Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction
When you receive a prescription medication from your doctor, you trust them to give you something safe and effective. You don’t expect that what they’ve given you can start you on the path to dependence. Unfortunately, this sometimes happens with certain substances like benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications. They treat many conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, but they are not without risk. In Yavapai County, nearly 60,000 individuals were prescribed benzodiazepines in 2023. These medications are most commonly prescribed to individuals between the ages of 55 and 84 years old, accounting for 44,025 prescriptions.
Even though benzodiazepines are often prescribed for good reasons, the feel-good effects can lead some individuals to use them recreationally. Misusing benzodiazepines in any capacity—taking higher doses than prescribed, taking the substance more often, or mixing it with other substances—can lead to tolerance and dependence. While having a benzodiazepine use disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, it is something you’ll want to address.
Wolf Creek Recovery treats benzodiazepine use disorders using evidence-based therapies and holistic practices such as yoga and outdoor therapy. We don’t just treat the symptoms of substance use; we teach individuals how to build a life they love. People do recover—we see it every day. Let’s learn more about the signs of benzodiazepine addiction, the withdrawal and overdose symptoms to be aware of, and the proper interventions for treating this disorder.
Signs of Benzodiazepine Misuse
Recognizing the signs of benzodiazepine misuse is crucial, as it provides an opportunity to provide early intervention and support. Although these medications have a calming effect, they can lead to dependence, especially when they are misused. One of the biggest issues is tolerance, which people can build over time as they take the medication. To continue receiving the pleasurable high, they may take higher doses of benzos or take them more frequently, not realizing that they are building a tolerance. Then, if they try to cut back or stop benzodiazepine use, they can experience distressing withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
There are a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms associated with benzodiazepine use disorder such as:
Physical signs:
- Drowsiness, sedation, and excessive sleepiness
- Unsteady movements, frequent falls, or difficulty with coordination and balance
- Slurring of words and difficulty articulating thoughts
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Blurry vision
- Generalized muscle weakness
Psychological signs:
- Short-term memory loss and confusion
- Sudden, unexplained changes in mood
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Heightened anxiety or panic attacks
There are also a number of behavioral symptoms to watch for. For instance, visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions is a common behavior among people who are misusing benzodiazepines. These medications are highly regulated, and you need a prescription to obtain them, forcing people to “doctor shop” to get more. Neglecting responsibilities, engaging in secretive behavior or risky behaviors, and withdrawing from friends and family are other signs to be on the lookout for.
Recognizing Benzodiazepine Addiction
Just because a person is misusing benzodiazepines does not mean that they have a benzodiazepine use disorder. However, this behavior can lead to one. Fortunately, no one has to wait until they reach “rock bottom” to seek support. Treatment is available for mild, moderate, and severe benzodiazepine use disorders, allowing you to seek intervention when you are ready.
The DSM-5 outlines 11 criteria, and at least two must manifest within the same 12-month period to be diagnosed with a sedative use disorder. While we won’t go over all 11 points here, we will discuss the most important.
- The sedative is taken in a higher volume or over a longer period than expected. Due to the risks that benzos carry, they are typically prescribed for short-term use. People who use them for longer periods of time or in higher doses are at a higher risk for developing a benzodiazepine use disorder.
- Considerable time is spent on the substance. Another sign of a benzodiazepine use disorder is when someone spends significant time obtaining the substance, using the substance, and recovering from its effects. For example, you might find your loved one putting time and energy into seeing multiple doctors and feeling constant fatigue.
- Withdrawal symptoms surface within 24 hours. People have a difficult time cutting back or stopping benzodiazepine use because of the withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can start within 24 hours from the last dose and include anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and cravings.
- More of the medication is needed to achieve the same effects. When more of a substance is needed to produce the same feel-good effects, this is called tolerance. It’s possible to build a tolerance to benzos rather quickly, prompting people to misuse the substance by taking more or combining it with other substances.
- The person shows impaired performance. Benzodiazepine use disorder eventually takes its toll on a person. If you find that your loved one is experiencing difficulties at work, school, or home due to the substance’s effects, it may be time for intervention. Benzos are prescribed to help people, not impair their performance in their daily life.
