Benzos Addiction Treatment Center Fishers & Indianapolis

What are Benzodiazepines? 

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants.  They act on chemicals in the brain that regulate our stress and anxiety levels to produce feelings of calmness, drowsiness, and sleep.

Benzodiazepines have a variety of medical uses, including: 

• Anxiety and panic disorder
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Seizure disorders
• Anesthesia or surgical procedures
• Management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Benzos are typically prescribed as oral medications. They can also be placed under a person’s tongue. These medications are quick-acting, and their effects can last from 6 to 24 hours. They are typically prescribed for short durations because of their potential for dependence and addiction.

Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines and their brand names include: 

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Midazolam (Versed)
• Triazolam (Halcion)

Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Use 

Just like with any prescription medication, even proper use of benzodiazepines does come with some risks. Typical side effects of benzos include:  

• Drowsiness/fatigue
• Confusion
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Delirium
• Nausea or changes in appetite
• Memory impairment
• Mood changes, including irritability or hostility
• Agitation
• Anxiety or depression
• Loss of inhibition
• Hallucinations, delusions, or psychosis
• Respiratory depression or respiratory arrest
• Dependence or addiction

Benzodiazepine Dependence and Addiction 

While benzodiazepines are effective treatment options in the appropriate setting, they do carry the risk of leading to dependence or addiction. They are classified by the US Drug Enforcement Association (DEA) as schedule IV-controlled substances, meaning that while they may not be as addictive as drugs like heroin or certain stimulants, they do still carry the risk of dependence and addiction.  

Benzodiazepine Dependence 

Benzodiazepine dependence is the body’s physical response to being given a substance for an extended period. As the body becomes chemically dependent on the chosen substance, it begins to rely upon it to maintain certain daily life functions. Dependency does not mean that an individual is exhibiting addictive behavior. Instead, it is indicative of the fact that the body has become accustomed to functioning with the help of the medication’s effects. A dependence on the drug means that if you were to stop using benzodiazepines abruptly, you experience withdrawal symptoms. 

Benzodiazepine Addiction 

Benzodiazepine addiction goes further than dependence. Addiction is considered a continued drug use despite terrible physical, psychological, or social outcomes. The DSM-5, a guideline healthcare providers use to diagnose mental health disorders, offers a list of symptoms indicative of addiction. It states that the presence of 2 of the following behaviors within 12 months may point to benzodiazepine addiction:

• Medication is taken in higher doses or longer than prescribed 
• Continuous desire to take the drug or an inability to regulate usage
• Extensive time spent obtaining medication, doctor shopping, taking benzos, or recovering from the effects of medication
• Persistent craving to use the medication  
• Repeated use of the medication, leading to failure to uphold responsibilities — including in school, work, and home settings  
• Continued use of the medication, regardless of negative life consequences (e.g., arguments with loved ones, inability to maintain performance in school/work/home settings) 
• Continued use of the medication despite adverse physical or mental consequences
• Valued work, social, or personal interests given up or done less often because of taking benzos, being high on benzos, or recovering from benzo intoxication
• Development of tolerance to the medication (more medication must be taken to produce the same effect, or the same dose does not have the impact it once did)
• Withdrawal symptoms begin when medication is stopped.

Risk Factors for Developing Dependence or Addiction 

Benzodiazepine abuse is just one facet of substance use disorders. When considering what puts someone at high risk for drug misuse, dependence, or addiction to these medications, there are factors specific to benzodiazepine use and generalized risk factors for all substance use disorders. 

Risk Factors for Addiction to Benzos

• Long-term use of medication  
• High doses of the medication
• Females are at higher risk of developing addiction to benzodiazepines than males.

Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder

• Family history of substance use disorder
• Use of substances at a young age
• Positive attitude toward the use of substances or a low understanding of risks related to substances
• High availability of substances
• Low socioeconomic status
• Unstable or turbulent home life
• Lack of involvement in and commitment to activities of daily life, including responsibility in work, school, and social settings

Benzodiazepine Toxicity & Overdose Symptoms

When benzodiazepines are used at high enough doses, they can produce life-threatening or fatal effects. If used at the same time as other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, this risk increases. This is especially important to note as it is relatively common for someone with a substance use disorder to abuse more than one substance at a time. Benzodiazepine overdose can be treated with Flumazenil, a medication that counteracts the effects of benzodiazepines.

However, this medication can only be given by a licensed healthcare provider, so it is essential to seek help if you believe you or someone you know may be experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose.  

Symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose include:  

• Over-sedation or extreme drowsiness
• Confusion or stupor
• Slurred speech
• Weakness
• Extreme dizziness
• Impaired coordination or reduced reflexes
• Loss of consciousness
• Respiratory depression or respiratory arrest
• Coma
• Death

If you believe someone may be overdosing on benzodiazepines: 

• Call 911
• Keep the person awake and breathing if possible
• Stay with the person until help arrives