiction include both short-term and long-term negative effects.
Navigating the journey to recovery can bring up many questions. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about our services. If you need more information or have additional questions, we are only a phone call away.
How long should you be on benzo?
Benzodiazepines should be provided for the shortest amount of time feasible. Regular use of benzodiazepines for a few weeks or longer can develop into addiction. Doctors advise just taking these for 2-4 weeks. Intermittent usage may aid in the prevention of addiction.
What does benzo do to the brain?
Benzodiazepines operate by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which acts as a natural tranquilizer, relaxing neuron firings associated with tension and stress reactions.
What benzo is best for anxiety?
Xanax is the most powerful benzodiazepine for treating anxiety. Alprazolam is one of the strongest short-acting benzodiazepines and is frequently recommended by doctors because its half-life is less than 26 hours.
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