Exhibiting Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms occur when a person is dependent on benzodiazepines. Over time, the body adapts to having benzos in its system, reducing its own production of chemicals to compensate. Therefore, when the substance is reduced or stopped, the body is disrupted and struggles to regain its natural balance. It will eventually balance out, but in the meantime, it’s normal to experience a range of symptoms such as:
- Anxiety and irritability. Increased anxiety and irritability occur due to neurotransmitter imbalances and an increased stress response.
- Insomnia. Sleep disturbances can happen as a result of disrupting normal sleep-regulating neurotransmitters.
- Muscle pain and stiffness. As the body adjusts to the absence of the substance, muscle aches and pains can occur.
- Tremors and sweating. The autonomic nervous system becomes hyperactive during benzodiazepine withdrawal, causing tremors and excessive sweating.
- Nausea and diarrhea. The gastrointestinal system is also disrupted, leading to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This is also the body’s way of cleaning itself out.
- Seizures. In severe cases, seizures can occur due to hyperactivity in the brain.
Experiencing Benzodiazepine Overdose
It is possible to overdose on benzodiazepines. The symptoms of an overdose can vary depending on the amount taken and whether other substances like alcohol or opioids were involved. The most common signs of a benzodiazepine overdose are severe drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slurred speech, weakness, and respiratory depression. Some people also experience abnormally low blood pressure or blue lips or fingertips.
A benzodiazepine overdose is a medical emergency. It can lead to severe complications, especially when combined with other substances. Potential risks include respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, coma and brain damage, and death. If you believe someone is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, call 911 right away. Stay with the person and try to keep them awake and alert. If you are experiencing an overdose, contact first responders immediately and try to provide them with as much information as possible about the substances you took.
Intervention for a Benzodiazepine Problem
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction starts with gradually tapering off the medication. A tapering schedule minimizes withdrawal effects and makes the process safer and easier to tolerate. Medical supervision is crucial during this period to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
Once stable, you can participate in a residential or outpatient program, which provides a structured setting with support and therapy. These programs go beyond treating the physical symptoms of benzodiazepine use disorder and address the psychological aspects as well. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous can also be helpful in providing peer support and a sense of community for those in recovery. The most important thing to remember is that you CAN recover from benzodiazepine use disorder.
Find Benzo Addiction Treatment Near You in Prescott, AZ
If you are searching for benzo treatment programs near you in Arizona, you can start by researching your options online, contacting your doctor or local health department, or calling your insurance company for a list of covered facilities in your area. Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but rest assured that help is out there waiting for you.
When you find a treatment center that meets your needs, contact them directly. Recovery programs are staffed with caring, compassionate individuals who know how to respond to sensitive phone calls and serve people in need. They can answer your questions, ease your concerns, and provide you with the support you need at the moment. If you are in distress, you can also call 988 and be connected to a local crisis center that can provide you with support.
Wolf Creek Recovery provides comprehensive treatment services for those who are ready to change their life. Our convenient residential and outpatient programs allow individuals to seek treatment during the day while returning to a sober living environment at night. All clients also have access to fun activities like softball, basketball, disc golf, and pickleball, teaching them how to find new, healthy hobbies to fill their time. Build a life you love. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery today at 833-732-8202 to explore our programs and take the next steps to recovery.
FAQs About Benzo Addiction Treatment
What are the signs of benzodiazepine addiction?
The signs of a benzodiazepine use disorder include physical signs like increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, sedation, and coordination problems, as well as psychological signs such as cravings, anxiety, and depression.
What are the withdrawal symptoms from benzos?
Common withdrawal symptoms from benzos are tremors, muscle pain and stiffness, headaches, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and dizziness. It’s also normal to feel heightened anxiety, depression, insomnia, and restlessness.
How can I tell if someone is having a benzodiazepine overdose?
Someone who is experiencing a benzo overdose is likely to exhibit certain signs such as extreme drowsiness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, confusion, and unresponsiveness. Getting help is crucial, as benzo overdoses can be life-threatening.
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is addicted to benzodiazepines?
Educate yourself on benzodiazepine use and how it affects the mind and body. Encourage your loved one to seek help, and if they refuse, set clear boundaries and establish consequences for not following them. Take care of yourself by spending time with supportive people, engaging in the activities you enjoy, and participating in therapy.
