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Medically Reviewed

Benzodiazepine Addiction

- 7 sections

Medically Verified: August 10, 2024

Medical Reviewer:

Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Benzodiazepine Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment in Charlotte, North Carolina

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. Doctors might prescribe them to treat mental health issues like anxiety disorders and panic attacks. That said, they are only intended for short-term or occasional use because they can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Valium (diazepam).

According to research published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), 17.2% of all benzodiazepine use in the United States is considered abuse.[1] This means that a good portion of people who take benzodiazepines are abusing them to get high. They can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and euphoria.

If you or a loved one repeatedly abuse benzodiazepines, you might have a substance use disorder. Understanding why people abuse benzodiazepines, the signs of addiction, and how treatment works might motivate you to get the help you need.

What you will learn:

  • What are benzodiazepines
  • Why do people misuse benzodiazepines
  • What are the signs of benzodiazepine addiction
  • How addiction treatment programs work

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines have a sedative effect that can help manage anxiety. These prescription drugs cause a calming effect by interacting with the central nervous system and a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Even though they are used by doctors, these substances are widely known for their habit-forming and addictive nature.

The most common benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan. Some benzodiazepines like Restoril, Halcion, and Versed are used to manage insomnia or induce sedation.[2]

No matter which benzodiazepine you are abusing, you could develop an addiction. Substance abuse is characterized by taking more of a drug than you are prescribed, using a benzodiazepine without a prescription, or taking it to experience a high. If you are suffering from benzodiazepine addiction, you should seek help from a drug or alcohol treatment facility.

Why Do People Abuse Benzodiazepines?

When you are not using benzodiazepines to treat anxiety or insomnia, they might cause you to experience a high. Most people abuse benzodiazepines to experience effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and euphoria. Because they usually come in pill form, people might swallow, snort, or even inject them.

The main reasons people engage in substance abuse include:[3]

  • To experience feelings of intense pleasure or euphoria
  • To cope with mental health issues like social anxiety or stress
  • To perform better at their job or in school
  • Because they are succumbing to peer pressure or experimenting with drugs as a teen or young adult

If you are misusing benzodiazepines, you are at risk of developing an addiction. Once you are addicted to them, you will likely begin to take large doses. Unfortunately, this puts you at risk of overdosing.

Benzodiazepine overdoses can be life-threatening and fatal without treatment. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms like extreme drowsiness, breathing troubles, or seizures, contact 911 immediately.[4]

Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Taking benzodiazepines in a manner other than prescribed will eventually lead to an addiction. Knowing the signs of benzodiazepine addiction can help you determine whether it’s time to seek treatment.

The main signs of benzodiazepine addiction include:[5]

  • Having a hard time controlling how much benzodiazepines you use
  • Wanting to quit using them but being unsuccessful
  • Experiencing urges or cravings to abuse benzodiazepines
  • Having a hard time meeting responsibilities at home, school, or work
  • Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the use of benzodiazepines
  • Continuing to use them despite facing problems in relationships
  • Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to have more time to abuse substances
  • Using benzodiazepines in risky situations, such as while driving or at work
  • Continuing to use them even though they are causing mental or physical health problems
  • Needing to increase the dose of them to experience the desired effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal from benzodiazepines when you stop using them

Benzodiazepine addiction can be difficult to overcome. However, addiction recovery is possible with the help of a drug rehab center. These programs offer medically supervised detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning to help you get back on track.

How Does Treatment Work?

Benzodiazepine addiction treatment involves a variety of evidence-based services. First, you will undergo medical detox. This process involves using medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is treated using a tapering method. You will be titrated off of benzodiazepines until you no longer experience symptoms.

In addition to detox, benzodiazepine addiction treatment involves:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group counseling
  • Support groups like 12-step meetings
  • Holistic care services like yoga and meditation
  • Nutritional counseling and exercise
  • Community and peer support
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Aftercare services

This combination of services will help you address the root causes of your addiction. Once you finish your treatment program, you will continue to have access to aftercare. For example, aftercare might involve continued therapy, outpatient program referrals, and alumni support group access.

Get Connected to Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Charlotte

If you or a loved one suffers from benzodiazepine addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At Charlotte Detox Center, we offer medically supervised services to help you overcome withdrawal. In other words, we provide medications that lessen your withdrawal symptoms, prevent cravings, and increase your chances of long-term sobriety.

Contact us today for more information on our benzodiazepine addiction treatment center in Charlotte.

References:

  1. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States 
  2. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Benzodiazepines 
  3. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Misuse and Addiction
  4. BMJ Best Practice: Benzodiazepine Overdose
  5. Medscape: Sedative, Hypnotic, Anxiolytic Use Disorders Clinical Presentation

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