
Benzodiazepines, often referred to as “benzos,” are a class of medications that act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect.
They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which results in reduced brain activity. Benzos are commonly prescribed for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle relaxation. However, they can be habit-forming and are typically regulated as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and dependence.
Understanding Benzos Addiction
Did you know?
Benzodiazepines as Anxiety Reducers (Anxiolytics)
Benzos are commonly prescribed to reduce anxiety and in fact, the following are among the top 100 prescription medications in the United States. Here are some of the most common anxiolytics.
- Xanax: Alprazolam
- Ativan: Lorazepam
- Klonopin: Clonazepam
- Valium: Diazepam
- Restoril: Temazepam
The use of sedatives as anxiolytics presents both potential benefits and concerns. While some anxiety disorders respond well to anxiolytics, others may be more effectively treated with antidepressants or behavioral therapy. One concern is that patients might take these drugs for extended periods, leading to possible over prescription. It is important to consider whether a person is taking the medication to treat a specific disorder or simply to feel better in general. When it comes to insomnia, the necessity of sedatives is debated, as their use can induce tolerance, dependence, rebound insomnia, and “hangover” effects. These factors highlight the need for careful consideration and management when using sedatives as part of treatment.
The Dark side of Benzodiazepines: Rohypnol
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) a benzodiazepine known as the ‘date rape’ drug is seen on college campuses and in bars and night clubs and has a hypnotic effect. In 1997 the manufacture changed the formulation of this drug to dissolve in a drink, making it even more dangerous. This drug can easily be put in the drinks of unsuspected women (and men). The drug causes one to be highly suggestable and unable to remember, having a hypnotic effect that also leaves the user in a state of retrograde amnesia (RA), which is a loss of memory-access to events that occurred or information that was learned. Unfortunately, this makes it a very effective date rape drug or a drug that can be used to rob people.
The Symptoms of Benzos Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction can manifest through a variety of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms.
Here are some common signs to look out for:
Physical Symptoms
- Drowsiness and Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or sleepy.
- Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly.
- Poor Coordination: Trouble with balance and motor skills.
- Slowed Breathing: Reduced respiratory rate.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or faint.
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety and Insomnia: Increased anxiety and difficulty sleeping, especially when trying to cut back on use.
- Confusion: Trouble thinking clearly or remembering things.
- Mood Changes: Irritability, agitation, or mood swings.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Seizures: Risk of seizures when stopping the drug abruptly.
- Tremors: Shaking or trembling.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating.
- Increased Heart Rate: Rapid heartbeat.
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren't there.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions.
- Taking Higher Doses: Needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect (tolerance).
- Cravings: Strong desire to use the drug despite knowing the negative consequences.
- Risk-Taking Behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities, such as driving under the influence.
- Combining with Other Substances: Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol or other drugs.
Patterns of Abuse
- Most abuse associated with oral use of legally manufactured products
- Two types of typical abusers
- Older adults using prescription drug who develop tolerance and increase their dosage
- Younger people who obtain drugs to get high; may take high doses and/or mix with alcohol
What are the Risk Factors?
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) a benzodiazepine known as the ‘date rape’ drug is seen on college campuses and in bars and night clubs and has a hypnotic effect. In 1997 the manufacture changed the formulation of this drug to dissolve in a drink, making it even more dangerous. This drug can easily be put in the drinks of unsuspected women (and men). The drug causes one to be highly suggestable and unable to remember, having a hypnotic effect that also leaves the user in a state of retrograde amnesia (RA), which is a loss of memory-access to events that occurred or information that was learned. Unfortunately, this makes it a very effective date rape drug or a drug that can be used to rob people.
Dependence
- Psychological dependence— especially associated with shorter-acting pills
- Physical dependence— potentially life-threatening withdrawal syndrome linked to large doses of sedative-hypnotics
- Cross-dependence— occurs with benzodiazepines, and alcohol
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
- Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremulousness, weakness, nausea and vomiting
- Seizures, disorientation, agitation, delusions, and visual and auditory hallucinations may occur with longer use.
- Titration or inpatient detox is best practice
- 3-4 days to two weeks or more
Toxicity
Behavioral
- Alcohol-like intoxication with impaired judgment and coordination
- Increased risk of injury while driving or engaging in other activities
- Additive effects if combined with alcohol
Physiological
- Respiratory depression
- Especially dangerous if combined with alcohol or opiates
- Three quarters of deaths are a combination of opiates and Benzodiazepines
What is the Treatment?

There are several effective treatments for benzodiazepine addiction, often tailored to the individual’s needs. These treatments can be used individually or in combination, depending on the person’s needs.
Here are some common types of treatment:
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): You have an automatic thought. That thought produces an emotion. As humans, our emotions can affect how we act. Once you recognize the thought and emotion associated with that thought, you usually have several choices to make, which can lead to consequences of your behavior. CBT aims to change the thought(s) to more productive and more helpful consequences.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation, often used for borderline personality disorder.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and emotions to understand and resolve psychological conflicts. This is a long-term therapy, typically working with the same psychodynamically trained therapist for several years or longer.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning.
Medication Management
The treatment for benzodiazepine addiction often involves a combination of medication and therapy to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
- Bupropion: An antidepressant that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Flumazenil: A benzodiazepine antagonist that can be used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines and manage withdrawal.
- Clonidine: Often used to manage withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and muscle aches
Lifestyle and Self-Care
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Healthy Diet: Proper nutrition can positively impact mental health.
- Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep practices can help improve overall mental well-being.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Support Groups
- Peer Support: Groups of individuals with similar experiences can provide mutual support and understanding. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) is one of the leading organizations in the country that offers free peer support groups.
- 12-Step Programs: Structured support groups for addiction recovery, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Psychodrama: an experiential group therapy that has people re-enact real-life situations through role-playing, storytelling, and dramatic self-presentation.
- Art and Music Therapy: Creative therapies to help express emotions and reduce stress.
- Equine Assisted Therapy: A process that uses horses to help people meet their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health goals. Teaches emotion regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility, while helping reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma.
- Yoga and Tai Chi: Mind-body practices that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Hospitalization and Intensive Treatment
Medical Detoxification:
Medical detoxification may be necessary. Desert Star coordinates with a number of Detox facilities and hospitals as deemed clinically necessary. If referred to medical detox their medical team will monitor you for medical stability and safety until you are medically cleared. Their discharge team will then coordinate with Desert Star for admission to the program. The team at Desert Star will coordinate throughout your detoxification process.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP):
An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to six hours during the day up to five days per week.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):
An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to three hours during the day up to four days per week.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Benzodiazepine abuse please know that there is help available. At Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center, we’re here to support you. We offer personalized care to help you live a life in long term recovery. Our personalized treatment includes supportive and structured group therapy three to four times a week, individual therapy sessions, access to medication management and case management. No matter what you are feeling right now there is hope! With treatment you can learn the tools needed to navigate your life in Long Term Recovery.
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Get the help you need without putting your outside commitments on hold! We individualize treatment for every client and can combine groups from different programs to suit your unique needs. We offer varying levels of structure and support, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient to once-weekly outpatient groups.